Last winter, my furnace just wasn’t keeping up.
Although the outdoor temperature was especially cold, dropping down into the negative digits, I expected better from the heating system. Adjusting the thermostat didn’t seem to make much improvement. The house felt chilly and the temperature varied from one room to another. I also noticed some unpleasant smells in the house and a worrisome amount of dust blowing around. When I googled my complaints online, I suspected that my duct system was to blame. Everything I read pointed toward holes and possible leaks at the seams. I then searched around for an HVAC contractor who specializes in a full range of duct services. I wanted a professional who would be able to provide accurate duct testing and handle any necessary repairs. I looked for a company that was certified in Aeroseal duct sealing. When the technician came to the house and inspected and evaluated the ductwork, he found that nearly 30% of my heated air was escaping through a variety of flaws. Along with holes and cracks at the seams, there were sections of the system that needed to be completely replaced. I was thankful for all of my research, because the contractor I chose included a sheet metal fabrication shop. They were able to custom design, fabricate and install sections of the ductwork. They then used a machine to inject pressurized air laced with polymer particles into the system. The process was guided and monitored by a computer to ensure the right amount of adhesive was introduced into the system. As the air leaked out, those particles clung to the edges and created an airtight seal. The whole process took a couple of hours and created no mess or damage. The difference in the performance of my furnace was immediately noticeable.