Aeroseal Residential: Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Aeroseal last? Is the sealant used in Aeroseal safe? These are the questions we hear a lot and you’ll find the answers below. If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to give us a call – we’re here to help!
By sealing your ductwork utilizing the Aeroseal technology you can expect air to be delivered where it is designed to go and not into your not basement, attic, or crawl space.
This reduces hot or cold spots in rooms and between floors.
Ductwork runs through attics, crawlspaces, basements, garages, and walls. Leaking return air ducts pull in dust and other indoor air pollutants and sends them to the central heating and cooling system. From there they are sent to the living areas of your home.
The Aeroseal air duct sealing system can reduce the amount of leakage by as much as 90%, reducing dust and other indoor air pollutants from the conditioned air in your home.
A series of government reports have shown that air duct sealing can lead to up to $850 in energy savings per year.
Some homeowners have saved up to 40% on their energy bill. Naturally, exact savings are difficult to precisely estimate since they depend on a multitude of variables such as your weather, house condition and design, your heating and air conditioning system, system usage – as well as other factors like energy prices.
Inspection discovers any obvious break in the duct work and, as the initial step of the sealing process, the Aeroseal system will establish an exact amount of leakage in the duct system.
Of course, many people already know that a room or two in their house doesn’t get good air circulation because they can feel it. Or, they already know that their energy bill is high because they see it.
The diagnostic measurement, provides a scientifically valid means to understand the performance of your air duct system. Many people are surprised to learn that homes typically leak 30% to 40% or more of their air through air duct leaks.
Aeroseal is guaranteed for 10 years and stress tested for 40 years in residential applications.
There is a very mild odor similar to Elmer’s Glue during the sealing process.
The odor will dissipate completely by the next morning – but usually before.
Sealant used by Aeroseal is non-toxic and has been used in hospitals, surgery centers, and government institutions.
UL approvals for UL 1381 for aerosol based technology – UL 723 for smoke and flame rating of 0 and UL 181 for mold growth.
Primary component is Vinyl Acetate Polymer, used in water based paints, hair spray, and chewing gum.
It only takes around 2 hours for Aeroseal sealant to dry.
The sealant used by Aeroseal has been tested by an independant lab and found to have extremely low concentration of VOC’s during sealing time.
The primary componont has NO OSHA maximum exposure limit
We prefer that no one is in the house during sealing due to impact on productivity.
If you are pregnant, a senior, infant, or utilizing medical equipment we do encourage you to leave as a simple safety precaution.
Up to a 5/8th inch round hole can be sealed by Aeroseal.
Broken and disconnected ducts – large leaks – need to be fixed prior to sealing with Aeroseal. If a hidden large leak is uncovered during sealing, the process is stopped and a solution is discussed.
Sealant escaping from the ducts will settle in wall cavities, attics or crawl spaces. During the process we will filter the air to capture any sealant entering any living areas.
We recommend that any sensitive electronics be covered while Aeroseal is sealing your ductwork.
Aeroseal certified technicians are trained to protect all HVAC systems and accessories prior to sealing. Some items, such as humidifiers or UV lights, may be removed then reinstalled to prevent damage. Others may be bagged or covered.
Extremely dirty ducts should be cleaned. We recommend that the technician assess the condition of ducts prior to beginning to Aeroseal process.
Ducts of all material types can be successfully cleaned after they have been sealed with Aeroseal.
The Aeroseal process does not coat or line the ductwork. The only sealant remaining in the ducts will be at the spot of the leak that was sealed.
This noise is usually the result of two conditions. One is created when the ductwork is undersized and air is rushing through your air duct system. The other condition is caused when a limited amount of air is allowed to flow through the indoor coil of your heating and cooling system. Once the exact problem has been identified, your contractor can provide the best solution for noise reduction.
Aeroseal can be used to seal sheet metal HVAC duct incased in concrete slabs under the right conditions. The duct interior surfaces cannot be wet or hold standing water as the seals will soften and degrade over time if submerged or in contact with water. The ducts need to be relatively clean with <1/8” of debris buildup on the interior surfaces.
Note Aeroseal is not an encapsulant and is not intended for use as an encapsulant or as a water barrier. It is also not intended as a repair for failing in-slab ductwork
Comments (55)
Do you scope (visually inspect) the interior of the duct work (both sides) before completing the process to determine if there are “broken” joints? If not how is this type of problem detected?
Can you perform the pre test to determine what the potential leakage is, estimate a potential improvement and then get a go no go decision on proceeding? Another words, charge an up front evaluation charge and then determine if the next step – the sealing – will result in a substantial improvement which will substantiate the cost of proceeding with the full seal?
Thanks for the question, Leo!
Typically, Aeroseal Dealers will perform a visual inspection of the duct work prior to beginning the Aeroseal Duct Sealing process. The Aeroseal process actually starts with a pretest of the duct work to measure existing duct leakage.
You can learn more about the Aeroseal Process (including the pretest) here: https://aeroseal.com/residential/how-aeroseal-works/
If you have specific questions about this I recommend that you find your local Aeroseal Dealer using our Dealer Locator here: https://aeroseal.com/residential/find-a-dealer/
Can I get an estimated cost before I start this process? I am a single income family and need to budget for this expense.
Hi Lonie,
Thanks for your question!
The best way to get an estimated cost is by contacting your local Aeroseal dealer.
You can find the closest Aeroseal Dealer near you here: https://aeroseal.com/residential/find-a-dealer/
Is this product safe? Seriously
Hi Amy,
Aeroseal is absolutely safe – The dried sealant material is primarily vinyl acetate polymer (VAP) which has been used in chewing gums, latex paints and hair sprays.
How does it work in areas where wood (flooring ect) was used as part of the return system?
Hi Will,
Thanks for your question! Aeroseal will work on this type of set up, the only caveat is we can seal a leak up to 5/8ths inch. If there are larger leaks in the system then that will need to be repaired prior to running the Aeroseal process.
Can Aeroseal be used in ducts that are run through cement on grade? I am being told no, because for it to work, it needs air to move through the hole/leak, but with cement it is pushing up against dirt, and so can not properly seal.
Tim, thanks for your question!
In order for the Aeroseal process to work properly there needs to be a pressure differential across the duct leak or the seal will not form.
Once the Aerosol dries in ducts, will running hot or warm air through ducts revive any odor and/vapor from the Vinyl Acetate Polymer? In other words, can it go back to its vapor state when exposed to warm or even refrigerated temperatures?
Thanks for the question, David!
The sealant state as introduced into the system is not a vapor, it is an aerosol. Once the sealant has polymerized from the process, is deposited in the duct system and has had about 2 hrs or so to cure out (volatilize), it will not re-aerosolize. Variances in air handling temperature or humidity levels will not change this.
The sealant used in a residential application is measured in fluid ounces, and a “typical” home may require between 6 -15 ounces of liquid sealant. This, of course, will vary with system size, initial leakage level, the skill of the applicator, and the amount of leakage eliminated by the process.
I have exposed ductwork (a design element) in my 1500 sq ft condo. Can Aeroseal be used in this application or will it “leak” through any openings in the duct work and potentially onto my floor or furniture?
Hi Diane,
Aeroseal fixes leaks in systems like you describe all of the time. Certified Aeroseal technicians have numerous ways to handle any “over spray” issues in a home. There are scrubber fans that can be used, or the system can be adjusted during the sealing process to reduce any extra sealant from leaking into your living spaces!
I have a remodeled home with a 2nd furnace in a 2nd floor closet, and insulated ductwork run through the attic space. The ductwork is a combination of rigid sheet metal and flexible round duct. Can aeroseal be used in this application?
Hi Andy, thanks for your question!
Based on the information you provided, Aeroseal can absolutely help seal leaks in that type of system.
Please tell us whether one treatment is usually sufficient for the life-time of a ducting system or whether aeroseal treatment needs to be done more than one time. Thanks.
Great Question David!
Aeroseal is guaranteed for 10 years – However, it has been stress tested for 40+ years with no issue in residential applications.
If you would like to know more about Aeroseal I recommend you check out our frequently asked questions.
Hi can it be done to seal out water that finds its way into floor ducts in a slab foundation? I have this problem when we have heavy rain.
Hi Christine, thanks for the question!
Aeroseal is designed to seal air leaks – not water leaks.
Christine, I have a similar problem: water intrusion into under slab duct. Have you found a satisfactory solution to this problem?
Can Aeroseal be used in ductwork for a gas furnace?
Good Question Tarah,
Yes – Aeroseal can be used in ductwork for a gas furnace.
Do you seal both supply and return ducts?
Sure do! Aeroseal is regularly used to seal leaks in supply and return ducts.
What is the typical cost for the aeroseal process for a residential house of 3500 square feet? I am having dust in one side of the house and wanted to know if this process will help.
Hi James, Aeroseal cost varies by application. Your best bet is to contact your nearest Aeroseal dealer for a quote. You can find your nearest Aeroseal dealer here: https://aeroseal.com/residential/find-a-dealer/
How much can you save with duct sealing by Aeroseal in supermarkets, hospitals and supermarkets？
Hi David, potential utility savings is hard to determine outside of a case by case basis. It depends on climate, leakage amounts, the system itself, and many other things.
I have 2 questions. 1. Is aeroseal residue unsafe for pets to inhale and walk on and lick off their paws?
2. Is aeroseal residue harmful to fabrics?
Good Question! Aeroseal residue is non-toxic and is safe. Typically when a home is Aerosealed and overspray occurs the Aeroseal dealer will use a scrubber fan to pull any fog out of the air and into a filter. It is not harmful to fabrics as it has the similar ingredients to baby pacifiers or chewing gum.
Our house is 2.5 years old. Is it worth getting this type of assessment and treatment completed or is it targeted towards older systems.
Hi Scot – Good question. Even in a brand new system there is usually duct leakage that can affect the performance of the system and the comfort of your home. It may be worth your time to contact your local Aeroseal dealer for a duct leakage assessment. That way you can know for sure!
Can Aeroseal be used on ductwork with duct lining?
Hi John – please contact your nearest Aeroseal dealer. You can find your nearest dealer here: https://aeroseal.com/residential/find-a-dealer/
Does the cost vary from dealer to dealer? I have 2 dealers within 10 miles from my home and am wondering whether I need both of them to give me estimates.
Hi Chris – That is correct! Pricing is determined by the individual Aeroseal dealer.
what is the average cost for the system to do duct work in a home around 1100 square feet
Hi Jay – pricing is determined by the individual Aeroseal dealer. You can find your nearest Aeroseal dealer here: https://aeroseal.com/residential/find-a-dealer/
Can the product be used on flex duct?
Hi Jason – Aeroseal can be used on flex duct.
I have Easy Breeze install in basement will this be a problem?
Hi Marilyn, thanks for your question! EZ Breathe ventilation basement system is designed to de-humidify basements and exchange air to the outside. Aeroseal should have no impact on this technology. Feel free to call our main office at 877-349-3828 (or email info@aeroseal.com). Our team is happy to chat with you!
How large are the holes you place in the supply and return ducts to inject the sealant? How are they closed and sealed at the end of the procedure? What are the details of the 10 year guarantee? How do you determine whether the original sealing has not lived up to expectations. Is it based on a certain amount of increased leakage over time? Does the guarantee cover the full cost of resealing? Thank you.
Hi Ben, thanks for your questions! Local technicians will use 14″, 12″ or 10″ standard injection ports. Alternative options are available, if required. Usually re-sealed with material based on duct type. Also following up to your questions about the 10-year guarantee, Aeroseal warrants the product to dealer. Dealer may (not required to) warrant the product to consumer. If applied to technical specifications, warranty covers all direct costs associated with additional application (labor/materials), does not include overhead/travel, etc… Dealer/consumer determine if original sealing objectives are not achieved as long it is not attributed to alterations/remodels/etc. Additional warranty information and process available to new dealers. Feel free to call our main office at 877-718-6985 (or email info@aeroseal.com). Our team is happy to chat with you!
Is it possible to Aeroseal a home where the basement is furnished?
Hi Mukesh – you can absolutely have your ducts sealed with Aeroseal in a furnished basement.
There was a leak during the process of sealing our duckwork in the home. Can the porous materials and wooden flooring painted walls etc. be cleaned or will we have to dispose of everything? Also, I noticed on the bottle of Aeroseal that your company supplies three different types of cleaners? How can I purchase those and can I find out which ones work best for which types of materials? Is there a cleaning protocol for each cleaning product? If so, can I obtain that information before I make my purchase? Thank you for your time.
Hi Tammy, any residue can be cleaned with regular dish soap and warm water.
We have an older home, and getting to the air ducts would be very difficult without destroying walls. Does this process involve disrupting walls?
Hi Lynn! Sealing up leaky ducts with Aeroseal does not require destroying walls. The Aeroseal system seals up air duct leaks from the inside – no demolition necessary!
If a supply vent is located in a clothes closet – yet – plugged with foam by the HVAC contractor during the application, is it advised to clear the entire closet of clothing? Could a leak occur that damages the clothes in the closet?
Good question, Kathryn! If the temporary foam plug that was placed in the vent somehow moves/shifts, bows under pressure, or dislodges and loses its air tight seal during the Aeroseal process, sealant will blow into the closet. I would err on the side of being cautious and remove or at least cover clothes and other valuables with thin clear plastic painters’ throws.
I have fixed wood registers in the floor that can’t be removed. Can you still seal the system?
Yes, you can still seal the system. Since the registers cannot be removed, licensed Aeroseal dealers are trained to handle blocking these types of registers as well as typical removable registers.