When you have your air ducts professionally cleaned, many companies will recommend a sealant treatment to coat and seal the inside of your ductwork. But is this service actually worth the additional cost? This blog post will explore the pros and cons of duct sealant to help you decide.
To start with, the goal of a sealant treatment is to protect your ducts longer after they are cleaned. The sealants are sprayed or brushed onto the interior surfaces of air ducts, plenums and vents. As the sealant dries, it forms a coating that seals any gaps, holes or tears in the ductwork.
This sealant coating can offer several benefits.
Firstly, it reduces air leaks from your duct system, which means more of your HVAC system’s conditioned air reaches the rooms it’s meant to. This can boost the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Furthermore, a continuous sealant coating on duct surfaces makes it harder for dust and contaminants to re-collect inside the ductwork. This allows the “fresh” air quality after duct cleaning to last significantly longer than without a sealant treatment.
Additionally, sealants may help inhibit the growth of mold, bacteria and other microbes inside ductwork that feed on accumulated dust. The sealed surfaces make it difficult for contaminants to take hold again.
However, sealant treatments also have some potential downsides to consider. For one, the effects of duct sealants typically last 3 to 5 years before reapplication is needed to maintain benefits. So the treatment does not provide a “permanent” solution.
Lastly, some duct sealants contain chemicals like formaldehyde that raise environmental and health concerns. Look for “green” alternatives from companies that disclose all ingredients in their products and ensure they are safe.
In summary, while duct sealant treatments can provide benefits like improved efficiency, longer-lasting clean air and potential inhibition of mircrobial growth, they are not essential for a quality duct cleaning. For most homeowners, a standard cleaning every 3 to 5 years is likely sufficient. But for those who want the maximum impact from their duct cleaning investment or who deal with allergy/asthma issues, sealant treatments may provide meaningful improvements worth the cost. Just do your research to find a reputable, professional duct cleaning company and a safe, high-quality product.