Duct Testing and Sealing in Hockinson, WA

Leaky ductwork is a common issue in Hockinson, WA, that can significantly affect a home’s comfort, energy use, and indoor air quality. Our IAQ duct testing and sealing service is designed to precisely locate these issues using advanced methods like blower door and duct pressurization, along with smoke testing. Following a thorough diagnosis, we apply professional sealing options, including mastic, tapes, aerosols, and gasket solutions. Our service is quick, with transparent timelines, and includes post-sealing verification to confirm the results. The expected outcomes include significant energy savings and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home’s duct integrity is protected for the long term.

Duct Testing and Sealing in Hockinson, WA

Indoor air quality starts with a healthy duct system. In Hockinson, WA, where mild, wet winters and humid conditions increase the risk of moisture intrusion and allergens, leaky ducts magnify comfort problems and energy waste. IAQ duct testing and sealing locates hidden leaks, quantifies how much air is escaping, and repairs ducts using the right materials and techniques so your heating and cooling work as intended while improving indoor air quality.

Why duct testing and sealing matters in Hockinson homes

• Leaky ducts pull in cold, damp attic and crawlspace air during winter. That increases heating runtime and can introduce dust, pollen, mold spores, and humidity into living spaces.
• Many local homes have duct runs through unconditioned attics, basements, or crawlspaces where connector joints and boot connections are common leakage points.
• With heat pumps common in Southwest Washington, small improvements in duct efficiency translate to noticeable comfort gains and lower utility use across the year.
• Sealing ducts improves system balance, reduces uneven rooms, and lowers airborne contaminants circulated throughout the home.

Common IAQ duct issues in Hockinson

• Disconnected or poorly joined ducts in attics or crawlspaces
• Leaks at boot-to-floor or boot-to-duct transitions
• Aged or improperly installed duct tape that has failed
• Gaps at plenum and furnace collars
• Ducts with rodent or pest damage creating openings
• Uninsulated or damaged ducts increasing heat loss and condensation risk

How we find leaks - testing methods explained

Accurate diagnosis is essential. Standard methods used for IAQ duct testing and sealing include:

• Blower door + duct pressurization test: A blower door creates a controlled pressure difference at the exterior while a duct fan (duct blaster) pressurizes the duct system. This measures total duct leakage in CFM25 (cubic feet per minute at 25 pascals), which is the industry standard for comparing leakage.
• Baseline home envelope test: This establishes how leaky the building shell is and separates building envelope leakage from duct leakage.
• Duct-to-outside vs duct-to-conditioned-space testing: Specialized procedures help determine how much leakage is to the outdoors or to unconditioned spaces. Leakage to outdoors is the primary target for IAQ and energy improvements.
• Visual inspection and smoke pencil testing: For pinpointing specific joints and connections, smoke testing and thermal imaging help locate leaks and areas of heat or moisture loss.
• Before-and-after verification: Testing both before and after sealing documents improvements and provides an expected savings estimate.

Sealing methods and materials

Effective sealing uses materials matched to the duct type and location:

• Mastic sealant with mesh or tape: A durable, long-lasting sealing option for metal ducts and large gaps. Mastic remains flexible and resists cracking.
• UL 181 rated tapes and foil-backed tapes: Properly listed tapes applied per manufacturer instructions for seams and smaller joints. Avoid cloth duct tape for long-term sealing.
• Aerosol-based duct sealing: For complex, hard-to-reach networks, aerosol sealing can penetrate leaks throughout the system and seal from the inside.
• Foam gaskets and removables: Used at plenums and access panels for improved airtightness while allowing service access.
• Insulation repairs: Adding or repairing duct insulation where needed reduces thermal loss and condensation potential.

What to expect during service

• Initial assessment and tests typically take 1 to 2 hours depending on home size and accessibility.
• Sealing work usually ranges from a few hours to a full day based on duct condition and the chosen method.
• Technicians will access attics, crawlspaces, basements, and mechanical closets. Preparing a clear access path and securing pets helps the process.
• You receive a report with CFM25 leakage numbers before and after sealing, a summary of work completed, and recommendations for related IAQ improvements.

Energy savings and comfort improvements you can expect

• Typical leakage reductions can range from 50 percent to 90 percent of identified leakage depending on initial condition and scope of work.
• Energy bill savings often fall in the 10 to 25 percent range for heating and cooling energy tied to duct losses, though exact savings depend on system type, insulation, and usage patterns.
• Improved comfort: fewer cold or hot rooms, faster system response, and more consistent temperatures.
• Improved indoor air quality: reduction in dust, outdoor contaminants, and moisture carried through leaks from attics or crawlspaces.
• Reduced humidity-related issues: by sealing ducts that draw humid outside air, you lower condensation risk and reduce conditions favorable to mold growth.

Service options tailored for Hockinson homeowners

• Diagnostic-only package: Detailed blower door and duct pressurization testing with a written report and targeted recommendations.
• Test-and-seal package: Full diagnostics plus sealing with mastic, UL 181 tape, and aerosol sealing where appropriate, with before-and-after verification.
• IAQ upgrade package: Duct sealing combined with filtration upgrades, ventilation balancing, and humidity control recommendations to address Hockinson climate needs.
• New construction or post-remodel testing: Verification testing to ensure new or modified duct systems meet performance expectations.

Maintenance and long-term considerations

• Re-check every 5 to 10 years or after major attic or crawlspace renovations, pest treatments, or HVAC changes.
• Keep the area around HVAC equipment accessible for periodic inspection and maintenance.
• Combine duct sealing with regular system tune-ups and filter changes for the best long-term IAQ and efficiency.
• Address attic and crawlspace insulation and moisture control to protect duct integrity and prevent recurring issues.

Sealing ducts is a cost-effective, measurable way to improve home comfort, reduce energy waste, and protect indoor air quality in Hockinson, WA. Proper testing, the right sealing methods, and documented verification ensure you know exactly how much leakage was reduced and how your system performance improved.