A: Holes and cracks up to 5/8th of an inch wide (about the size of a nickel) can be completely sealed.

A: Inspection discovers any obvious break in the ductwork and, as the initial step of the duct 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.

A: A series of government reports have shown that air duct sealing can lead to up to $300 in energy savings per year. Some homeowners have saved up to 40% on their energy bills. 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.

Q: In a nutshell, how does an Aeroseal air duct seal work?

A: Simply put:

• Preseal test to measure the leakage as a baseline for measuring progress.
• Block off the registers with foam or plastic.
• Inject an UL tested and approved aerosol into the duct system.
• Since the air has no place to go except out through the leaks (the registers are blocked), the sealant material is deposited precisely at the air duct holes or cracks where leakage occurs.
• A computer and sensors are used to measure and control the progress. The technology is patented from the University of California and the process is endorsed by the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Postseal test to measure improvements.
• Complete report and certificate printed on the spot to provide a record of improvements.

Q: Does the air duct sealing material become brittle?

A: The vinyl sealing material remains rubbery, never cracking.

Q: How long will the air duct sealing material last?

A: The sealing material has been found in rigorous testing to last over 10 years without failure.

Q: Do air ducts need to be cleaned before air duct sealing?

A: It’s likely that the holes and cracks in the ductwork have allowed dust and other particulate matter to enter the system. If you are experiencing extensive levels of household dust, this might be the reason. In most instances, duct cleaning is not found to be required prior to Aeroseal sealing. Your Aeroseal contractor can advise whether it will be necessary to clean your ductwork prior to sealing.

Q: Does the sealant coat the inside of the ductwork?

A: The sealant only sticks to the holes in the air duct without coating the rest of the duct.

Q: Is the sealing material used by the Aeroseal air duct sealing system safe?

A: The sealant material consists of a water-based solution (65% water) prior to application. The dried sealant material primarily contains two chemicals, vinyl acetate polymer (VAP) and 2-ethyl-1 hexanol (2E1H). The vast majority of what is left in the duct system is VAP, which has been used in water-based paints, adhesives, and hair spray. VAP has been used in chewing gum and has no OSHA Exposure Limit. 2E1H is a common industrial solvent and is not considered toxic by OSHA. A review of the literature showed no ill effects after long-term exposure to concentrations of 200 ppm. The largest concentration of 2E1H measured in test houses was 1 ppb (200,000 times smaller), during Aeroseal injection. The sealant is UL-listed for smoke generation and flame spread (UL 723 0,0), and additional testing by UL showed no signs of mold growth or erosion.

Q: Does the sealant leave an odor?

A: The Aeroseal air duct sealing process leaves no lingering odor, and since the material does not put off gas over time, there will be no odor for the life of the product.

Q: If the rooms of my home have inconsistent temperatures, can Aeroseal improve the performance of my heating and A/C system(s)?

A: The Aeroseal sealing system can help improve the comfort of your home by reducing the difference in temperature levels throughout your home.

Q: Can the Aeroseal air duct sealing system help reduce my utility bills?

A: Some homeowners have saved up to 40% of their energy bills after having the Aeroseal air duct

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON AEROSEAL

ASK AN EXPERT

ccording to the EPA, there are only 3 times when your ducts would ever need cleaning:

• Ducts are infested with rodents or insects.
• There’s substantial mold buildup on your ducts or part of your heating/cooling system
• Ducts are clogged with dust and/or dust particles are being blown your home’s supply vents into your home.

There’s no “clean your air ducts every # years” rule of thumb. It needs to be done on an as-needed basis.

Yes. Air fresheners, though they make your home smell nice, harm your health. Many contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that “trigger allergy symptoms, aggravate existing allergies and worsen asthma,“according to Stanley Fineman, MD, American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) president-elect.In high concentrations VOCs cause:

• Eye and respiratory tract irritation
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Memory impairment

Also, the “Hidden Hazards of Air Fresheners” study by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that many common air fresheners contain chemicals called phthalates.

These chemicals aggravate asthma and allergic symptoms. Read up on other ways you may be making your home sick through poor air quality.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests these three air cleaning strategies:

• Eliminate the source of air pollution
• Improve your ventilation
• Install an air cleaner

What are the signs that my air ducts have leaks or holes?
There are a few telltale signs of air duct leaks/holes in your home. Ask if you have:

• Any rooms that are hard to heat or cool– Major leaks keep air from being properly transported to those rooms.
• Dusty rooms after turning on your air conditioner– Leaks in air ducts will suck up dust and other contaminants in your attic and then push them out the supply ducts.
• Higher utility bills– Since less air is circulated around your home, your heating and cooling system has to run longer–running up your utility bill in the process.

If you have noticed all of these in your home, your air ducts most likely need to be sealed by a professional. Not doing so will cost you more money and negatively affect the health of your family.

A dehumidifier removes excess moisture in the air.This is great for those living in the Tampa Bay area, characterized by high levels of humidity which causes the muggy, “sticky” feeling in the airWith less humidity/moisture in the air, you’ll stay comfortable at warmer temperatures, which means your air conditioner or heat pump will be working less, lowering your monthly energy bill as a result.

The Environmental Protection Agency has listed indoor air pollution as one of the top five environmental health risks facing the American public. They estimate that the average home’s air quality is 2-5 times worse than outdoor air, with some homes air as much as 100 times worse!Air quality has already been linked to many health problems including heart attacks, respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, lung cancer and much more. You should be concerned about the quality of the air you breathe in because it directly affects you and your family’s quality of life.

UV lights installed within your heating and cooling system are sometimes called UV germicidal lamps or UV air cleaners. These products are designed to kill mold, mildew, bacteria, and viruses that can find their way into your air conditioning and heating system. Heating and cooling air naturally create condensation and moisture that serve as a perfect breeding ground for these contaminants. UV light kills and neutralizes harmful pollutants, creating cleaner, healthier air in your home.

While how often you change (or wash, if you have a re-useable filter) your home’s air filter depends on the type of air filter you have, we recommend checking it at least once a month. If the air filter is visibly dirty – replace it.Dirty air filters restrict airflow to your home heating and cooling system, which can result in higher energy bills, more repairs, an uncomfortable home and a shorter life for you HVAC equipment.

The air duct system is an important component to your overall home heating and cooling system. Ducts control the distribution of air throughout your home. Poor duct performance contributes to uneven distribution of air and inconsistent levels of comfort from room to room. Air ducts that are damaged, improperly installed, the wrong size or leaking can diminish the ability your system has to perform at its best.

• Make sure all your upstairs supply vents are open and ensure no furniture or drapes are blocking them.
• Turn your thermostat’s fan setting to “on” instead of “auto.” The blower run constantly to circulate air upstairs, providing more even temperatures. Caution: This will use more electricity, so turn it back to “auto” when you’re sleeping or away from home.
• Get a zoned cooling system that will to split your home into different areas or “zones.” Each zone has its own thermostat so you can control the comfort level of each zone independently without affecting the other zones.

Want more advice? Ask one of our experts for help.

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• Air conditioner blows hot air all the time or only when it’s very hot outside
• Frost has built up on indoor air conditioner coil
• Air conditioner runs constantly because it can’t properly cool your home to the desired temperature

However, these may also be signs that you have a:

• Dirty air filter
• Dirty outside air conditioning unit
• Malfunctioning condenser fan or other mechnical issue.

If you are low on refrigerant, make sure your technician looks for a refrigerant leak since, aside from an improper installation, a leak is the only reason why you’d be low on refrigerant.

Contact Acree Plumbing & Air if you suspect you’re low on refrigerant.

See All FAQ’s

Size of an air conditioner is measured in tons. To find out what size you need, you need a professional to perform what’s called a Manual J heat load calculation using special software. This takes into account several factors, not just the size of your home, that affect how much cooling and heating your home needs.  Now, you may be thinking, “Can’t the installer just look at the current air conditioner’s size?” Well, no. Your current air conditioner may be over or undersized due to another contractor making assumptions about what size you need. So, if it was us, we’d want to do a our due diligence and measure exactly what you need so the air conditioner can run efficiently.

No. We suggest you keep most of your vents open. Your air conditioner and ducts were sized to cool a certain number of rooms. Shutting any ducts will increase pressure in the ducts and aggravate any air ducts leaks, costing you money.

Typically, you want to keep it set to AUTO. That way the fan will only work when it’s being cooled or heated. Setting to ON means your system’s fan is constantly blowing air out the vents. While this helps evenly distribute air in your home, it’s much more expensive.  So keep it at AUTO most of the time.

In short, no. Recently, it seems there has been a trend to cover air conditioners in the winter when not in use. This may seem logical at first. After all, we cover boats, grills and patio furniture to keep them looking their best, why not the A/C unit, too?But air conditioners are built to stand up to the outdoor elements. And covering them up can create problems because the covers may accumulate moisture (leading to rust or mold) and make your A/C a perfect place for critters to hide out and inhabit.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both recommend getting your heating and air conditioning equipment tuned up twice a year, once in the spring before the summer heat arrives and once in the fall.This will keep your equipment running safely and efficiently. Think of maintenance like getting your car tuned up before a long road trip.

Your air conditioner’s ability to cool your home is measured in tons. One ton of refrigeration can cool 400 square feet of living space. So if your home is 1200 square feet, you might need a 3 ton unit. Because there are other factors affecting how much cooling a home needs, you need a professional air conditioner contractor to determine what tonnage you really need. Otherwise your air conditioner may be under or oversized, increasing your energy bills as a result.

An air source heat pump is an air conditioner that can also work in reverse to heat your home ,effectively cooling your home in the summer and heating it in the winter. It’s main appeal is that It’s also more energy efficient than a furnace in non-frigid climates like the Greater Tampa Area.

The only negative effect is a higher energy bill ( depending on how many you run and for how long).But if you turn on the ceiling fan, you can turn up the thermostat’s temperature setting about 4 degrees without being uncomfortable.However, keep in mind that a ceiling fan does not actually cool your entire home. It only makes you feel cooler due to the wind-chill effect. So, if you’re not in the room where the fan is running, you’re just wasting electricity.

• NATE – Annual Energy Savings Calculator
• Energy Star- Central Air Conditioning Saving Calculator (Excel file)

This can happen for a variety of reasons including:

• A dirty air filter
• Your air conditioner is low on refrigerant
• The air conditioner’s evaporator coils are dirty

These can cause your air conditioning unit to ice up if you’ve been using it on a hot day, causing your system to start blowing hot air.

Contact an air conditioner contractor to figure out your system’s problem and have it fixed.

This depends on several factors including:

• The SEER (energy efficiency rating) of your current air conditioner
• The SEER of the new air conditioner
• How much your power company charges you for electricity

However, you can get an estimate on how much money you will save by using this Annual Energy Savings Calculator from NATE.

The recommended level of insulation in an attic is 10-14 inches spread evenly throughout the attic. You can eyeball this by looking at the insulation in relation to the floor joists. if the insulation is even with or below the floor joists, that means you need more insulation.

Why has ice formed on my central air conditioner’s outside unit?
It probably means one of two things:

• You’re low on refrigerant and have a leak (call a professional contractor for help if this is the case)
• Your air conditioner isn’t getting enough air, probably because you haven’t changed your air filter in a while.

Getting air conditioner maintenance done in the spring makes sense for a few reasons:

• Ensures that you’ll get service quickly (HVAC contractors are always busier during the summer)
• Decreases chance of a costly breakdown during the summer
• Lowers your high summer utility bills through increased energy efficiency

The best time to get it tuned up/serviced would be in the early spring before it gets unbearably hot. This will ensure that your air conditioner is working as efficiently as it can, saving you money on your utilities when you’re using it during the summer.

Look at an air conditioner’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. This tells you how efficiently the air conditioner converts electricity into cooling comfort for your home.The bottom line: The higher an air conditioner’s SEER rating, the more efficient it is. The current minimum is 13 SEER or higher.Contact a professional HVAC contractor to find out how much you can save on your energy bill with higher SEER rated air conditioners.

A programmable thermostat is a thermostat with the ability to set different temperatures based on the day and the time.For example, a thermostat can automatically adjust the thermostat when you leave for work at eight each day and then re-set it before you get home at five. (This process can save you money on heating and cooling bills.)

Zoning makes your home more comfortable and helps you save on energy costs. Using multiple thermostats, your home is divided into independent zones. The climate of each zone is then independently controlled depending on your desired level of comfort. Common examples of zoning include separating the upstairs climate from the downstairs in a two-story home, or establishing a special zone for sleeping and living areas.

By zoning your home, you have more control over different areas of your home without the need to regularly adjust the thermostat to reach a desired level of comfort. Rooms inside your home, which are traditionally warmer than others, are easy to control without placing extra strain on your HVAC system.

A: Holes and cracks up to 5/8th of an inch wide (about the size of a nickel) can be completely sealed.

A: 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.

A: A series of government reports have shown that air duct sealing can lead to up to $300 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.

Q: In a nutshell, how does an Aeroseal air duct seal work?

A: Simply put:

1. Preseal test to measure the leakage as a baseline for measuring progress.
2. Block off the registers with foam or plastic.
3. Inject an UL tested and approved aerosol into the duct system.
4. Since the air has no place to go except out through the leaks (the registers are blocked), the sealant material is deposited precisely at the air duct holes or cracks where leakage occurs.
5. A computer and sensors are used to measure and control the progress. The technology is patented from the University of California and the process is endorsed by the Environmental Protection Agency.
6. Postseal test to measure improvements.
7. Complete report and certificate printed on the spot to provide a record of improvements

Q: Does the air duct sealing material become brittle?

A: The vinyl sealing material remains rubbery, never cracking.

Q: How long will the air duct sealing material last?

A: The sealing material has been found in rigorous testing to last over 10 years without failure.

Q: Do air ducts need to be cleaned before air duct sealing?

A: It’s likely that the holes and cracks in the ductwork have allowed dust and other particulate matter to enter the system. If you are experiencing extensive levels of household dust, this might be the reason. In most instances, duct cleaning is not found to be required prior to Aeroseal sealing. Your Aeroseal contractor can advise whether it will be necessary to clean your ductwork prior to sealing.

Q: Does the sealant coat the inside of the ductwork?

A: The sealant only sticks to the holes in the air duct without coating the rest of the duct.

Q: Is the sealing material used by the Aeroseal air duct sealing system safe?

A: The sealant material consists of a water-based solution (65% water) prior to application. The dried sealant material primarily contains two chemicals, vinyl acetate polymer (VAP) and 2-ethyl-1 hexanol (2E1H). The vast majority of what is left in the duct system is VAP, which has been used in water-based paints, adhesives, and hair spray. VAP has been used in chewing gum, and has no OSHA Exposure Limit. 2E1H is a common industrial solvent and is not considered toxic by OSHA. A review of the literature showed no ill effects after long-term exposure to concentrations of 200 ppm. The largest concentration of 2E1H measured in test houses was 1 ppb (200,000 times smaller), during Aeroseal injection. The sealant is UL-listed for smoke generation and flame spread (UL 723 0,0), and additional testing by UL showed no signs of mold growth or erosion.

Q: Does the sealant leave an odor?

A: The Aeroseal air duct sealing process leaves no lingering odor, and since the material does not put off gas over time, there will be no odor for the life of the product.

Q: If the rooms of my home have inconsistent temperatures, can Aeroseal improve the performance of my heating and A/C system(s)?

A: The Aeroseal sealing system can help improve the comfort of your home by reducing the difference in temperature levels throughout your home.

Q: Can the Aeroseal air duct sealing system help reduce my utility bills?

A: Some homeowners have saved up to 40% of their energy bills after having the Aeroseal air duct

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON AEROSEAL

ASK AN EXPERT

A typical 1-inch fiberglass filters needs changing at least every 30-60 days. But it depends on when you have pets or allergies. Read our more detailed article about changing air filters.

Without insulation, heat could easily enter your home  in the summer and escape in the winter. So, without enough insulation you’ll have:

• Higher energy bills
• A less comfortable home
• Heating and cooling equipment that run longer than they need to

Zoning makes your home more comfortable and helps you save on energy costs. Using multiple thermostats, your home is divided into independent zones. The climate of each zone is then independently controlled depending on your desired level of comfort. Common examples of zoning include separating the upstairs climate from the downstairs in a two-story home or establishing a special zone for sleeping and living areas.

Regular maintenance is vital to the performance and lifespan of your heating or cooling system. Benefits of regular maintenance include:

• Help system perform efficiently and cut down on high energy costs
• Prolong the life-span of the equipment Help eliminate the risk of unexpected and costly repairs
• Maintain manufacturer’s warranty
• Ensure the system is running without risk to your health or safety

Programmable thermostats allow you to customize your temperature settings based on your needs and lifestyle. With programmable thermostats, you can create custom schedules so your home is comfortable when you need it to be. When you’re not running your heating or cooling system excessively, the energy savings are enormous.

By zoning your home, you have more control over different areas of your home without the need to regularly adjust the thermostat to reach a desired level of comfort. Rooms inside your home, which are traditionally warmer than others, are easy to control without placing extra strain on your HVAC system.

It is normal to notice an odor because dust collects on the heat exchanger over the summer, and when you turn on the furnace, it is burning that dust off. When you run the furnace for the first time, you can open your windows to air out the odor. Carbon monoxide is odorless so you have nothing to be worried about there. It is always a good idea to use a carbon monoxide detector to ensure your safety. To be certain your furnace is running clean and safe, it’s best to schedule maintenance before the heating season kicks into full gear.

“Emergency heat” forces your heat pump to use it’s backup heating unit (which may be a furnace if you have a hybrid heat system.)You should never set your thermostat to “emergency heat” just because it gets cold outside. Its purpose is for if your heat pump stops heating your home—basically, an emergency.

Typically, you want to keep it set to AUTO. That way the fan will only work when it’s being cooled or heated. Setting to ON means your system’s fan is constantly blowing air out the vents. While this helps evenly distribute air in your home, it’s much more expensive.  So keep it at AUTO most of the time.

Don’t be alarmed. This is normal. You don’t use your heating equipment much in Florida, so that allows dust to settle on internal parts. So when you use your heating equipment for the first time in winter, the heating equipment burns off all that dust, causing the smell. A planned heating equipment maintenance visit from a professional involves cleaning off that dust and performing several other tune-up procedures that increase energy efficiency and save you money on your energy bills each month.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both recommend getting your heating and air conditioning equipment tuned up twice a year, once in the spring before the summer heat arrives and once in the fall. This will keep your equipment running safely and efficiently. Think of maintenance like getting your car tuned up before a long road trip.

An air source heat pump is an air conditioner that can also work in reverse to heat your home, effectively cooling your home in the summer and heating it in the winter. It’s main appeal is that It’s also more energy efficient than a furnace in non-frigid climates like the Greater Tampa Area.

The recommended level of insulation in an attic is 10-14 inches spread evenly throughout the attic. You can eyeball this by looking at the insulation in relation to the floor joists. if the insulation is even with or below the floor joists, that means you need more insulation.

A furnace’s energy efficiency is measured by its AFUE rating. This stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. This rating tells you what percent of the energy being used by the furnace is going toward heating your home.For instance, if you have an older furnace, the AFUE rating is probably around 50% to 60%.This means that for every dollar of fuel your furnace uses, only $.50 to $.60 of that dollar is actually going towards heating your home. The rest is lost in the fuel combustion process and sent out the flue pipe. Federal law now states that furnace’s have an AFUE rating of 80%. So if you have a much older furnace, it could benefit you to upgrade to a newer furnace to get major energy efficiency savings.

A geothermal heat pump works as a home heating or cooling system by pumping heat into or from the ground. Using the steady moderate temperatures found inside the earth helps to improve energy-efficiency and lowers the costs of heating or cooling your home.

Heat pumps are great for climates with moderate heating and cooling needs and offer energy-efficient alternatives to more traditional heating and cooling methods. Heat pumps work by transferring heat from one location to another rather than generating heat. During the winter, heat pumps move heat from the cool outdoors into your home and in the summer months, heat is transferred from inside your home, to outside.

Heat pumps are great because they can warm or cool your home depending on the time of year. Benefits of using a heat pump to warm or cool your home include:

• Year-round cost savings
• Enhanced humidity and temperature control
• Provides even temperatures throughout your home
• Uses less energy to heat or cool your home
• Not dependent on fossil fuels which leads to price fluctuations

The best thing to do is schedule maintenance before the heating season is in full swing. But, if you’re not ready for that, there are a few steps you can take:

• Before you do anything, inspect your unit to make sure nothing flammable has been stored next to the furnace over the summer.
• Be sure to run your heater before you need it to eliminate the chance it won’t work on the first cold night you turn it on.
• Dirty air filters restrict airflow and reduce efficiency – sometimes even damaging your unit. Change the filters regularly.
• Check all access panels to be sure they are secure, with screws in place.