As an expert in the air duct cleaning industry, I have seen many homeowners attempt to use duct tape to patch up their ductwork. And while duct tape may be a handy tool for many household repairs, it is not suitable for use on HVAC ducts. Despite its name, duct tape is not designed for use on air ducts and can actually cause more harm than good. One of the main reasons why duct tape is not suitable for use on ductwork is because it cannot withstand extreme temperature changes. While it may be able to bond even the toughest surfaces together, it is not able to withstand the heating cycles that occur in air ducts.
Over time, the adhesive on the tape will weaken and eventually fall off, leaving your ducts exposed and vulnerable. Another issue with using duct tape on air ducts is that it is only a temporary fix. While you may see a temporary drop in your energy bills after using duct tape to seal your ducts, this fix will not last. The adhesive will eventually break down and your energy bills will go back up. So why is it called "duct tape" if it's not meant for use on ducts? The name actually comes from its original purpose - sealing ammunition boxes during World War II. It wasn't until after the war that people started using it for household repairs, including sealing air ducts.
However, as more research was done on the effectiveness of duct tape on air ducts, it became clear that it was not a suitable solution. But don't worry, there are tapes specifically designed for use on air ducts. These tapes are made with materials that can withstand extreme temperature changes and are specifically designed to seal air ducts effectively. So if you want to properly seal your ductwork, make sure to use the right tape. In addition to not being suitable for use on air ducts, duct tape also has other limitations. For example, it is not waterproof and can easily deteriorate when exposed to moisture.
This makes it unsuitable for use in areas with high humidity or where water may be present. So what should you do if you have already used duct tape on your air ducts? The best solution is to have a professional air duct cleaning company, like Planet Duct in Colorado Springs, properly seal your ductwork. They have the knowledge and expertise to use the right materials and techniques to effectively seal your ducts and improve the efficiency of your HVAC system. In conclusion, while duct tape may be a useful tool for many household repairs, it is not suitable for use on air ducts. Its inability to withstand extreme temperature changes and its temporary fix make it an ineffective solution for sealing ductwork. Instead, opt for tapes specifically designed for use on air ducts or hire a professional to properly seal your ductwork.
Your HVAC system and energy bills will thank you.
