In this article…
- Manual Duct Sealant Vs. Aeroseal
- Which Is Better For Your Home?
- Interested In Aeroseal For Your HVAC?
Have you noticed an increase in dust in your home? Do you feel one room isn’t cooling as well as others? Does your HVAC system seem to be running constantly with no change in temperature?
The problem may lie within your ductwork.
Your ductwork plays a critical role in maintaining your home’s comfort levels. They transfer and recycle air to and from your home to your HVAC system.
As your ducts age, the wear and tear from everyday use can cause separation along the ducts, allowing air to leak out and make your ductwork less efficient. When this occurs, the simple solution is to seal the leaks with a manual duct sealant.
However, the latest duct sealant technology, Aeroseal, seals your ducts from the inside, creating an accurate and long-lasting solution that reduces air leakage by 80%.
If you’ve noticed physical damage to your ductwork or suspect its old age is reducing your system’s efficiency, you want to choose the right duct sealant that gets the job done and meets your needs in terms of durability, longevity, and cost.
At Wright AC Services, we’ve been helping San Antonio homeowners maintain the performance of their HVAC system, from regular tune-ups to full system replacements and IAQ upgrades.
We are one of three companies in the area that offers and installs Aeroseal and are proud to provide the latest technology for all your HVAC needs. But, that doesn’t mean we’re here to convince you that Aersoeal is always the right choice for duct sealant.
We want to provide you with an unbiased, accurate comparison of manual duct sealant versus Aeroseal so that no matter the condition of your ducts, you’ll better understand how they compare and which solution is best for you.
This article will compare manual duct sealant to Aeroseal in categories like durability, efficiency, longevity, cost, and installation. After reading, you will have a robust understanding of how each product performs and know when to choose manual duct sealant or Aeroseal.
Manual Duct Sealant Vs. Aeroseal: Material
Before diving into comparing manual duct sealant and Aeroseal, you first must understand what each of them is and what they are made of.
The material of the duct sealant directly affects the durability, performance, efficiency, and longevity of the product, which is why we must look at it first.
What Is Manual Duct Sealant?
Manual duct sealant has been around and popularized since the mid-1900s, though the oldest duct sealant was first invented around the 1870s. Since its creation, many improvements and advances in the material have made the sealant a reliable and long-lasting choice for so long.
This type of sealant is typically made from a water-based solution that is a thick paste applied with a brush that then hardens as it dries.
It is typically paired with aluminum foil tape to first seal and connect the ductwork then apply the manual duct sealant on top.
What Is Aeroseal?
Aeroseal was developed in 1993 to address a gap in the duct repair industry, bringing an innovative solution to the market.
This water-based, non-toxic sealant became the first of its kind to seal ductwork from the inside, offering a unique approach to duct repair.
The solution is a sticky, glue-like substance that, when installed, is made to locate and attach to any leak, no matter how small, and seal it with the appropriate amount of product.
How Do They Compare In Material?
Considering the material of duct sealant first is crucial in choosing the right duct sealant for your home.
Manual duct sealant is a thicker, plaster-like material while Aeroseal is a thin glue that builds to a proper thickness level to seal the ducts completely.
Because your ducts reside in the attic of your home, the material of duct sealant must be durable to withstand extreme heat and cold temperatures (which we’ll get into later in the article).
Manual Duct Sealant Vs. Aeroseal: Durability, Performance, And Longevity
Now that you know a little more about what each duct sealant is made of, let’s analyze how they perform and how it affects your HVAC system.
Like with any HVAC product, you must consider the quality to determine which product is best for you and if it will meet your needs in terms of durability, efficiency, and longevity.
How Efficient Is Manual Duct Sealant And How Long Does It Last?
Because manual duct sealant has been around for so long, it has proven its quality and durability as the traditional duct sealant solution.
The benefits of manual duct sealant include its resistance to normal wear and tear and fluctuating temperatures and, on average, lasts 10-20 years, though most are only warranted for one year. There are several cons to the performance of manual duct sealant, though.
Manual duct sealant can become stiff and brittle as it ages, cracking and reopening the leaks it once sealed. If not applied properly, gaps may also be present, allowing leaks to remain and your system to lose efficiency.
How Efficient Is Aeroseal And How Long Does It Last?
As the leading and only duct sealant that seals your ducts from the inside, Aeroseal provides your ducts with a complete, efficient seal that is made to last.
Because of the way Aeroseal is installed, it leaves little to no room for error of missing a leak, sealing up to 95% of duct leaks. Aeroseal’s flexible and durable material also makes it ideal for high-heat areas, like your attic.
Aeroseal is warranted for 10 years, although it has proven to last over 20 years with normal HVAC use. While it is an investment upfront, this makes Aeroseal worth installing in your ducts to improve the efficiency and longevity of your system.
How Do They Compare In Durability, Performance, And Longevity?
Overall, manual duct sealant and Aeroseal perform similarly in terms of durability and longevity. Both are efficient ways to seal your ducts and prevent air from leaking out.
Manual duct sealant does come with a few cons Aeroseal does not, like becoming brittle and cracking over time. Aeroseal is a more flexible material, allowing it to ebb and flow with differing temperatures in the attic.
Both sealants last about the same time, but manual duct sealant may need more frequent patchwork repairs.
Manual Duct Sealant Vs. Aeroseal: Installation
A large component to look at when comparing two or more products is their installation process.
Depending on the solution you’re looking for, you may want a DIY option for smaller leak repairs. Or, if you’re looking for a more sophisticated, long-standing option, you’ll want to opt for a professional duct sealant installation.
How Is Manual Duct Sealant Installed?
When installing manual duct sealant, it is typically paired with an aluminum foil tape first to wrap around the gap in ductwork. This is the first line of defense against leaks. Then, the manual duct sealant is applied on top, either by hand or by using a paintbrush for even application.
One of the greatest advantages of manual duct sealant is that it is DIY friendly. You can find the supplies at most big box hardware stores and repair leaks yourself, though it’s important to remember the quality of installation when compared to a professional.
Once installed, manual duct sealant typically takes 24-48 hours to completely dry, so it may become an inconvenience if you aren’t able to use your system to its fullest.
How Is Aeroseal Installed?
Aeroseal must be installed by a certified Aeroseal dealer, like Wright AC Services because specific equipment and skills are needed.
An Aeroseal machine is connected at a point in your ductwork and is used to move and disperse the product. The glue is heated and moved through a tunnel into the ductwork, and it is attracted to any point where air leakage is detected.
While the product is being installed, you can watch in real-time how Aeroseal decreases the amount of air leaking from your ducts.
Because Aeroseal is only offered by a few companies, it can be more difficult to find in your area. This is one disadvantage of Aeroseal, depending on the area you live in.
How Do They Compare In Installation?
The biggest difference between these two sealants as far as installation is that manual duct sealant requires less skill and no certification to be installed while Aeroseal requires professional installation by a company that is certified to do so.
If you’re looking for a quick DIY fix to small leaks in your ducts, manual sealant is the way to go. But, if you want a professional duct sealant that will improve your system’s efficiency and last, professional duct sealant or Aeroseal may be the better option.
Manual Duct Sealant Vs. Aeroseal: Cost
One of the biggest factors when choosing the right product for your home is the cost.
You want to find the right duct sealant that not only meets your needs in terms of performance and efficiency but matches your budget as well.
How Much Does Manual Duct Sealant Cost?
Manual duct sealant is an affordable solution to repairing leaky ducts, whether you have them professionally repaired or do it yourself.
To have your ducts professionally sealed with a manual sealant, the cost can range anywhere from $500 – $1,500 depending on the size of your ductwork and the extent of the damage. This includes the cost of installation and labor from a professional HVAC company.
If you want to seal your ducts yourself, you can purchase the supplies for around $50 – $200, depending on the amount of supplies you need.
How Much Does Aeroseal Cost?
Because Aeroseal can only be professionally installed and requires specific equipment, it is more expensive than manual duct sealant.
Installing Aeroseal can cost anywhere from $2,000 – $5,000, depending on the size of your ductwork and the quality of installation.
It’s important to remember that the higher cost of products also comes with a higher quality in performance, longevity, and warranty as Aeroseal is warranted for 10 years and can last even longer.
How Do They Compare In Cost?
There’s no denying that Aeroseal is more expensive to install than manual duct sealant. One can be done yourself for small duct leaks while another requires special certification, training, and equipment.
If you want a long-term solution to sealing your ducts and plan to live in your home for the next several years or decades, Aeroseal may be the right investment for you.
But, if you are looking for a low-cost, simple fix to seal your ducts and aren’t concerned about it last for years and years, manual duct sealant, whether done yourself or professionally, may be the better option.
Manual Duct Sealant Vs. Aeroseal: Which Is Better For Your Home?
Now that you have a complete comparison of manual duct sealant versus Aeroseal in their material, performance, installation, and cost, you have a better idea of which type of duct sealant is the right solution for you.
Manual duct sealant has been around nearly as long as ductwork was invented, meaning it is a sturdy, long-standing solution to sealing ducts during installation and for leak repair. However, this type of sealant can become dried and cracked over time, exposing old leaks and requiring frequent repair depending on the quality of installation.
Aeroseal, on the other hand, can only be professionally installed by a certified and trained HVAC company and is made to last 10 or more years. Though it is more expensive than manual duct sealant, the quality and durability of the product make it a worthy investment.
- If you are looking for a simple, affordable solution to sealing small leaks in your ducts, using manual duct sealant to seal your duct’s leaks may be the right option for you for a quick fix.
- If you want a long-term investment to seal your ducts and improve the overall efficiency of your HVAC system, Aeroseal may be worth looking into.
- If your ducts are extremely old and have multiple tear points, professional repair with both manual exterior duct sealant and Aeroseal may be the best option, or full ductwork replacement if necessary.
If you aren’t sure about the best solution for repairing and sealing your ducts, consulting a trustworthy HVAC company that can provide you with the best solution for you is your best bet.
But, finding a company you can trust can be difficult. With so many companies flooding the HVAC market in every area, how can you find one that will care for you and your home?
To help you find the right HVAC company for you, check out this article that outlines 12 qualities to look for in a high-quality HVAC company, like the longevity of their business, online reviews, certifications and insurance, and more.
Interested In Aeroseal For Your HVAC?
Wright AC Services proudly offers and installs Aeroseal duct sealant to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system and indoor air quality and lower your energy bills.
Because Aeroseal is an investment, it’s important you completely understand how it works and how it benefits your home, and we’re here to help.
If you want to learn more about Aeroseal and if it is right for you, check out this article that details how exactly Aeroseal works, including the step-by-step process and full benefits for your home.
