How Wisconsin Ductwork Drives Up Energy Bills
If you’ve noticed your energy bills are higher than they should be, you’re not alone. Many Wisconsin homeowners experience rising heating and cooling costs without realizing that the culprit often lies hidden behind their walls—leaky ductwork. This article looks in-depth at the types of ducting commonly found in Wisconsin homes, why they leak, and how Aeroseal duct sealing technology can help you save up to 30% on energy bills.
The Types of Ductwork in Wisconsin Homes
In Wisconsin, most homes utilize one of two types of duct systems: rigid ducting or stud cavities. Understanding how these systems function and their inefficiencies is key to identifying the source of your energy losses.
Rigid ducting is one of the most common systems used in Wisconsin homes. These ducts are typically made from materials like sheet metal, fiberglass, or plastic, and they run through attics, basements, or walls to distribute heated or cooled air throughout the home. While rigid ducting is known for its durability, it has significant drawbacks. The connection points of rigid ducts are assembled using multiple pieces, creating seams and joints that are prone to leaks over time. Temperature fluctuations in Wisconsin’s harsh climate cause ducts in unconditioned spaces like attics or basements to expand and contract, loosening connections and creating leaks. Additionally, as ducts age, they develop cracks and gaps that reduce efficiency.
In some homes, the spaces between wall studs or floor joists are used as makeshift duct systems instead of installing proper ducts. Often found in older or cost-conscious construction, this practice creates significant inefficiencies. Wall studs and joists are not designed to be airtight, leaving gaps and cracks that leak substantial amounts of heated or cooled air. Unlike smooth rigid ducts, stud cavities have uneven surfaces that disrupt airflow and allow dust, dirt, and allergens to enter the air system, affecting indoor air quality.
Why Duct Leaks Are a Major Problem
Leaky ductwork isn’t just a minor issue. It is a major driver of high energy costs. Studies show that the average home loses up to 30 percent of conditioned air through duct leaks. Here is how this impacts your energy bills and overall comfort.
Many duct systems pass through unconditioned areas like attics, basements, or crawlspaces. When leaks occur, the heated or cooled air escapes into these spaces, wasting energy and forcing your HVAC system to work harder. For example, in a Wisconsin winter, you may pay to heat air that escapes your attic rather than keep your living room warm.
Leaky ducts also disrupt the balance of airflow, leading to hot or cold spots in your home. This often causes homeowners to adjust the thermostat frequently to compensate, further driving up energy consumption. Additionally, when your HVAC system works overtime to compensate for lost air, it consumes more energy and experiences more wear and tear.
This increases your energy bills and shortens the lifespan of your system, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Finally, wasted energy contributes to higher carbon emissions, so sealing duct leaks is also an effective way to reduce environmental impact.
How Aeroseal Works to Seal Duct Leaks
Aeroseal is an innovative technology designed to seal leaks from the inside of your ductwork. It is highly effective for rigid ducting and stud cavities, making it an ideal solution for Wisconsin homes. Here is how it works.
First, your duct system is pressurized to measure the extent of air loss. Then, a water-based, non-toxic sealant is blown into the ducts. The sealant particles are carried by air and adhere to the edges of leaks, gradually closing gaps. After the process is complete, the system is re-pressurized to confirm that the leaks have been sealed. This technology is incredibly effective because it seals leaks in otherwise inaccessible areas, such as behind walls or ceilings.
Whether your home uses rigid ducting or stud cavities, Aeroseal provides a reliable solution. The process is typically completed in a single day with minimal disruption to your home.
How Aeroseal Saves You Money
By sealing leaks in your ductwork, Aeroseal addresses the root causes of energy loss, leading to significant savings on your energy bills. With leaks sealed, conditioned air stays within the ducts and reaches its intended destination. This means your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain your desired temperature. Most homeowners see 20 to 30 percent savings on their energy bills after Aeroseal.
Sealed ducts distribute air evenly throughout your home, eliminating hot and cold spots and reducing the need to adjust the thermostat frequently. By reducing strain on your HVAC system, Aeroseal helps extend its lifespan, saving you money on maintenance and replacement costs.
Why Wisconsin Homes Are Perfect Candidates for Aeroseal
Wisconsin’s unique climate and housing characteristics make duct sealing especially important. Heating costs can spike during Wisconsin’s long winters, and Aeroseal ensures that every bit of heated air reaches your living spaces.
During the humid summers, sealed ducts improve cooling efficiency, keeping your home comfortable without driving up air conditioning costs. Many Wisconsin homes were built decades ago with outdated duct systems prone to leaks, and using stud cavities as ductwork in older construction creates significant inefficiencies that Aeroseal can resolve.
Why Choose Totally Clean for Aeroseal Duct Sealing?
At Totally Clean, we specialize in helping Wisconsin homeowners improve their energy efficiency with Aeroseal duct sealing. Our team of trained and certified technicians understands the unique challenges of Wisconsin homes and climates.
After duct sealing, our customers consistently report lower energy bills and more comfortable homes. We offer competitive rates and free consultations to help you make an informed decision.
