It is essential in today’s world, mainly in the regions in which human beings reside, especially the hot areas with high humidity levels. If your air conditioning system fails, you and everyone else in the building become uncomfortable and unsatisfied. Systems may not be running as they should because the air conditioning ducts are damaged. People seldom pay attention to Duct AC Repair, but that is a crucial element in enabling the proper and efficient functioning of an air conditioning system.
This article will explain how to repair an AC duct. It will also allow you to save for future repairs while at the same time extending the lifespan of the system. So, let’s dive right in!
Materials and Tools Needed
It is crucial to first ensure we have all the equipment and materials needed for the task at our disposal.
These include:
1. Insulated tape
2. Duct sealant
3. A sharp utility knife
4. Duct measuring tape
5. Duct reinforcement strips
6. If required, Gloves, goggles, mask, helmet, and other protective equipment.
Repair an AC Duct – A Detailed Guide
1. Inspect the Damaged Area
First, you need to think about the first stage of dealing with the situation – its assessment of the damage. With the dimension of the hole, the degree of damage being evaluated, and then deciding on the proper procedure to do. If the damage is minor or in a simple area, you could have to carry out a section replacement; otherwise, if the whole area is damaged, then it would require a total duct replacement.
2. Clean the Damaged Area
It is first of all the area where a repair process will be realized must be of a clean condition. Failure to remove dust, dirt, and debris can cause complications when repairing the AC and in the future. It is recommended to suck or wipe the site and the affected area with a vacuum cleaner or a brush.
3. Measure the Duct
Anyway, it is suggested that the duct be measured as accurately as possible to reach the perfect fit. Just take out your duct measuring tape and determine the damaged area’s length, width, and height. This will also help you decide whether or not you require a partial or total duct replacement.
4. Cut the Duct
In this case, if the damage is limited, then using a utility knife, trim a piece of similar material as your patch. The following patch will also be needed to close the wound obtained because of the damage. In addition to this, it is crucial to make sure that the patch is more significant than the area that is affected slightly to guarantee that the patch overlaps in a befitting manner.
5. Apply Duct Sealant
Once you have trimmed the patch, then apply the duct sealant at the edges. Duct sealant is a particular type of adhesive used in sealing ducts in order to minimize or completely eliminate incidences of leakage. This type of glue should be preferred to regular glue because it is made specifically for use on the ductwork.
6. Attach the Patch
Patch the affected spot with the patch and then gently press on the patch. The patch should cover the whole area that was affected and without a gap or airflow. There is a requirement for the fit to be very close; therefore, duct reinforcement strips should be installed at the perimeter of the patch.
7. The next thing that needs to be done is using insulated tape so that it will keep it in its position.
Then, once the patch area is ready, one should use insulated tape on the duct to make the patch stick well and tight. This becomes advantageous when using insulated tape because it seals the area tightly and always insulates for heat loss. Lay the tape side down across the edge of the patch, pressing it firmly down.
8. Test the Duct
Since the functionality of your AC duct after withstanding a lot of pressure can be questionable. Turn on your A/C system and see if any of it is leaking or if there are air cross overs. If there is no problem, then congratulations, you have successfully Repaired your AC duct. If you observe any problems, then follow the steps above over again or you can call for professional help if you are not able to repair the AC duct on your own.