At Insulation Services of Michigan Inc (ISM), we’ve seen firsthand how small inefficiencies in HVAC systems can lead to big costs. If your home feels drafty in some rooms but stuffy in others, or if your energy bills keep creeping higher without a clear reason, the culprit could be right behind your walls: leaking air ducts.
This guide is for homeowners who want practical answers—those tired of vague advice and looking for clear, expert insight into energy loss from HVAC systems. We’ll show you how duct sealing works, why it matters, and how ISM helps Michigan residents solve this often-overlooked problem. You’ll come away with knowledge you can actually use, and a path forward to reclaim comfort and reduce wasted energy in your home.
When ductwork is compromised, your HVAC system has to work harder to push air through the gaps. This doesn’t just affect energy usage it can shorten equipment lifespan, cause uneven temperatures, and introduce outdoor pollutants into your indoor air.
Leaky ducts allow conditioned air to escape into unconditioned spaces like attics, crawl spaces, and wall cavities. This wasted air forces your system to run longer and more frequently. You pay to heat and cool air that never reaches your living areas.
Our team has inspected countless homes across Michigan where more than 30% of heated or cooled air was being lost before it even reached the vents. That’s not just inefficiency—it’s money out the window.
If one room in your house feels cold while another feels too warm, duct leakage could be disrupting airflow. This imbalance causes your HVAC system to overcompensate, straining its components. In many cases, homeowners end up replacing systems prematurely without addressing the root problem the ducts.
It’s not always obvious when ductwork is leaking, but some red flags suggest it’s time to take a closer look.
If your utility costs have climbed despite no major change in usage or rates, it’s a strong signal that air is escaping where it shouldn’t. This is especially true if the increase is consistent month to month.
Leaks can pull dust, insulation particles, and even fumes from garages or crawl spaces into your air supply. If you’re cleaning more often or experiencing allergies indoors, your ductwork could be contributing.
Duct sealing isn’t just taping up a few spots. It’s a precise process that involves inspection, testing, and applying materials designed to last.
We start with a full visual inspection and pressure-based test to measure how much air is being lost. Our technicians use diagnostic tools like a duct blower test to locate hidden leaks.
Once leaks are identified, we use mastic sealants or specialized tapes rated for HVAC performance to close the gaps. For larger issues, sections of ductwork may need reinforcement or replacement.
We don’t just seal ducts we help homeowners take control of their home environment. Every solution is tailored to the structure, age, and existing insulation of your home.
Our technicians understand the climate conditions and construction styles across Michigan from older homes with rigid ductwork to newer builds with flex ducts. That local insight allows us to spot issues faster and solve them smarter.
We’re not in this for a quick fix. Our duct sealing work is part of a larger strategy to improve airflow efficiency, indoor air quality, and long-term system performance.
Some minor leaks around accessible ducts can be patched by homeowners, but DIY efforts often miss deeper or more complex issues.
Most of your duct system is hidden behind walls or ceilings. Without the right tools, sealing those areas is guesswork. Our team uses equipment to test your entire system’s performance—not just the parts you can see.
Improper sealing can disrupt pressure balance, reducing system efficiency instead of improving it. A full system check ensures the work enhances performance without side effects.
Duct sealing and insulation work together to keep energy where it belongs. Uninsulated ducts in unconditioned spaces lose heat even if they’re airtight.
By pairing duct sealing with proper insulation, we reduce both air leakage and heat transfer. That means your HVAC system works less and your home stays more consistent in temperature.
From blown-in attic insulation to sealed and insulated ductwork, ISM offers comprehensive services designed for Michigan homes. One phone call covers it all.
If your HVAC system is struggling to keep up, or if you’re tired of paying more for less comfort, duct sealing may be the missing piece. It’s one of the most straightforward ways to improve energy efficiency, comfort, and air quality.
At Insulation Services of Michigan Inc, we take pride in helping homeowners across the state get more from their homes. Our goal isn’t just to seal ducts it’s to help you feel better in every room of your home.
Let’s find out where your system is losing energy and fix it quickly, cleanly, and professionally.
Call us today at (810) 267-4121 or email kam@ismichigan.com to schedule an inspection or get a free consultation. Whether you’re dealing with high bills, poor airflow, or just want peace of mind, our team is here to help.
Insulation Services of Michigan Inc (ISM) your trusted experts for duct sealing, insulation, and home efficiency improvements.
Uneven temperatures, high energy bills, and dusty vents are strong signs. We recommend scheduling a professional duct test to know for sure.
Yes. Most homeowners see a noticeable drop in energy costs after sealing. In some cases, it’s as much as 20%.
Most jobs take less than a day, depending on your system’s size and accessibility.
Not at all. Our team takes care to work cleanly and leave no mess behind. We treat your home with the respect it deserves.
Duct sealing can be done year-round, but many homeowners schedule it before summer or winter to maximize comfort.
You can seal visible joints with foil tape or mastic, but full-system sealing requires testing and access tools most homeowners don’t have.
In many cases, yes. Sealing leaks helps restore proper pressure and balance, improving airflow throughout your home.
When done professionally, duct sealing lasts for decades. The materials we use are built to handle HVAC temperatures and air pressure.
Absolutely. By sealing out dust and pollutants, you’ll breathe cleaner air—especially if your ducts run through attics or garages.
Costs vary depending on home size and system layout, but most projects pay for themselves in energy savings within 2–3 years.