Up to 30 percent of the air moving through a typical duct system never reaches the rooms it was meant to serve. It escapes through gaps at seams, around boots, and at connection points hidden behind walls, ceilings, and crawl spaces. That leakage translates directly into higher energy bills, uneven temperatures, and rooms that never quite reach the thermostat setting. Aeroseal duct sealing addresses this problem from the inside out, and at Michiana Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc we use this technology to recover comfort and efficiency that conventional methods often leave behind.
How Aeroseal Duct Sealing Works
Aeroseal is an interior sealing process that locates and closes leaks throughout a duct system without requiring access to every section of ductwork. Instead of crawling through tight spaces to manually apply mastic or tape at visible joints, we introduce a fine aerosol sealant into the pressurized duct system. As air carries the sealant particles toward the leaks, the escaping air draws the particles to the edges of each gap, where they accumulate and bond together. Openings up to about 5/8 of an inch can be sealed this way, and the process reaches the connections that are impossible to access by hand.
Before sealing begins, we measure the existing leakage so there is a clear baseline. A computer monitors the process in real time, displaying how much leakage remains as the seal forms. When the work is complete, you receive a report showing the before and after numbers, so the improvement is documented rather than estimated. This precision is what sets the technology apart from older sealing techniques that rely on guesswork and visible access.
The Sealing Process Step by Step
A typical Aeroseal project follows a consistent sequence designed to protect your home and produce measurable results. The process is non-invasive, and most homes can be completed in a single visit.
- System inspection and registers protected: We evaluate the ductwork, then temporarily cover supply and return registers along with the furnace and coil to keep sealant confined to the ducts.
- Baseline leakage measurement: The system is pressurized and the existing leakage rate is recorded as a starting point.
- Sealant injection: The aerosol is introduced and circulated, gradually closing gaps from the inside while the monitoring software tracks progress.
- Final verification: Once leakage drops to the target level, we measure again and provide a certificate showing the sealed result.
- System restoration: Registers are uncovered, equipment is reconnected, and your system is returned to normal operation.
Because the sealant cures quickly and is applied internally, there is no demolition, and you do not have to relocate furniture or open walls. The work happens within the duct system itself.
Why Duct Sealing Matters in South Bend Homes
The Michiana region demands a great deal from heating and cooling equipment. Winters in South Bend, Mishawaka, and Granger bring long stretches of cold, while summers carry the humidity that lake-effect weather is known for. When ducts leak conditioned air into attics, basements, and crawl spaces, your furnace and air conditioner work harder to compensate. That extra runtime shortens equipment life and raises monthly costs.
Sealed ducts solve several problems at once. Rooms that always ran a few degrees off finally hold their temperature. Dust pulled in through return-side leaks is reduced, which improves indoor air quality. Humidity control improves because the system no longer draws unconditioned air from damp spaces. For homes with a finished bonus room over the garage or an upstairs that never cooled properly, sealing the duct system frequently delivers the most noticeable improvement of any single upgrade.
These benefits apply to existing homes and renovations alike. Older South Bend houses often have ductwork assembled decades ago with tape that has dried and failed. Newer construction can suffer from rushed installation that left seams unsealed. Aeroseal serves both situations effectively.
Why Choose Michiana Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc
As a family-owned company serving the Michiana area for over 25 years, we treat duct sealing as part of a complete approach to home comfort rather than an isolated add-on. Michiana Heating & Air Conditioning is a Comfort 24-7 Provider, guaranteeing 25 percent first-year energy savings, and sealed ductwork is one of the foundations that makes those savings achievable. We also offer free estimates on HVAC replacements, so when sealing reveals that aging equipment is reaching the end of its service life, you can plan ahead with confidence.
Our standards reflect recognition at the highest level of our industry. The Carrier President’s Award is the highest honor for a Carrier Dealer, and we are extremely proud to have earned that distinction multiple times. From South Bend to Niles, Benton Harbor, and Saint Joseph, we deliver duct sealing backed by measurable results and decades of local trust.
