If one bedroom is always 5°+ warmer than the rest of your Sacramento home, it's almost never the AC — it's the ductwork above the ceiling. Here's the honest breakdown on when sealing solves the problem and when you need a full redesign.
5 signs your ductwork is leaking
- One or two rooms are always hotter than the thermostat
- Dust buildup on registers within a week of cleaning
- Higher-than-normal energy bills for the home's square footage
- The AC runs constantly but the house never cools
- Visible sagging, disconnected boots, or torn insulation in the attic
When sealing (Aeroseal or mastic) is enough
If your ducts are the right size, correctly routed, and in decent physical shape but leak at joints — sealing recovers 20–30% of lost airflow and costs a fraction of replacement. Great for homes 10–20 years old.
When you need to replace or redesign
- Flex duct is crushed, torn, or older than 20 years
- Trunk line is undersized for a newer, larger AC
- Rooms were added without extending duct capacity
- Return air is undersized (single small return for a whole house)
A proper redesign with Manual D calculations fixes the root cause instead of masking it.
What it costs in Sacramento
Full duct replacement varies by home size, layout, and material. We measure static pressure and airflow first, then quote flat-rate options in writing. No hourly labor games.
Frequently asked questions
How much energy do leaky ducts waste?+
The Department of Energy estimates 20–30% of conditioned air is lost in typical attic duct systems.
Is Aeroseal worth it?+
For homes with structurally sound ducts and lots of small leaks, yes — it's often the best cost-per-CFM recovered.
Do you offer free duct inspections?+
Yes — free in-home estimates on any duct upgrade or replacement across the Sacramento area.
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