Duct Sealing Myths Every West Michigan Homeowner Should Know

Ever wonder why your energy bills seem sky-high even when you’re careful with the thermostat? You’re not the only one. For many West Michigan homeowners, the real problem isn’t the furnace or AC—it’s the ductwork.

Think of your ducts as highways moving warm or cool air through your home. When they’re leaky, it’s like filling a bucket with holes—most of what you’re paying for never reaches its destination. And to make matters worse, there are a lot of myths about duct sealing that keep people from fixing the issue.

Let’s bust some of the biggest ones so you can save money and keep your home comfortable.

Myth 1: “Duct tape is the best way to seal ducts.”

We’ve all heard it: duct tape can fix anything. Unfortunately, ducts are the exception. Even though it’s in the name, duct tape doesn’t hold up under the heat and pressure inside your HVAC system. It dries out, cracks, and falls apart.

So while it might feel like a quick fix today, in a few months you’ll be back to square one. The better options? Special foil tape or mastic sealant. Or, if you want it done right the first time, call in a pro with the right tools and materials.

Myth 2: “Sealing ducts isn’t worth the money.”

Here’s the truth:  leaky ducts can waste up to 30% of the air your system works so hard to heat or cool. That’s like throwing away nearly a third of your energy bill every single month.

And in West Michigan, where winters are long and summers can be muggy, your system is working double-time. Sealing those leaks can easily save you 10–20% on your energy bills. For many families, that adds up to several hundred dollars a year. That’s money better spent on groceries, vacations, or even just peace of mind.

Myth 3: “I can just DIY it—no testing needed.”

Grabbing a roll of tape and sealing up the spots you can see might feel like a win, but the real trouble is usually in the places you can’t see—like attics, crawl spaces, or hidden joints behind walls.

Without the right testing tools, it’s nearly impossible to know where all the leaks are. That’s why pros use special equipment to pressurize the ducts and pinpoint every spot air is sneaking out. Skipping this step is like patching one hole in your tire but ignoring the other three.

Myth 4: “Sealing the big gaps is good enough.”

It’s easy to assume the obvious holes are the main problem, but the small leaks add up just as fast. Think of it like leaving a dozen tiny windows cracked open all winter—it doesn’t look like much, but it makes a huge difference.

To actually save money, ducts need a full sealing job, not just a patch on the easy spots.

Myth 5: “Once it’s sealed, you’re set for life.”

We wish it worked that way, but ducts shift over time, and new leaks can form. Just like your car needs routine maintenance, your duct system benefits from a check-up every so often. A quick test now and then makes sure your ducts are still sealed tight and your system isn’t wasting energy.

Why This Hits Home in West Michigan

Our climate doesn’t mess around. Bitter winters bring icy drafts, and summers crank up the humidity. If your ducts are leaking, your system has to run harder just to keep up—and you pay for it.

By sealing your ducts the right way, you’ll keep your home more comfortable while finally getting the full benefit of the energy you’re paying for.

Don’t Fall for the Myths—Here’s Your Next Step

So here’s the bottom line:



• Duct tape won’t cut it.
  
  
• Sealing is absolutely worth it.
  
  
• DIY jobs usually miss the hidden leaks.
  
  
• Small leaks add up just as much as big ones.
  
  
• Sealing isn’t “set it and forget it.”
  
  

The good news? You don’t have to figure this out on your own.

At Lakeshore Air Duct Cleaning, we help West Michigan homeowners find and fix leaks the right way—with the right tools and the right materials—so you can enjoy a more comfortable home and lower bills all year long.

Ready to stop wasting money on leaky ducts? Give Lakeshore Air Duct Cleaning a call today. We’ll help you seal the myths (and your ducts) for good.