Most LA homes have 20–40% duct leakage — air conditioned to 68°F that escapes into attic before reaching the bedroom. Aeroseal seals leaks from inside the ductwork using aerosolized polymer that bonds to leak edges. Single application reduces leakage 60–90% on typical residential systems. Cost: $1,500–$4,000 depending on home size and duct complexity. We’re CSLB C-20 #1138898 and have completed Aeroseal certification on residential systems. The math: typical SoCal home with 25% duct leakage saves $300–$600/year on energy after sealing — payback period 5–10 years for most homes. Worth it on homes you’ll own 8+ years; less compelling on short-term ownership.
How Aeroseal works
Process:
- Pre-test: measure baseline duct leakage with calibrated equipment (CFM at 25 Pa pressure)
- Setup: seal all registers and grilles with temporary covers
- Pressurize duct system: introduce aerosolized polymer particles into ductwork
- Sealing process: particles travel to leak points where pressure differential exists, bond to leak edges, gradually close gaps up to 5/8" diameter
- Process duration: 60–120 minutes for typical residential
- Post-test: re-measure leakage, document improvement
- Documentation: before/after measurements, service report
Result: typical residential reduction from 200–400 CFM leakage to 40–80 CFM leakage. Improvement: 60–90% reduction.
When Aeroseal is worth it
Yes, Aeroseal makes sense when:
- Duct leakage measured >150 CFM (most homes don’t measure — assume yes if 10+ years old)
- Hot/cold spots in specific rooms (often a leak in that branch)
- Energy bill 20%+ higher than neighbors with similar home
- Title 24 compliance project requiring duct testing
- Pre-renovation/post-renovation duct integrity verification
- Property prep before sale (documentation of duct integrity adds buyer confidence)
No, Aeroseal isn’t right when:
- Severe duct damage (collapsed, disconnected sections — physical repair needed first)
- Asbestos-containing ductwork (1950s–1970s installations, requires abatement first)
- Brand new ductwork (just installed = should already be sealed)
- Detached duct sections (need physical reconnection, not aerosolized sealing)
Aeroseal vs traditional duct sealing
Honest comparison:
Traditional mastic + tape sealing:
- Cost: $400–$1,200 for accessible ductwork
- Pros: Lower cost, well-understood technology
- Cons: Only addresses accessible duct sections (typically 30–50% of total length); leaks in walls, floors, attic recesses remain
- Result: typical 30–50% reduction in leakage
Aeroseal:
- Cost: $1,500–$4,000
- Pros: Reaches inaccessible duct sections, typically 60–90% leakage reduction, documented before/after measurements
- Cons: Higher cost, single application, doesn’t fix major structural issues
- Result: typical 60–90% reduction in leakage
For most LA homes (10+ years old, never had duct work done): Aeroseal delivers more total benefit per dollar than traditional sealing.
Real-world example
3-bedroom 1962 Eagle Rock home, 1,650 sq ft, ducted Carrier 24ABB6 3-ton AC + 80% AFUE Carrier 58CTX furnace:
- Pre-test duct leakage: 285 CFM at 25 Pa (32% leakage relative to system airflow)
- Service: full home Aeroseal application
- Post-test: 65 CFM at 25 Pa (7% leakage)
- Total cost: $2,400
- LADWP duct sealing rebate: −$200 (varies, smaller incentive than HPWH)
- Net out-of-pocket: $2,200
- Energy bill reduction: ~$32/month average over first year ($384 annual)
- Payback: ~5.7 years
- Outcome: improved comfort (eliminated north bedroom hot spot), eligible for Title 24 documentation if home modified
Federal IRA Section 25C terminated December 31, 2025 under OBBBA — does not apply.
Title 24 compliance and duct testing
The 2025 Title 24 Energy Code (effective for permits applied January 1, 2026 or later) requires HERS duct testing on most HVAC change-outs. Aeroseal is one path to compliance when existing ductwork fails the duct leakage threshold. We coordinate Aeroseal with the HERS rater so testing can be done in single visit when scheduled with HVAC system replacement. For full code reference: California HVAC Code 2026 pillar.
Service area
Aeroseal duct sealing across all 5 SoCal counties:
- 📞 West LA / Westside: (424) 766-1020
- 📞 Pasadena & SGV: (626) 499-5530
- 📞 Thousand Oaks / Ventura: (805) 977-9940
- 📞 Irvine / Orange County: (949) 785-5535
- 📞 San Bernardino: (909) 757-6455
- 📞 Riverside: (951) 577-3877
Related: duct installation & replacement, duct cleaning, HVAC maintenance hub, California HVAC Code 2026, 2026 rebate guide.
CSLB License C-20 #1138898 | Roman HVAC 777 LLC dba Venta Heating & Air