I tried that aluminum tape trick too, but let’s just say my handiwork wouldn’t win any beauty contests.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve got to push back a bit on the “quick fixes are battle scars” idea. That aluminum tape might hold for a season, but if you’ve got three different types of tape and “chewing gum” patches, you’re probably losing more heat than you think. Those leaks can add up fast on the utility bill. Sometimes it’s worth pulling the old stuff out and fitting new duct properly, even if it’s a pain. Shortcuts work in a pinch, but they tend to come back to bite you later.
- Had the same debate with my dad last winter—he’s all about the “good enough” fixes, but I started noticing cold spots in the living room.
- Tried patching a duct with a combo of foil tape and, embarrassingly, some old painter’s tape I found in the garage. Didn’t last long.
- Ended up crawling under the house and just swapping out the worst section. Took a Saturday, but the difference was obvious.
- Quick fixes are tempting, but yeah, sometimes you gotta bite the bullet and do it right. Otherwise, you’re just chasing leaks every year.
