Flex Duct Repair Terror

The customer called Bert out for a service call after noticing that her electric bills were significantly higher than normal. While out on the call, Bert finds out that the second-stage heat isn’t working. Bert went underneath the trailer to investigate, and sure enough, one of the flex ducts was disconnected.

Bert finds a new route under the trailer (and makes a pony friend along the way) to get better access to the ductwork. While under the trailer, Bert puts on his mask for safety and gets to work. Before reassembling the duct, Bert lines the metal edge with mastic. Then, he slides the inner layer of the flex duct over the mastic and fastens a Panduit strap over the connection.

It’s worth noting that some of the flex isn’t rated for outdoor use. We had to use what was at our disposal and come back for an upgrade later.

In some cases, it’s difficult to apply mastic to the metal collar around the duct. When that happens, Bert lines the inner rim of the flex, attaches that to the metal, and fastens the connection with another Panduit strap. He pulls the outer layer of flex past the Panduit strap and tightens it with another Panduit strap above the first one. That way, the lower Panduit strap can help support the upper strap.

Then, Bert insulates the Y connection and straps the ductwork in a way that keeps the duct runs straight and uncompressed. Once all the hard work is done, Bert makes sure he left everything the way he found it, as customers care about how well HVAC techs treat their property.