Before I call an HVAC repair person, can I just tape this?

[Suzanne A.]

Not sure exactly what's going on here with these air leaks, but can I just tape over these spots with foil HVAC tape?  Just wanted to check before I call an HVAC person to evaluate.  This is in a house I'm under contract for.  Just another thing on a very long list of repairs so trying to keep my costs down.  

There are a quite a lot more leaky spots than what is pictured.

Thanks very much!

[Jon Holdman]

I know its not what your asking, but all that grime around the leaks is suspicious.  I would pull the cover off the a-coil and see what's going on in there.  If the furnace is ran without filters the a-coil can get clogged up.  That causes a lot of pressure in the area with your leaks and would account for the dirt you see around them.  Unfortunately they are tough to clean because you can only get at one side and they are delicate.