Ductwork that is damaged, disconnected at the joints and registers, and lacking adequate insulation affects homes both old and new. The average home loses 20 percent or more of heating and cooling energy due to leaky and damaged ducts. The energy loss goes even higher if you have inadequate insulation in your home’s unconditioned spaces, and you take into account the extra load on your heating and cooling equipment as it cycles longer, because of leaks and insulation issues, to reach your desired temperature.
Benefits of good duct design
To get the most efficient operation from your heating and cooling system, and to minimize energy loss, you should take steps to repair, seal and insulate your duct system. An efficient duct system will make your home more efficient, safe and comfortable.
Particulates and fumes from chemicals, insulation, dust, garage emissions and more can enter unsealed ducts, causing undue aggravation to those in your home who suffer from respiratory problems, such as asthma and allergies. Additionally, back-drafting of carbon monoxide from gas-powered appliances is possible with leaky ducts.
Checking your duct design
Higher-than-normal heating and cooling costs, due to energy loss, are one indicator of poor duct design. However, you also should inspect your duct system regularly for other signs of poor design and energy loss, including:
- Rooms that are colder or warmer than the rest of the house
- Uninsulated ducts that are located in unconditioned spaces
- Flexible ducts that are damaged or obstructed
- Obstructions at the air-supply registers, such as furniture, debris blockage and any other items that may be impeding air flow. Closed doors to rooms with air-supply registers restrict air flow, as well.
- Different air pressure from room to room, sometimes indicated by doors that are difficult to open or close. Uneven air pressure in your home either pushes conditioned air outside, or sucks in outdoor air, compromising your home’s efficiency and your comfort level.
Performing duct sealing
If you choose the do-it-yourself method of duct sealing, follow these guidelines:
- Check ductwork at joints, boots and elbows for leakage. It’s possible that you’ll spot joints that are completely disconnected. Seal these joints with mastic and fiberglass mesh.
- Check each register for leakage at the connections. These are prime places for loose connections. Uneven air pressure register to register is a sign that one or more registers isn’t sealed properly.
- Check air pressure at each register to ensure even airflow. Clean or remove obstructions, such as debris and furniture.
- Check your air filter, and confirm that it has a tight fit with no gaps, and that it is clean. If there is too much build up of contaminants, your system will have to work harder to push air through. This taxes not only your heating and cooling system, but your ductwork, as well.
- Insulate ductwork in unconditioned areas, like the garage, basement, attic and crawl spaces.
- Seal around windows and add weatherstripping to doors. This helps with preventing energy loss and efficient airflow.
If you have any questions or doubts how to go about sealing up your duct system and preventing energy loss, call Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning, and speak with one of our friendly professionals. We’ve helped keep residents warm in the Twin Cities for 37 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about ductwork and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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