Both new and old homes can be affected by damaged ductwork that is disconnected at joints and registers and lacks adequate insulation. The average home loses at least 20% of its heating and cooling energy because of these leaky and damaged ducts. Furthermore, if your home’s unconditioned spaces lack insulation, the energy loss can be even greater. This energy loss can also lead to increased load on your heating and cooling equipment, causing it to cycle for longer periods in order to achieve your desired temperature.
If you want to maximize the efficiency of your Eden Prairie heating and cooling system and minimize energy loss, it is crucial to have a well-designed duct system. Such a system can significantly enhance your home’s comfort, safety, and energy efficiency.
Unsealed ducts can allow various particulates, fumes from chemicals, insulation, dust, and garage emissions to enter, which can cause respiratory problems such as allergies and asthma, and even lead to back-drafting of carbon monoxide from gas-powered appliances. By sealing and insulating your ducts, you can prevent these issues and promote a healthy and safe living environment.
To determine if your duct design is suboptimal, it’s essential to look for warning signs that go beyond just higher heating and cooling costs due to energy loss. Here are some other indicators of poor design and energy loss that you should check for regularly:
• Rooms that are either too cold or too warm compared to the rest of the house
• Uninsulated ducts in unconditioned spaces
• Damaged or obstructed flexible ducts
• Blockages at air-supply registers, such as furniture or debris, that restrict air flow. Closed doors to rooms with air-supply registers can also limit air flow.
• Variations in air pressure from one room to another, which can be identified by doors that are hard to open or close. Inconsistent air pressure can either force conditioned air outside or pull in outdoor air, undermining your home's efficiency and comfort.If you decide to perform duct sealing on your own, follow these steps:
• Inspect the ductwork at joints, boots, and elbows for any signs of leakage. You may find that some joints are completely disconnected. In that case, use mastic and fiberglass mesh to seal them.
• Check each register for any leakage at the connections. Loose connections are common in these areas, and uneven air pressure between registers can indicate that one or more registers aren't properly sealed.
• Ensure even airflow by checking the air pressure at each register. Remove any obstructions such as debris and furniture.
• Check your air filter and make sure it fits tightly without any gaps and is clean. A buildup of contaminants can make your system work harder to push air through, which can strain both your heating and cooling system and your ductwork.
• Insulate the ductwork in unconditioned areas such as the garage, basement, attic, and crawl spaces.
• Seal around windows and add weatherstripping to doors to prevent energy loss and promote efficient airflow.If you have any questions or concerns about sealing your duct system and minimizing energy loss, please contact Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning, and one of our friendly professionals will be happy to assist you. We have been keeping Twin Cities residents warm for 37 years.
Our mission is to educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues related to Chanhassen heating and air conditioning systems.