Reducing Energy Costs - Proper Duct Work

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The major ducts in a home are the respiratory system of that building, providing for the ventilation of toxins, and bringing in outside air for temperature control and proper air quality levels. When ducts are poorly designed or improperly sealed, homes can become a haven for discomfort and even illness.

What’s more, gas appliances such as water heaters, clothes dryers and furnaces release carbon dioxide through a home’s ventilation system. If ducts are improperly sealed a home may experience a problem known as “backdrafting” where these gases accumulate in living spaces instead of being released outside.

Ultimately, all this equates to energy efficiency. When a house’s duct work is improperly sealed, money is thrown out the door. Maintaining current duct work, or installing energy efficient duct designs will not only help maintain a comfortable, healthy environment, but will save on steady rising energy costs.

The first job for any homeowner is to become knowledgeable about the duct work in place within their home. For most houses that utilize forced-air heating and cooling systems, 20% of the air that passes through duct work is lost through poor connections between ducts, or holes and leaks due to the age of the duct work or improper installation. This results in higher utility bills and discomfort due to poor temperature control.

A homeowner should do duct maintenance yearly to ensure that they are efficiently heating and cooling their home. If someone is experiencing higher than average utility bills during the heat of summer or cold of winter, or have specific rooms that experience temperature irregularities, then it’s time to check the duct work of the building. Ductwork located in inaccessible or rarely trafficked areas, such as attics, crawl spaces, and garages generally experience more problems since duct issues aren’t immediately visible. Tangled or kinked flexible ducts should be replaced or repaired immediately to maximize energy efficiency.

Although duct work can be difficult to locate and repair, there are some simple tips any homeowner can take to increase their homes energy efficiency through the proper maintenance of duct work. Seal any holes or tears in ductwork with mastic sealant or metal tape instead of duct tape. These adhesives are more durable and longer lasting. Make sure all vent connections are well-sealed where they meet one another, along with floors, walls and ceilings.

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