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Get your ducts in order for energy savings
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If your apartment or house is in South Florida, the EPA estimates that about 20 percent of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. The result is higher utility bills and difficulty keeping the house comfortable, regardless of the temperature at which the thermostat is set. Ducts are the flexible, round tubes or box-like aluminum used to distribute air throughout your home. If you are running a central heating or cooling system to condition that air, whatever percent lost in transit is an expense you can eliminate.How do you know that your home has poorly performing ducts?
- You have high summer and winter utility bills;
- You have rooms that are difficult to heat and cool;
- Your ducts are typically located in an attic or crawlspace between floors
- You have tangled or kinked flexible ducts in your system.
Because ducts are usually concealed behind walls and ceiling, repairing them can be difficult. But there are things that you can do to improve duct performance in your home
Don’t use duct tape!
Homeowners who want to take on duct sealing as a do-it-yourself project should start by sealing air leaks using mastic sealant or metal tape. Insulating all the ducts you can access, but don’t use duct tape! It is not durable and should only be used for temporary attachments. Also, make sure that the connections at vents and registers are well-sealed where they meet the floors, walls, and ceiling. These are common locations to find leaks and disconnected ductwork.
Homeowners may want to work with a professional contractor for duct improvement projects. Most heating and cooling equipment contractors also repair ductwork. The EPA recommends scheduling an annual maintenance check-up and offers the following recommendations on finding a reputable contractor. Beware of scams!
- A reputable contractor should:
- Inspect the whole duct system, including attic and crawlspaces.
- Evaluate the system's supply and return air balance. Many systems have air return ducts that are too small.
- Repair damaged and disconnected ducts and straighten out flexible ducts that are tangled or crushed.
- Seal all leaks and connections with mastic, metal tape, or an aerosol-based sealant.
- Seal all registers and grills tightly to the ducts.
- Insulate ducts in unconditioned areas (like attics, crawlspaces, and garages) with duct insulation that carries an R-value of 6 or higher.
- Include a new filter as part of any duct system improvement. The contractor should evaluate air flow after repairs are completed.
- Ensure there is no back drafting of gas or oil-burning appliances, and conduct a combustion safety test after ducts are sealed.
- Have several years of experience as a business in your community.
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