If your home is heated and cooled with a traditional forced air HVAC system such as a heat pump or a central air conditioning system coupled with a furnace, you may be able to benefit from having your ducts sealed. The ductwork in your home distributes the heated and cooled air throughout you home and also allows return air to flow back to the air handler.
Over time, duct systems develop leaks that allow up to 20% of the conditioned or heated air to escape. Sealing a leaky duct system can the system operate far more efficiently and reduce your energy bills, especially if your duct system runs through your attic, crawlspace, or other unheated and uncooled area. The air loss in these areas can be very significant.
Signs that you may need to have your duct system checked for leakage include uneven heating and cooling throughout your home. For example, if you have rooms that are constantly too hot or too cold, you may have some duct leakage that is not allowing these rooms to receive the heated or cooled air.
Another sign is a steadily increasing energy bill in the summer and winter. Duct leakage will cause your bills to rise, but so slowly that you may not notice it from month to month.
Duct leakage may also cause your furnace, heat pump, or central air conditioner to run longer to keep your home comfortable. You may notice that your system is running almost constantly to maintain your comfort setting.
If you are experiencing any of these problems, talk to a good local HVAC contractor about an energy efficiency package that includes sealing your ducts. Start saving money on your heating and cooling bills today!
