Traditional forced-air HVAC systems keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They can also be a source of major energy usage, especially if they’re not properly maintainted.
While some energy loss can be attributed to improper thermostat placement, failure to maintain a system and inefficient insulation, the EPA estimates that up to twenty percent of heated or cooled air circulating through an HVAC system is lost through leaks in the home’s ductwork. Leaking ductwork dramatically reduces the efficiency with which your system operates, while increasing your energy bills. The problem can become even more pronounced when a duct system runs through attics, crawlspaces and other areas with temperatures that aren’t maintained by the HVAC system.
When the air ducts within your home are leaking, the rises in your energy bills may be gradual and, as such, difficult to notice. In addition to higher energy bills, one sign of possible leaks within your ductwork is uneven heating and cooling of your home. If some rooms never seem to be the same temperature as the rest of your house, it could be attributed to leaks within the ductwork leading to those rooms. A central unit that seems to run almost constantly in order to maintain a comfortable temperature may also be struggling to keep up the setting you’ve chosen while heated or cooled air is being lost in the attic or crawlspace.
Discussing your concerns and possible solutions, including the sealing of your ductwork, with a licensed and experience HVAC contractor in your area can help you save big bucks over time, as well as reducing your home’s carbon footprint.
