Leaky Ducts

A leaky duct system is losing more than air

Did you know that your home’s duct system could be losing as much as 20 percent of its air? Here’s a tip that can help your heating and cooling system work more efficiently—and save you money. 

A leaky duct system wastes energy, increasing your utility bill. So it makes sense to find and eliminate those leaks. According to TogetherWeSave.com, sealing the air ducts in your home can save you up to $177 a year. 

Saving money is one good reason to seal your ducts. But there are other reasons, too. A leaky duct system affects your quality of life. It makes the rooms in your home stuffy and less comfortable—not cool enough in the summer or warm enough in the winter. And because insulation particles, dust and pollen can enter a leaky system, they may affect your home’s indoor air quality. Duct systems in an attic can actually cause your home to be put into a negative pressure situation. When this happens, air is sucked into your home from outside every time your heating or cooling system comes on. 

The first step is to find the biggest air leaks in your home. In the attic, the greatest duct leaks are typically found where the lateral duct runs take off from the main trunk line. Look for insulation that is dirty or discolored, indicating that air has been moving through it. Also make sure all flex ducts are in good condition with no tears or gaps (you should consider checking flex duct annually). In the basement, ducts are often located along the top of the basement wall. Duct runs that go through the basement ceiling to the floors above can be sources of leaks. 

Next, you can begin sealing the leaks that you have found. Although it’s called “duct” tape, your duct work is the last place you want to use this grey tape. Most heating and air-conditioning contractors keep duct mastic on hand for sealing ducts. This product can be painted on with a stiff brush (see ad on page 9). If you prefer to use tape, use foil tape for sealing ducts. This product is expensive, but it will stick whereas duct tape will come loose in a few years. 

For other tips on how to save energy—and money—visit Touchstone Energy’s energy-saving website by visiting www.eeca.coopor going to www.TogetherWeSave.comdirectly, or call the energy experts at Egyptian Electric.