Installed in United States homes has about a 15% energy loss due to duct leakage. The duct system circulates conditioned air throughout the home, but most duct systems have poor connections and leak warm or cool air. This air leakage means your HVAC system is not operating at its maximum efficiency and has to work harder to heat or cool your home. Leaky ducts waste energy and shorten the life of your heating and cooling equipment.
Duct sealing increases the efficiency of your system by eliminating energy losses due to leaking warm or cool air. In addition, duct sealing can improve home comfort by reducing uneven heating and cooling. Rooms that are too warm in the summer or too cold in the winter are often due to leaky ducts, especially if the room is located relatively far from the furnace or air handler. Sealing the ducts means more even heating and cooling and improved comfort.
For best results and greatest efficiency gains, it is worth having your ducts sealed by a professional HVAC contractor. Many HVAC contractors offer duct sealing as part of a comprehensive energy efficiency package. Ductwork can be difficult to access and seal properly when they are hidden in walls, floors, and ceilings. System efficiency can be even further improved by adding insulation to ducts that run through non-conditioned spaces such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
A professional HVAC contractor will be able to safely pressurize your duct system, locate and identify leaks, seal leaky connections properly with mastic or metal tape, and insulated ducts appropriately. They will also check air flow volume after the duct sealing is complete.
