Getting Your Ducts in a Row

There’s More Than Meets the Eye When it Comes to Your Ductwork

Did you know you can save energy and improve health by having well-maintained ducts?

According to the US Department of Energy, “Typical duct systems lose 25 to 40 percent of the heating or cooling energy put out by the central furnace, heat pump or air conditioner. Duct repairs could be the most important energy improvement measure you can do.” Often in the Bend area, the older the home, the higher the leakage numbers.

According to the EPA, some signs that your home may have leaky, poorly insulated, or inefficient ducts are:

• You have high summer and winter utility bills.
• You have rooms that are difficult to heat and cool.
• You have stuffy rooms that never seem to feel comfortable.
• Your ducts are located in an attic, unfinished basement, crawlspace, or the garage.
• You find tangled or kinked flexible ducts in your system.

The EPA suggests working with a contractor that will;

• Inspect the whole duct system, including the attic, crawlspace, garage and basement as needed.
• 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 with duct insulation that carries an R-value of 6 or higher.
• Include a new filter as part of any duct system improvement.
• Evaluate air flow after repairs are completed.
• Ensure there is no backdrafting of gas or oil-burning appliances, and conduct a combustion safety test after ducts are sealed.

Information provided by Home Heating & Cooling.