Your ductwork is a good place to look to gain energy efficiency from your Heating, Ventilation & Cooling System.
“You could be losing up to 20 percent of the air that is forced through your duct system,” if it isn’t properly sealed, SeccoHome.com says.
Proper seals can make a huge difference in your heating and cooling costs, as well as your personal comfort.
“Not only is duct leakage an enormous waste of energy, but it also allows for unconditioned, dirty air to be pulled back in causing a whole host of problems you might have never thought of,” HVACQuick.com says.
Some of these could include mold, dust or radon gas.
What’s the best way to seal your ductwork?
Contrary to popular belief and in direct contradiction with its name, duct tape should not be used to seal ductwork.
“Over time, the conventional tape will dry, crack and eventually give way to costly air leaks,” according to HGTV.com.
You should use “mastic sealant or metal tape and insulate all the ducts that you can access (such as those in attics, crawlspaces, unfinished basements and garages),” EnergyStar.gov says. “Also, make sure connections at vents and registers are well sealed where they meet floors, walls, and ceiling.”
If an afternoon in your crawlspace or attic with a roll of metal tape doesn’t sound like fun , give Eyman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning a call. We’ll come help you out, 402.731.2727
“Think of your home as one big refrigerator you want to keep nice and cool inside. Yes, you can add more insulation, or wrap it with radiant barrier, but bang–for–the buck, start by closing the door,” RadiantBarrierGuru.com says.
