Building Green Homes

   Regularly keeping up with the maintenance of heating and cooling systems such as cleaning the filters, is key to having an efficient system.  Sealing duct leaks is a great way to reduce energy use in the home when it comes to forced air heating and cooling systems.  Around 20% of lost cold and hot air is due to leaks in the ductwork and poorly sealed connections.  Sealing these areas of air loss, or better insulating the ductwork, can be done by a professional or the average homeowner.  Taking on this job will not only help to reduce energy use and save money, but it will make a home more comfortable and safe.  Toxins from cleaning products, landscaping chemicals, and dust can heighten asthma and allergy problems, sealing leaks can prevent these hazardous substances from circulating in the home.  Common signs of leaks in ductwork and ductwork connections are high utility bills, specific rooms that are difficult to heat and cool, stuffy rooms, and ducts that are located in attics, the garage, unfinished basements, or crawlspaces.  If the average homeowner decides to take on this job make sure to use mastic sealant or metal tape, never use duct tape.  Also be sure to double check that the connections to the floor and ceiling are properly sealed, since this is the most common area of air leakage.[1]

[1] Energy Star, "Duct Sealing", Feb. 2009