We all understand the need for regular maintenance of those HVAC components that we see regularly. Yet, the hidden parts of the system, such as the ductwork, are equally important.
Your duct system does two things: It allows treated air to be moved from the evaporator or the furnace to your living space, and it routes it back again via return ducts. Ducts often run through lofts, attics, wall cavities and crawl spaces, so for the most part, they’re out of sight, out of mind.
Leaks and poor connections in the duct system will allow conditioned air to escape and allow contaminant gases and particles – such as mold spores, allergens and even small, irritating pieces of insulation material – to enter the ducts and circulate into your living space. Sealing and insulating the ductwork should prevent these problems.
Duct insulation. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that, because ducts are typically made from thin metal, they can lose between “10 and 30 percent of the energy used to heat and cool your home.” This lost energy translates directly into higher utility bills. It’s most important to insulate ducts running through unconditioned areas, because this is where air loss can be the most costly and where a duct system is likely to pick up dirty air.
Duct sealing. Proper sealing does more than keep treated air in and contaminants out: It also allows the accurate balancing of your supply/return system, which maximizes both comfort and efficiency. The usual way to seal ducts is to use a mastic or metal tape. Mastic is a water- or solvent-based gummy substance that adheres better, and lasts longer, than traditional duct tape (which actually is not recommended for sealing ducts). The Environmental Protection Agency has guidelines defining a quality duct system installation.
At Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning, all of our technicians are well trained in duct insulation and sealing, as well as system installation, maintenance and repair. We have been serving Lorain, Erie and Cuyahoga counties for more than 34 years. Contact us to schedule an on-site consultation to determine if your duct system will benefit from insulation or sealing.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about duct systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Energy 1 Heating services the Lorain, OH area. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area