DOE Recommends Duct Repairs to Reduce Cooling Costs and Improve Energy Efficiency

Homeowners interested in lowering their home cooling costs this summer should follow the DOE’s energy saving advice to fix and seal leaky duct work. “Duct repairs could be the most important energy improvement you can make if your home’s duct work is in the attic”, states a Research and Development study at the U. S. Department of Energy.

Existing Homes

Typical attic duct systems lose as much as 40% of the cooled air they are transporting, reports the DOE. During a hot, humid summer this cooling loss could be even higher. By sealing duct leaks homeowners could see a savings of at least $200 year, probably more. (This is an estimate based on current rates of .15 kWh).

The study also lists the health risks associated with duct leaks, especially when the duct system runs through an attic, basement and garage. They recommend sealing leaks to prevent flue gasses, radon, dust, and other harmful particulates from entering your living space and affecting indoor air quality.

Building a New Home

If you are building a new home, there are duct system options that are well worth implementing, states the DOE. For the best comfort and energy efficiency start by telling your builder you want a “leak-free” duct system. This can be accomplished in a couple of ways.

Your HVAC contractor or builder can use an aerosol sealant to seal duct work seams, joints and any cracks that may have occurred during construction. The best time to seal ductwork is during the rough stage of construction, preferably before the furnace is installed.

Designing your duct system to be inside the conditioned part of the home, is another energy saving option. A home that is designed to be energy efficient will require a smaller HVAC system, less air flow and a less bulky system. A professional Manual J, D and S report is recommended for accurate mechanical sizing and duct layout.

Read the Article

Follow the link to read the full DOE study on Improving the Efficiency of Your Duct System, published by the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse.

About Aeroseal, the Aerosol Duct Sealant

Aeroseal is a patented aerosol sealant applied to duct work through a computerized injection process. Only a licensed and fully trained Aeroseal technician can supply this service. The sealant formula is derived from a natural organic compound. It has been tested by an independent lab and found to have an extremely low concentration of VOCs and is safe to breathe. This product has a 10 year PLUS warranty and an IECC Duct Test guarantee.

For more information contact Priority Energy; an authorized and experienced Aeroseal Contractor.