Well-sealed ductwork helps keep heating and cooling bills under control. Leaky ducts are a pervasive problem and can easily reduce the efficiency of the average heating and cooling system as much as 30 percent. And since ductwork is usually hidden -- in crawl spaces, basements and attics -- most homeowners don't realize their ductwork might be damaged or inadequately insulated.
Problems often arise when subcontractors do work in the house, and duct systems are damaged or dislodged in the process.
What's more, new homes are sometimes even leakier than ones built before 1950 because today's more flexible ducting made of Mylar and plastic lasts only 15 years at most and grows more brittle with time.
Signs of leaky heating ducts:
• Rooms never seem to warm or cool properly.
• System needs frequent repairs.
• Home has humidity problems or excessive dust.
• Cooling system is noisy.
• You keep your thermostat low all winter and still have high heating bills.
• Furnace filters are especially dirty.
• A significant drop in the amount of air coming out of registers.
• Rooms feel stuffy.
Homeowners who do get their ducts sealed usually notice immediately that more air comes out of their registers and that their homes are more comfortable. Plus, leaking ducts also create dirty ducts, allowing pollutants and fumes to enter a home and aggravating any allergies and respiratory problems.
Energy Trust of Oregon has
plus a
to test for leaks and seal ducts.
The Environmental Protection Agency's
has more info.
-- Homes & Gardens staff
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