2017 is here and with that comes resolutions for change. Maybe you have a goal of saving more money. One way you can do that is by being more energy efficient, which will lower your electricity bill! A large portion of your monthly energy bill goes toward heating and cooling your home. Your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system must be properly taken care of to ensure it is performing the most efficiently.
In houses with forced-air heating and cooling systems, ducts are used to distribute conditioned air throughout the house. Duct work can spring leaks, wasting cooled and heated air. In a typical house, about 20 to 30 percent of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. The result is higher utility bills and difficulty keeping the house comfortable.
Ducts are often concealed in walls, ceilings, attics, and basements and repairing them can be difficult. However there are ways you can improve duct performance in your house. Start by sealing air leaks using mastic sealant or metal tape and insulating all the ducts that you can access. Make sure that the connections at vents and registers are well-sealed where they meet the floors, walls, and ceiling. These are common locations to find leaks and disconnected ductwork. You can also contact a professional contractor for duct improvement projects.
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