How Can Sealing Your Ducts Save You Energy and Money?

   Properly sealing ductwork results in several benefits. It improves comfort by increasing the rate at which air is delivered to a space; it can prevent safety problems caused by carbon monoxide gas leaking from water and space-heating equipment; and it improves indoor air quality by reducing the infiltration of dust, humidity, and outdoor fumes and odors. It also saves energy. The most cost-effective time to seal ducts is when an HVAC system is first installed in new construction, because the ducts are easily accessed. However, ductwork can also be sealed in existing buildings. Duct sealing may be justified on the basis of its non-energy benefits alone, not to mention the benefit one can gain in energy savings. Research from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory shows that 10 to 20 percent of the air from an HVAC supply fan is wasted through leaks in entire HVAC duct system. Stopping this leakage could create significant dollar savings in certain climates.


Image Credit: Energy Star; A= Leaky connections; B= Leaky return; C= Furniture blocking registers D=Leaks at furnace and air filter slot and duct tape failures E=Fallen duct insulation; F=Leaku Supply Ducts G= Kinks restricting airflow.