“about 20-30 Percent Of The Air That Moves Through A Duct System Is Lost Due To Leaks, Holes, And Poorly Connected Ducts. When The Ducts Are In An Unconditioned Space, The Result Is Higher Utility Bills And Difficulty Keeping The House Comfortable, No Matter Where The Thermostat Is Set.” In High Humidity Areas, Duct Leakage Into Unconditioned Space Also Results In Increased Humidity In The Home… ”that Cold Clammy Feeling And Wet Dog Smell.” In Cold Climates, Duct Leakage To Unconditioned Areas Lowers The Humidity In The Home Making It Feel Cooler And Adding Some Excitement Through Unexpected Sparking Static Electricity. | Kitchener ON

Are there other benefits to duct upgrades and repairs?

For many existing homes, there will many benefits that come with an upgraded ducting system, such as…

• Improved indoor air quality
• Enhanced health
• Lower utility bills
• Improved humidity levels.

Obviously, using less energy translates into lower utility bills for you. Using less energy is not only smart; it is also a national goal that is environmentally friendly.

“Improved indoor air quality and enhanced health” are big claims!

If you currently have good indoor air quality, you may not see an obvious improvement. However, in many systems, sealing the duct will increase indoor air quality. Thus, enhancing occupant health. For example, if ducts are leaking in an attic or crawl space they may bring in outside elements like pollen, mold spores, or other pollutants. Worse yet, if they are in a garage, leaking ducts may bring in automotive exhaust fumes or other chemical fumes from items stored in the garage. In a worst-case scenario, leaking return ducts can cause a furnace or water heater in a small space to operate unsafely.

Are energy savings really going to show up on my utility bill?

If you have a leaking or un-insulated ducting in an attic or crawl space, the answer is “Yes.”

A typical homeowner story is available on the Department of Energy’s website indicates a 53% decrease in energy costs. The homeowner said, “But it’s magic. We’re keeping the house warmer and paying half as much.”

“Sold!” Who is the best person to contact when I need to decide on HVAC upgrades that include duct repairs?

Look no further than your professional HVAC contractor! Professional HVAC contractors can evaluate, design, install, and/or repair ducts. An excellent time to have this work done is during an equipment change out. That way your duct system will work with your new higher efficiency equipment to make your home more energy-efficient. Additionally, once the duct system is repaired or replaced, and balanced based on your individual room heating and cooling requirements, you should enjoy a new level of comfort in your home.

One major quality the best contractors will have in common is the ability to perform a Manual J load calculation, a Manual S equipment selection calculation, and a Manual D duct design calculation.