There are many different ways a home can be upgraded to increase efficiency and decrease your utility bills. Although we talk mainly about our foil insulation and the many applications where it can be installed, it is refreshing to talk about other areas in a home where problems can be fixed or improvements can be made.

Sealing air ducts is a project you may not have given much thought to, but it can be a serious problem and cost you a lot of money. At the very least, you should have full confidence that your heating and cooling system is performing correctly and efficiently.

Forced air heating and cooling systems are prevalent in homes built after the 1950’s. Over 95% of new homes built today utilize forced air systems. The main delivery of this forced hot or cold air comes via ducts that are used to distribute the conditioned air throughout your home. Energy Star® estimates 20% of air that moves through duct systems is lost due to leaks or poorly sealed connections. This results in an increased load on your furnace or air conditioning unit and higher utility bills.

Some areas of your ductwork cannot be accessed but most of it can. You can inspect and repair exposed ducts in attics, basements, crawlspaces, and garages by sealing leaks with duct mastic or duct sealant. Any areas of the duct run that get hot in the summer and cold in the winter can be insulated as well. Insulating these areas is another energy saving project that is inexpensive and will help your home operate at its optimal level.

We have included a link to Energy Star® Air Seal and Insulate Brochure for your review. We hope you enjoyed this post and look forward to bringing you more energy saving tips.