Improved comfort, especially during periods of hot or cold weather Lower energy use, which means lower energy bills A quieter home due to less noise entering from the outside. Fewer holes where pollen, dust, pollution, and insects can enter your home. Improved durability of the building structure through the reduced movement of moist air.
Whether you do it yourself or have a contractor work on your home, it is important to have your local heating and cooling contractor perform a Combustion Safety Test after sealing air leaks to be sure all your gas or oil burning appliances are working properly. A good time to have it checked is during your annual heating system check-up. Of course, another way to help ensure good indoor air quality in your home is to test for radon. Learn more about Home Sealing and your home's envelope by visiting http://www.energystar.gov
and clicking on Home Sealing. For the "Do-it-Yourselfer" with an accessible attic, view "A DIY Guide to ENERGY STAR Home Sealing" for step-by-step instructions for sealing air leaks and adding insulation.
If you prefer to hire a professional to seal your home, you can view recommendations for finding a contractor.
Sealing Your Ducts
Ducts are an integral part of a forced-air system such as a furnace, heat pump, or central air conditioner, whose job is to circulate heated or cooled air evenly to every room in a house.
Poorly performing ducts can leak conditioned air and reduce your system's efficiency by as much as 20%, by causing it to work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Ducts are commonly concealed in walls, ceilings, attics, basements, or crawl spaces, which can make them
difficult to access and repair. EPA recommends using a professional contractor for duct improvements. Many contractors who install heating and cooling systems also repair ductwork. For tips on selecting the right contractor, see p. 12, "Working with a Heating and Cooling Contractor."
Sealing Your Ducts
Ducts are an integral part of a forced-air system such as a furnace, heat pump, or central air conditioner, whose job is to circulate heated or cooled air evenly to every room in a house.
Poorly performing ducts can leak conditioned air and reduce your system's efficiency by as much as 20%, by causing it to work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Ducts are commonly concealed in walls, ceilings, attics, basements, or crawl spaces, which can make them
difficult to access and repair. EPA recommends using a professional contractor for duct improvements. Many contractors who install heating and cooling systems also repair ductwork. For tips on selecting the right contractor, see p. 12, "Working with a Heating and Cooling Contractor." Improve your ducts by sealing leaks and insulating the ducts in attics and crawl spaces. This will improve your system's overall performance and your home's comfort and indoor air quality. You should have your duct system checked by a professional contractor to ensure it is operating efficiently to deliver the right amount of conditioned air.
Duct Improvement Checklist
When making improvements to your duct system, your contractor should:
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