If Present, Ductwork Leaks Are Costing You Money

In the face of rising energy costs, most homeowners are looking for ways to lower their heating and cooling bills. Here in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area, keeping a home both warm and energy efficient in the winter can be a challenge. You may have already installed a programmable thermostat, bought high-efficiency equipment, or gone with a zoning system. But you may be overlooking a significant reason your energy bills are too high: ductwork leaks.

The problem

The ductwork is the part of your HVAC system that carries heated and cooled air from the air handling unit to the various rooms in your home. It’s not a high-tech part of the system and doesn’t use any energy itself, but it can make a huge difference in how efficiently your system works.

Your ductwork runs through spaces you don’t see all that often: behind the walls, in the basement and in the attic. When it’s installed, it’s sealed. But over time, ductwork seams loosen, and damage takes its toll. When ductwork becomes leaky, heated and cooled air escapes into these uninhabited areas of your home. Your fuel bill rises, and because you don’t look at your ductwork very often, you may think it’s just because of rising fuel costs or cooler outdoor temperatures.

The solution

Repairing ductwork leaks is easy, once they have been detected. This is a normal part of inspecting a home’s heating and air conditioning system. If your HVAC system hasn’t been inspected this year, it’s time to set up an appointment. Your tech can find the areas that need repair and seal all the trouble spots. Then, to do the most thorough job possible, have your ductwork insulated.

Have any questions about your ductwork or HVAC system? Call Fred’s Heating and Air Conditioning. We serve homeowners in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area, and we’re happy to help you with all of your home-comfort needs.