Tip 4: Air Ducts

By maintaining the cleanliness and performance of your ducts, you can make sure your heating and cooling systems are operating at optimal levels. Thorough cleaning of ducts is an important part of maintaining healthy air inside your home.

Duct leaks rquire increased energy use for heating and air conditioning . Leaks in joints between ductwork and around air handler cabinets allow expensive heated or cooled air to escape into attics. Leaky ductwork makes heating and cooling systems work longer and harder to maintain comfort in a home, thus shortening their lifespans. They can also cause negative pressure in the house which can allow moisture and, in some instances, carbon monoxide to enter into the home. To improve the performance and efficiency of your central heating and cooling systems, seal all leaks.

Ducts should be sealed using mastic or a combination of mastic and mesh, pressure sensitive foil tape (UL 181AP) or heat sensitive foil tape (UL181AH). If a foil tape is used it must be applied in a manner such that the duct board scrim pattern is visible through the tape.