Design and Installation of Ductwork

KNOW YOUR DUCTS

In houses with forced-air heating and cooling systems, ducts are used to distribute conditioned air throughout the house. In a typical house, however, about 20% of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. The result is higher utility bills and difficulty keeping the house comfortable, no matter how the thermostat is set. How do you know that your home has poorly performing ducts? You may have duct problems if:

- you have high summer and winter utility bills;
- you have rooms that are difficult to heat and cool;
- you have stuffy rooms that never seem to feel comfortable;
- your ducts are located in an attic, crawlspace, or the garage;
- you find tangled or kinked flexible ducts in your system.


 

WORKING WITH A CONTRACTOR

Many homeowners choose to hire a professional contractor for duct improvement projects.

Universal will:

Inspect the whole duct system, including attic and crawlspaces.

Evaluate the system's supply and return air balance.Many systems have air return ducts that are too small.

Repair damaged and disconnected ducts and straighten out flexible ducts that are tangled or crushed.

Seal all leaks and connections with mastic, metal tape, or an aerosol-based sealant.

Seal all registers and grills tightly to the ducts.

Insulate ducts in unconditioned areas (like attics,crawlspaces, and garages) with duct insulation that carries an R-value of 6 or higher.

Include a new filter as part of any duct system improvement. The contractor should evaluate air flow after repairs are completed.

Ensure there is no backdrafting of gas or oil-burning appliances, and conduct a combustion safety test
after ducts are sealed.