The cost of heating and cooling is a big item in your monthly budget, so it pays to make modest investments in system upgrades and repairs to improve your home's energy efficiency. After you have tightened up your home by adding insulation and caulking around doors and windows, one of the best ways to save energy is to make sure your ductwork is in good shape.

The Energy Star website reports that a typical home loses 20 percent of its heating and cooling energy due to ductwork problems. Aging ducts lose efficiency for a variety of reasons, including deterioration of sealing materials, joints coming loose due to inadequate structural support or sloppy installation, and deterioration of insulation.

If your utility bills have been going up or if you have problems keeping areas of your home comfortable when your heating or cooling systems are running, it may be time for professional ductwork inspection and repair. Some things your technician may do during ductwork service include:

• Complete system inspection and cleaning. Your technician will inspect your ducts for leaks and other damage and recommend cleaning and repairs as necessary. He will ensure that supply and return air ducts allow balanced airflow throughout your home.
• Seal leaks. Leaky seams or loose connections between joints will be repaired. Connections should be fastened with screws or clamps and sealed with mastic sealant rather than with common gray "duct" tape, which deteriorates due to heat exposure and aging.
• Repair insulation. Your ducts should be insulated anywhere they run through unconditioned spaces such as your attic. If insulation has been damaged by moisture or has come loose, it should be replaced to minimize energy losses.
• Replace damaged ducts. Flexible ducts are easily kinked if they are not properly supported or if they are used around tight corners. Some flexible ducts may need to be replaced if they cannot be straightened to eliminate airflow blockages.

Call us at Tri-County Heating & Cooling for ductwork inspection and repairs. We help homeowners throughout the West Chester area keep their families comfortable and their utility bills low in every season.

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