
Leaky ducts are one of the leading causes behind home energy inefficiency, yet they often go unnoticed. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, duct inefficiency ranges from 30% to 50% in most U.S. homes. Meanwhile, local utility companies here in the Austin, Texas area have stated that the average home has ductwork that is wasting about 27% of a home’s cooled or heated air.
The ductwork in your home can incur damage in a number of ways:
Improper installation
During your home construction or remodeling
Deterioration over time
Pest infestations
This can cause punctures and cracks along ducts, leaks around connections, and gaps around vents and air intakes. All of these duct problems cause conditioned air to be released into the attic, instead of your home.
Locating the Problem with Duct Testing
We start by performing a visual inspection of your duct system, looking for any obvious issues such as punctures in ducts or leaks around connections. We’ll then perform a Duct Blaster Test and an Air Balancing Test to get a more detailed look at your ductwork.
A Duct Blaster Test measures the efficiency of the air traveling through the ducts while an Air Balancing Test measures system performance of the duct system. After a comprehensive look at your ductwork, we can recommend repairs and upgrades that will help you get the most from your ductwork so you stay more comfortable and save on your monthly bills.
Increase Your Energy Efficiency with Duct Sealing
After assessing your ductwork, we can seal your ducts and make repairs that will make your duct system perform at its best. This may include sealing and repairing any damaged ducts; sealing the furnace, plenum, registers, and air returns; and rejoining loose connections in the duct system.
We can also make related upgrades that will support more efficient ductwork, such as clearing all debris from soffit vents, installing a solar powered attic fan, installing insulation batts at knee walls or vaults, and blowing insulation evenly throughout your attic to reach at least 15-18 inches of insulation (R-38). If your ductwork needs duct design or replacement, that is a service we can perform as well.
Green Collar Operations: Austin’s Ductwork Professionals
At Green Collar Operations, we offer a number of duct solutions to help you get the most from your ductwork. We’ll come to your home, locate inefficiencies in your ductwork, and recommend solutions that can help you lower your energy bills, enhance home comfort, and more.