For homes with central or ducted heat pump systems, the ductwork plays a vital role in delivering heated or cooled air throughout the house. But if your ducts are leaking, poorly insulated, or improperly sealed, your entire HVAC system’s efficiency and effectiveness can take a serious hit, along with your energy bills and overall comfort.
If you’re wondering whether duct sealing is worth the investment for your Nassau or Suffolk County home, the answer is a resounding yes! Here’s why: Typical duct systems lose 25 to 40 percent of the heating or cooling energy put out by the central furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner.
Common Causes of Energy Loss in Ductwork
- Leaks: Ductwork expansion and contraction often leads to leaks, which let conditioned air escape and reduce air pressure. This leads to uneven temperature delivery, higher energy bills, and increased contaminants in your indoor air.
- Poor Insulation: Without proper insulation, ducts lose energy through conduction, especially as they run through unconditioned areas like attics or basements.
- Design Flaws: Long duct runs, excessive bends, or improperly sized ducts can exacerbate energy loss and make your system work harder than it needs to.
Why Insulating and Sealing Ducts Is Essential
To maximize the efficiency of your ducted central heat pump or HVAC system, duct insulation and air sealing are key. Properly sealed and insulated ductwork helps:
- Reduce energy waste: By minimizing leaks and conduction, more of the heated or cooled air reaches your living spaces.
- Lower energy bills: Improved energy efficiency means you’ll spend less on heating and cooling.
- Enhance comfort: Say goodbye to uneven temperatures and drafty rooms.
- Improve air quality: Sealing ducts prevents outdoor pollutants from entering your home’s air supply.
- Extend HVAC lifespan: Your HVAC system works less hard when the ducts are properly sealed, leading to reduced wear and tear.
The Role of Duct Sealing in Whole-Home Efficiency
Duct sealing is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to improving HVAC efficiency. To get the best results, insulating and air sealing your entire home is crucial. Sealing gaps around windows, doors, and your home’s envelope keeps conditioned air inside and reduces the load on your ducted heat pump or central HVAC system.
Ductless mini split heat pumps are growing in popularity for Long Island homes because they can provide high-efficiency heating and cooling without requiring ductwork, which is often notoriously leaky. However, for homes with central or ducted systems, ensuring your ductwork is properly sealed and insulated is just as effective at achieving comfort and efficiency.
Call the Trusted Heating Contractor on Long Island
If you’re ready to improve the efficiency of your home, working with a trusted heating contractor on Long Island is essential. At Home Efficiency Experts, we take a whole-home approach to ensure your ducts, HVAC system, and home insulation work together for maximum efficiency and comfort.
Our process includes a visual inspection of your ductwork, advanced diagnostic testing to locate invisible leaks, sealing leaks with durable mastic sealant and reinforcing seams for long-term airtightness, and balancing your duct system to ensure proper airflow. We can also assess your home’s insulation and air sealing needs as part of a larger energy audit.
Get Started with Duct Sealing and Insulation
Improve the efficiency, comfort, and air quality of your home with professional duct sealing and insulation. Whether you have a ducted central heat pump or a traditional HVAC system, Home Efficiency Experts has the expertise you need.