Florida Solar Energy Center

Researchers found that by repairing leaking ductwork, cooling energy was reduced by an average of 17.4%.

Pacific Gas & Electric Study

In the Summer of 1990, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) hired Proctor Engineering Group to investigate the potential energy savings in residential air conditioners and forced air gas furnaces. The study targeted clients with high utility bills.

The objectives of the study were to:

• Identify the major problems with existing residential air conditioning installations.
• Identify the major problems with existing furnace installations.
• Determine what actions could be taken to correct those problems.
• Estimate the potential savings from those actions.

The results are startling. Here is a summary of their findings on air distribution problems:

• 93% Duct leakage greater than 150 cfm (recommended maximum in this study).

The PG&E study identified a significant source of untapped electrical and gas savings. In all cases the cooling energy use could be lowered by 10% to 30% without extreme effort. In addition, these repairs have the potential to improve customer satisfaction.

The Fresno project showed that the existing HVAC contractor infrastructure was not able to identify and solve the problems that led to the high bill complaints. This can be attributed to a business environment that concentrates on low first cost and lowest bid. This business atmosphere results in poor installations and inadequate time available to diagnose and repair extreme problems that exist.

1999 Department Of Energy Research

The following statements were made in a 1999 Department of Energy Research report entitled "Improving the Efficiency of Your Duct System."

Energy Losses and Comfort

"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." "Homes with ducts in a protected area such as a basement may lose somewhat less than this while some other types of systems (such as attic ducts in hot, humid climates) often lose more."

"Duct repairs could be the most important energy improvement measure you can do…"

Health Hazards

"Leakage in the duct system can be hazardous to your health. Especially problematic are leaky returns in an enclosed space or garage that also contains the furnace."

Get a Professional!

"You should not attempt to repair duct leaks. Safe duct repair requires a licensed heating, ventilating and air conditioning contractor… one that has sent their technicians to a good duct repair school."