My first heat pump was a real eye opener. The winter was cold, the air stale and my bill super high. From that experience I learned how duct tightness and designs are essential to heat pump operation, and realizing energy savings, healthy air and low electricity bills.
Here are three key duct problems/opportunities to watch out for when planning a heat pump installation. Duct Leaks, Money Loss and Unhealthy Air. Let’s start with duct air leaks losing energy.
Duct Air Leaks
Leaky ducts in your home can rob the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Duct leaks lead the conditioned air to escape into unconditioned spaces like attics, crawl spaces, or basements instead of being delivered to your rooms.
The HVAC system works harder and longer to maintain a comfortable temperature. This leads to huge energy losses. The harder the system works, the more energy it consumes, reducing the overall efficiency and often leaving you uncomfortable.
Unhealthy Air
In addition to energy loss, duct air leaks can negatively impact indoor air quality by drawing in air from unconditioned and unhealthy spaces. These areas often are full of dust, mold, insulation particles, and pollutants which get sucked into the duct system right through the duct leaks.
These contaminants are then distributed throughout the home, leading to poor indoor air quality. This can wreak havoc for those of us with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues.
Money Lost
The financial losses every minute from duct air leaks can be significant. The increased workload on the HVAC system due to air leaks results in higher energy consumption, which directly translates to higher utility bills. You end up spending more money each month to achieve the same level of comfort you could have with a well-sealed duct system.
Over time, the cumulative cost of these energy inefficiencies can be substantial, making it an important issue to look out for when upgrading your heating and cooling system.
Inspect Your Ducts and Then Seal Them
For me, the extra effort and low cost to seal my ducts, especially the return ductwork, was worth it. The energy saved makes me happy when the electricity bill arrives. But even more than money, the air in my home smells so much better when it’s not being pulled in from the crawl space below my house.
Sealing your ducts, at least what can be accessed, requires just two supplies: spray foam and high quality foil tape. Look for any gaps, cracks and loose areas. Tape the outside or fill the gaps. And voila! Your ducts will perform better.
A true test on their performance does require pressure testing, and includes expensive tools and skills that home energy auditors can complete. They can often do the duct sealing for you as well.
Have questions about your ductwork and heat pump installation? Contact us and ask away!
