Duct System

Did you know that more than 50 percent of your monthly utility bill goes to heat and cool your home? And, if you have an older, inefficient system it can cost you hundreds of dollars more on your annual home energy costs.

A properly installed duct system helps you live comfortably while using energy efficiently

The control and distribution of heated and cooled air in your home is carried out by the duct system. Significant amounts of heated and cooled air can be lost through leaks in ductwork. A properly installed duct system helps you live comfortably while using energy efficiently.

The facts

Locating ductwork during construction in conditioned versus unconditioned areas of the home can result in savings of more than 20% in heating and cooling costs.

Repairing duct leaks in existing homes can result in heating and cooling savings of as much as 30%. That's a big savings for a problem that's inexpensive to locate and repair.

Installing a duct system

The duct system should be designed by an accredited professional using industry-recognized procedures.

We recommend the following insulation specifications to ensure high efficiency and low operating costs:

  • Use at least R-6 duct wrap on all ducts. If construction design permits, install ducts inside the conditioned area.
  • Seal all joints with duct mastic, duct mastic tape or the equivalent.
  • Install R-30 to R-38 attic insulation on as much of the system as possible.
  • Select mechanical equipment with a minimum Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) of 13.0.
  • Insulate heater closet and caulk all seams to avoid drawing air in from the attic or unconditioned areas.

Upgrading your home's duct system

Look for ductwork leaks in the air-handling unit and between the following components:

  • individual sections of ductwork
  • ductwork and boots
  • registers
  • ductwork and plenums
  • ductwork and return-air chamber
  • air-handling unit and plenums
  • support platform and return-air chamber

We recommend the following insulation specifications if you are upgrading your duct system.

  1. Install a minimum of R-6 duct wrap to uninsulated ducts and tape all joints.
  2. Mastic or seal all joints between ducts, supply plenum and heat pump and insulate against heat transfer.
  3. Seal heater closet paying special attention to pipes and wires that pass through walls.
  4. Seal off heater closet from the attic so the system can't draw unconditioned air from that area.
  5. Upgrade attic insulation to R-38 and cover as much of the duct system as possible.

*Must be a Georgia Power customer. $200 rebate for a 13 SEER heat pump and a $400 rebate for a 15 SEER or higher heat pump. Rebate offer good from June 1, 2011 through August 31, 2011. Certain restrictions may apply. Estimated energy costs (heating & cooling costs only) based on 2,146 sq. foot Georgia home. Electric costs based on Georgia Power residential R-16 rate and FCR-Schedule 21. Gas costs based on rolling 12-month average fixed rates (as of September 2010) of 3 largest gas marketers (excludes AGL base charges) filed with the GA PSC. Customer's actual energy costs may vary due to individual equipment and usage. Potential federal income tax credits depend on the new system's efficiency rating and may be available for 2011 installations. Check with your HVAC dealer and tax advisor for more information.