What should a homeowner do to maintain ductwork?
If your home has a central heating system with a heat pump or air conditioning, your home probably has a duct system that delivers conditioned air throughout the house. The ducts of a typical home leak 15 percent to 20 percent of the air they convey, but it can be much worse, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And that can add up to higher utility bills and reduced comfort. A leaky duct system will result in the heating and cooling system running much longer than necessary, and your home will probably be warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter, just the opposite of what you’d like. To compensate, most homeowners will adjust the thermostat, making the furnace or air conditioner work harder than it should. There are two main types of duct work. In older homes, the ducts are typically made from rigid metal, which frequently isn’t insulated. However, the ducts should be insulated if they aren’t. Newer homes usually have ducts that are made of a flexible material t
