Comfort Institute released finding from a new study that indicates leaks in ductwork located in conditioned space can have a significant impact on energy savings. The study, conducted by Comfort Institute in combination with the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA), showed that the amount of conditioned air seeping through the building envelope and escaping to the outside of the home was reduced by an average of 11.4 percent after the ducts were effectively sealed.
Energy modeling conducted by the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance showed an average total heating and cooling cost of $2,010 per year, with $202 per year in savings or a 10 percent reduction in energy costs. “We now have some initial data which contradicts the common opinion that duct sealing only saves energy if the leaky ducts are located in unconditioned spaces,” said Rob McCracken, director of operations for GCEA. “We can begin to see that, based on individual home situations, homes with duct systems located inside the house can see a reduction in energy consumption between 5 percent to 15 percent.”