Shoddy duct installation practices have been cited as a primary source of energy leaks in several studies. Getting ductwork sealed up properly at the most critical points - joins, boots, and transitions - was the purpose of the second DuctFair, hosted by the South Carolina Association of Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors (SCAHACC). With its southern location, the event focused on duct board and flex duct systems, but also dealt with sheet metal to a more limited degree.
Leaks in areas such as crawlspaces or attics can draw in outdoor air to the airstream, reducing the amount of heat exchange available and thus degrading system efficiency. It also affects customer comfort.