Repairing Ducts

Your leaking ducts are wasted energy. Leaky ducts can be a significant source of energy waste in both new and existing homes.

Leaky supply ducts can send expensive conditioned air into unconditioned spaces such as attics and crawlspaces and leaky return ducts can draw unconditioned air into the duct system. Leaky ducts can be responsible for inadequate air distribution, resulting in rooms that are too cold or too warm. Simple duct sealing methods can save energy and increase comfort.

Duct leakage measurements are used to diagnose duct leakage problems, estimate energy loss from duct leaks, and verify the quality of duct system installation.

I can test your ducts for air tightness with a Minneapolis Duct Blaster (state of the art equipment) pressurizing the duct system with a calibrated fan, much in the same way a plumbing system is pressure tested for leaks. In this method the ductwork is pressurized, the rate of airflow (usually expressed in cubic feet per minute at 25 Pascals of pressure) into the ducts (with the registers sealed) is used to determine the duct tightness. Then blowing smoke (the same white “smoke” used by DJ’s) into the system allows me to find leaks in the system. Most of the time sealing the ducts with proper sealants will be enough, in some cases ductwork needs to be replaced (someone has crawled across or ripped it open) and sealed correctly.

What Are The Benefits To Me?
  • Reduced energy bills
  • Increased home comfort levels
  • Improved indoor air quality
  • Increased home value, documented energy saving home improvements are know to have a positive impact on resale values. As the energy savings make the home more affordable.
  • Reduced operating time for the heating and cooling system means increased system longevity.
  • End results are a quieter, healthier, more comfortable and affordable home.



Jim Fleming Consultant
530.308.7959 Fax 530.583.4187
jim@energyrater.biz
Serving the
Tahoe/Truckee area
CL# 929329
Certified HERS rater cc2004537