Lots of people know that spending a little more on a high efficiency air conditioning system now will pay off big in the long run with lower energy costs, less upkeep and a higher level of comfort.

What most people don’t realize is that their equipment is only part of the solution. To fully feel the benefits of your investment, make sure your ductwork is as well thought out as your HVAC unit.

Poorly planned or sloppily installed ducts can negate the energy savings and cost reductions you are counting on. Joints that aren’t sealed properly can let a lot of that precious conditioned air escape. As can old ductwork that may not be up to par with today’s new standards.

Even newer ducts, when placed in areas where temperatures can be extreme (like attics), release a not-too-insignificant percentage of that comfy air.

Well what’s a well-meaning homeowner to do?

Interestingly enough, some new homes these days are being built with ductwork running through the conditioned living space. By constructing an insulated zone between the ceiling joists and a dropped ceiling, or between the walls mainly in the corners of a room, ducts can exist in a area where any lost air would contribute to the overall comfort of the home.

Of course you don’t have to build a new house to improve the efficiency of your ductwork. One thing you can look at is your duct’s configuration. A radial design, where air supplies and returns have direct connections to the unit, or a trunk and branch design, where supplies and returns branch off from a long “trunk” directly connected to the unit, are best for most houses. If your home has a different configuration, you might consider a conversion.

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