Seal Your Ducted Return For Air Tightness

Ducted heating/cooling returns have been covered in previous videos. This video shows the attention to detail that should be expected when sealing up a return. It demonstrates products that can be used and indicates that the work does not need to be pretty, as the ducted heating return is a concealed compartment hidden behind a grill.
A ducted heating return plenum is a critical part of a central heating system that collects heated air from the living spaces in your home and cycles it back to the furnace to be reheated. When the plenum has leaks, it can create several issues, including inefficiency and safety concerns.
1. The most significant issue is the health of the occupants. Sucking unfiltered air from the roof can push poor-quality air throughout a home, aggravating asthma sufferers and inducing respiratory problems.
Introducing Contaminants: Leaky return plenums can pull in dust, insulation particles, and other contaminants from the attic, basement, or crawl spaces where the ductwork is usually located. These particles can pollute indoor air, potentially triggering allergies or other health issues.
2. Energy Efficiency Loss: The second most significant problem is the loss of energy efficiency. Leaky ducts can cause up to a 20-30% loss of heated air, which means more energy is used to heat your home, causing a spike in your energy bills.
3. Reduced Comfort: When heated air escapes from leaky ducts, it leads to uneven heating across your house, causing the HVAC system to overwork to maintain the set temperature, thus reducing the overall comfort level in your home.
4. Safety Concerns: If the leaks are significant, they can lead to the risk of back-drafting. This is when gases from combustion appliances like furnaces or water heaters are drawn back into the living space rather than exiting through the vent, which can be harmful.
5. Decreased HVAC System Life: Overworked heating systems due to leaky ducts have a shortened lifespan and may require frequent repairs or replacements.
Regular inspection and maintenance of your ducted heating system are crucial in response to these issues. Engaging a professional to repair any leaks and confirm the system functions efficiently is advisable.

[@linny-h7y]

exact my situation,!return behind a enclosed closet

[@4toni729]

This is exactly what our return is like in Melbourne. When we had our system serviced last the person chucked our return filters and didn’t replace them 😮. Off to buy these products.

[@ecoevo]

@@4toni729 have fun doing this! You will notice a huge difference!☺️

[@TypicalAsian517]

@@ecoevo what type of tradie do i call to fix return duct? Thanks

[@iteerrex8166]

Waw, I wonder how much money they lost in heating and cooling, due to the awful workmanship. It’s just criminal.

[@0M7D]

Whats the name of that smoker tool?

[@KJSvitko]

Every home and business should install a rain water collection and storage system along with solar panels.
Even in areas where rain is infrequent it is crazy to waste the little rain that does fall and waste it.
We need to stop planting green lawns and switch to local native plantings around homes.
It is crazy to plant lawns and build golf courses in dry desert areas. We waste too much water and electricity.

[@KJSvitko]

An energy efficient home or business is more comfortable and saves money in the long run.
Solar energy on your roof combined with battery storage can make people more independent from the grid and natural gas supplies. Add solar and supplemental electric heating or a heat pump for home heating..
Added insulation, triple glaze windows, energy efficient doors, energy efficient heating and cooling systems, energy efficient appliances, LED lighting, smart thermostats, solar panels combined with battery storage and a electric vehicle charger in the garage or car park. People are too focused on the short term costs and miss out on long term savings and comfort. Blower door testing and air sealing are under appreciated tools.Even if you have money to burn you should not waste it. Climate Change will impact everyone. Leave a better future for your children and grandchildren. Join in and speak up for the future of the planet.