EnergyWiseSM Tip: Ducts
August 13, 2021
By: Energy Efficiency Program Manager Cory Fuehrer
Pop quiz: What could be wasting up to 20% of your home’s energy use each year? Here’s a hint. It’s not your children’s video gaming systems or cell phone chargers. Rather, it’s something you rarely see and likely wouldn’t consider unless you have heating and/or cooling problems.
Give up? It’s your ductwork! About 90% of Nebraska homes have a furnace, air conditioner or heat pump connected to a centralized ductwork system. According to ENERGY STAR®, up to 30% of the heated or cooled air that moves through ducts could be lost to leaks, improperly sealed joints, or a lack of insulation. Leaks and seams are responsible for inefficient heating and cooling, but something called heat conduction also shoulders some of the blame. According to the Department of Energy, this phenomenon, in combination with air leaks and gaps, can reduce the efficiency of heating and cooling systems by as much as 40%. Since about half of the energy used in Nebraska homes is attributed to space conditioning, that equates to an overall annual energy loss of 20%!
Why? Your home's duct system is a branching network of rectangular and/or round tubes in the walls, floors and ceilings that carries heated or cooled air from the home's heat pump, furnace, or central air conditioner to each room. Duct sections are usually made of sheet metal, fiberglass or other construction materials. Duct loss occurs when conditioned air in a home escapes the duct system through holes, loose connections or improperly sealed junctions between sections. Loss also occurs as heat transfers directly through the walls of the duct itself. These losses are usually from the effects of poor duct installation, insulation and/or design practices.
How would you know if you have duct problems? Here are common symptoms:
• Rooms that are hard to heat or cool – Rooms that are not cooling or heating properly usually means that the ducts are not transporting sufficient amounts of conditioned air to and from them.
• Dust can be found on flat surfaces after running the furnace or air conditioner – Dust can be drawn into leaky air return ducts, make it passed the filter and blow the dust into conditioned rooms.
• Higher utility bills – If ducts cannot transport air properly through a home, the heating and cooling system has to run longer, which requires more energy and costs more money.
Before contacting a certified HVAC technician, there are some simple, inexpensive steps you might try to resolve duct issues:
Step 1. Turn on your furnace or air conditioning system.
Step 2. Locate air ducts (typically found under floors, in ceilings, and in attics and crawl spaces).
Step 3. Feel along the sides of ducts to spot escaping air. Leaks are found at connections to vents and registers where they meet the floor, walls and ceiling. Remember that the s-cleats (where sections of duct connect) are also notorious for leaking.
Step 4. Seal with mastic-type sealant and/or butyl, foil or other heat-approved tapes that are labeled with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) logo. Mastic sealants are applied with a paint brush and work great for leaks less than one-quarter inch wide. Heat-approved tapes are great for wider gaps and holes in ductwork.
Step 5. If any of your ductwork runs through areas not heated or cooled, remember it requires proper insulation. When uninsulated ductwork extends through unconditioned attics, basements or crawlspaces, heat can easily transfer directly through the duct wall. Thus, cooled air will heat up during the summer and heated air will be cooled during the winter before it gets to the room being conditioned. Also, uninsulated ductwork running through warm, humid areas will cause moisture problems since humidity will condense into liquid water on the duct’s surface.
Finally, if you are unable or prefer not to resolve your system’s concerns through the steps above, it is best to contact an HVAC technician certified through an accredited organization such as the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) program. This helps provide assurance your duct problems are appropriately resolved the first time!
To identify more ways to manage your energy costs, visit with Southwest Public Power District or Nebraska Public Power District. They are committed to helping customers make the most of the energy they use, which includes keeping homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer. You may also qualify for EnergyWiseSM energy efficiency financial incentives to offset the cost of making your home more energy efficient. Contact Southwest Public Power District or visit www.nppd.com to learn details.
This Valentine’s season, show your appliances a little love and they’ll return the favor in lower bills and fewer surprises. Start with the refrigerator: Vacuum the coils every six months, check door gaskets for tight seals, set the fridge at 37 to 40 degrees, and then lower the freezer to 0 degrees. This will help the appliance run more efficiently and use less power. Next, turn your attention to your clothes dryer. Clean the lint trap after every load and inspect the vent and duct for buildup; restricted airflow makes dryers run longer and raises fire risk. Consider having a technician clean the exhaust duct annually. Don’t forget the water heater. Lowering the thermostat to 120 degrees and flushing a few gallons annually to remove sediment improves efficiency and extends life. Your heating system has been keeping you warm all winter; give it some TLC by replacing HVAC filters regularly. A clogged filter forces the system to work harder. Finally, make some small fixes; they add up. Tighten loose electrical connections, replace cracked power cords and run a quick check for unusual noises or smells. These are easy tasks that prevent breakdowns and save energy. They can also keep your home safe and comfortable. Think of it as home self-care that pays dividends.
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By: NPPD Energy Efficiency Program Manager Cory Fuehrer Is this the winter you finally have had enough of shoveling now? Data analyzed by the Center for Injury Research and Policy found that annually, snow shoveling leads to about 100 deaths and 11,500 emergency room visits in the U.S. Of those treated for injuries, about 15% resulted from the shovel itself. Maybe it’s time to consider an electric snowblower? Cordless, battery-electric blowers can clear paths up to 24 inches wide through as much as 20 inches of snow. Unlike their gas-powered counterparts, they require very little maintenance, run relatively quietly, are usually lighter and start with just a push of a button. When it comes to one of the quickest, least labor-intensive ways to dig out after a big snowstorm, they are hard to beat. Also, consider the following additional advantages: Single-Stage and Two-Stage Electric snowblowers are available in both single-stage and two-stage models. Single-stage units are lighter and easy to maneuver. They use a single auger to both scoop and discharge snow and are best suited for light to moderate snowfalls. Two-stage snowblowers have an additional impeller, which helps throw the snow further while handling heavier snow more effectively. Power Source Unlike their underpowered, corded predecessors, most electric snowblowers today run off rechargeable batteries for about 30 to 45 minutes on a single charge, which is about how long a tank of gasoline powers a gas snowblower. Operating time can be extended with multiple batteries. Compact and Easy to Store Electric snowblowers take up significantly less space, making them ideal for garages with limited storage space. Maintenance Unlike gas-powered units that require oil changes, tune-ups and gasoline stabilization or draining for extended periods of storage, electric units require almost no maintenance. To keep an electric snowblower running season after season, simply store the charger and batteries indoors when they aren’t being charged or used. Since batteries do not hold the same amount of charge when the temperature drops below freezing, storing and charging them indoors ensures the greatest run time. Both electric and gas snowblowers last around 10 years with proper care and maintenance. However, electric snowblowers require much less effort to maintain. Cost Gasoline-powered snowblowers usually have a higher purchase price, as well as fuel and maintenance costs when compared to electric snowblowers. This is especially true when evaluating smaller or single-stage units. Your local public power provider, in partnership with Nebraska Public Power District, also offers EnergyWiseSM incentives to their customers who purchase an electric snowblower. Contact them or visit www.energywisenebraska.com for more details
Winter air is dry, and dry air affects how warm a home feels. Low indoor humidity makes people feel colder, even when the thermostat setting is the same as it always has been. When you feel cold, you’ll crank up the heat. And that can lead to higher energy bills. Suggestion: Adding a modest amount of humidity to the air. This can make rooms feel warmer without raising the thermostat. Use a single-room humidifier for sleeping areas or a whole-house humidifier attached to your HVAC if you already have one. Aim for relative humidity between 30 and 40 percent in winter to avoid condensation on windows and minimize mold risk. Adjusting the humidity won’t stop heat loss on its own, though. As you deal with the humidity, seal windows and doors that can let warm air escape from the house. Add insulation to your attic. Caulk gaps around windows and doors, weatherstrip drafty attic-hatch covers and insulate exposed pipes and attic access points. These measures reduce the load on humidifiers and heaters. And simple habits help: Close shades at night to reduce radiant heat loss, keep interior doors open to let warm air circulate and use ceiling fans on low after reversing the direction the blades spin. They should push warm air down.
Staking Technician
Holiday cooking, decorating and hosting mean using more electricity in November and December than usual. Still, a few easy habits can help keep energy use in check while you enjoy the season. Cook smart. Use lids and match pot size to the burner. Use residual oven heat by turning it off a few minutes before a dish is done. Cook multiple dishes together when possible. A slow cooker or pressure cooker is great for sides and keeps the oven free for the turkey. Manage refrigeration. Do not leave the door open while you hunt for items. Chill drinks in a cooler so guests do not crowd the fridge. If you will have a lot of extra food, organize a staging area so people can find what they need quickly. Decorate efficiently. Replace old string lights with LEDs and put them on timers or smart plugs. Use indoor timers so lights turn off at bedtime. Consider battery-operated candles for mantel displays. Control heat. When cooking fills the kitchen with warmth, lower the thermostat a few degrees. Close off unused rooms and focus heat where guests gather. Encourage layering and cozy throws rather than higher thermostat settings. Unplug. Unused chargers and appliances still draw power when plugged in. If you stream music or video, pause or stop devices when not in use. Fill up. Run the dishwasher and washing machine only with full loads and use eco or air-dry cycles if your appliances have them.
Winter storms can cut power quickly. A ready kit reduces stress and keeps your household safe until power returns. Include these essentials in a weather-resistant bin: • Flashlights or headlamps for each person, plus extra batteries. • Portable phone chargers, a car charger and at least one fully charged power bank. • Extra blankets, warm clothing, hats and gloves stored together for quick access. • Three days of nonperishable food and bottled water. Add a manual can opener and some ready-to-eat meals. • A first aid kit, essential prescription medicines and copies of critical medical information. • A battery-powered radio, whistle and a small fire extinguisher. Also, if the power goes out in your home, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to protect your food. Turn off or unplug electronics to avoid damage from surges when power returns. If you run a generator, keep it outdoors and well away from windows and vents. Next, think about heat and pipes. Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate to exposed plumbing. If a pipe freezes, use a hair dryer or warm towels—never an open flame—to thaw it. Finally, plan for your family’s medical needs. If someone relies on a powered medical device, call your utility in advance to learn about backup power options and restoration priority. Share your plan with a neighbor or family member who can check in during a storm. Review and refresh your kit twice a year. Replace expired food and medicine, recharge power banks and check batteries. Label containers and store them where everyone can reach them in the dark.
Southwest Public Power District Rate Increase
Heating your home does not have to mean burning fuel. Electric systems are efficient, clean and increasingly practical. Heat pumps are the leading electric choice. They extract heat from outdoor air or from the ground and move it indoors. Because they transfer heat rather than generate it, they use far less energy than many older systems. Modern air-source models and ground-source or geothermal systems work well in a range of climates. Ductless mini-split systems heat individual rooms and avoid the energy loss that comes with ductwork. Radiant floor systems use thin mats under flooring to deliver gentle, even warmth. High-efficiency electric heaters are useful for zone heating in small spaces. Why consider electric heat? It removes indoor combustion and the risk of carbon monoxide. Maintenance is often simpler. When paired with clean electricity from your electric cooperative or with rooftop solar, electric heat can sharply lower your home’s carbon footprint. Before you switch, tighten insulation and seal air leaks so you do not heat the outdoors. Get an energy audit and a professional load calculation to size equipment correctly. Ask about incentives and rebates from your cooperative or state that can ease upfront costs. Check out hybrid systems, too. In some homes, a heat pump covers most of the year while a small backup system handles rare cold snaps. Electric heating is worth exploring if you want cleaner air, reliable comfort and long-term savings.
Winter weather can push your energy bills higher than you expect. Push back with a few smart devices that help you stay warm and cut electricity use. Many of them are easy to install and simple to use. Start with a programmable thermostat. These devices have all kinds of settings, but their most basic advantage is that they allow you to set your home’s temperature lower when you’re ready for bed or when you leave for work. Then you can schedule it to warm the house a bit before you wake up or get home from work. Some models can learn your routine and make adjustments automatically. Smart plugs are low cost and versatile. Plug lamps, humidifiers, space heaters and other electric devices into them. Then use an app on your phone to switch devices off when you do not need them. Timers and schedules stop devices from running unnecessarily and wasting electricity. An energy monitor shows which appliances draw the most power. Seeing those numbers helps you spot problems like an old freezer running in the basement or an inefficient water heater. Once you see the evidence of wasted electricity, you can unplug the appliance or replace it with one that’s energy efficient. Smart lighting paired with LED bulbs saves energy. You can sync your lights with an app on your phone to dim them or set schedules so lights turn off when you go to bed. You can also group lights by room so they all turn on when you use them and turn off when you leave the space. Even small changes can add up to energy savings, so start with one device and see if you notice a difference on your monthly bill.
