Creating an Energy Efficient Home: Sealing Around Registers in a Duct System

Sealing around registers in a duct system is an important step in creating an energy efficient home. Learn how to properly seal insulation with aluminum tape, apply putty or expandable foam between ducts and gypsum boards, and place a weatherstrip around vent caps.

Creating an Energy Efficient Home: Sealing Around Registers in a Duct System

Creating an energy efficient home is essential for reducing energy costs and maximizing savings. Sealing around registers in a duct system is an important step in this process. To ensure that air conditioning does not escape or unconditioned air enter the thermal envelope, it is necessary to secure insulation with short strips of aluminum tape and apply a long strip of aluminum tape along the seam. This should be repeated until all ducts are isolated.

Additionally, putty or expandable foam should be applied between the ducts and the gypsum board, and a weatherstrip should be placed around the bottom of the vent cap for further efficiency and energy savings. If you don't want to bother with the weatherstrip, you can seal the space between the duct and the gypsum board with putty. It is also important to take the time to seal any small cracks that may be present in your home. To maximize energy savings, you can do your own free energy audit of your home using a guide and downloadable worksheet. Sealing ventilation grilles may seem insignificant, but it is essential for creating an energy efficient home.

The spaces between the ducts and the gypsum boards allow air conditioners to filter directly into the attic, wasting energy and reducing the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. By properly sealing insulation with aluminum tape, applying putty or expandable foam between ducts and gypsum boards, and placing a weatherstrip around vent caps, you can prevent air conditioning from escaping or unconditioned air from entering your thermal envelope. Additionally, you can do your own free energy audit of your home to maximize energy savings. Sealing around registers in a duct system is an important part of creating an energy efficient home. It is essential to take the time to properly seal insulation with aluminum tape, apply putty or expandable foam between ducts and gypsum boards, and place a weatherstrip around vent caps. Doing so will help prevent air conditioning from escaping or unconditioned air from entering your thermal envelope, ultimately leading to greater energy savings.