What does the term “duct leakage” refer to in residential energy assessment?

The term “duct leakage” specifically refers to the loss of conditioned air from ductwork. In a residential energy assessment, this is an important factor because ductwork is designed to transport heated or cooled air from the HVAC system to different areas of the home. When there is duct leakage, it means that air is escaping from the ducts instead of being delivered to the intended spaces, which can lead to increased energy costs and diminished comfort in the home. Properly sealed and insulated duct systems help ensure that energy is used efficiently, as they minimize the loss of conditioned air. This makes addressing duct leakage a crucial aspect of improving a home's overall energy efficiency.

Understanding duct leakage is essential for HERS raters as they evaluate a home’s energy performance and recommend measures for improvement.