What is the primary benefit of sealing duct leakage in a building?

Sealing duct leakage primarily enhances energy efficiency within a building. When ductwork has leaks, conditioned air can escape before it reaches its intended destination, leading to inefficiencies in heating and cooling systems. By sealing these leaks, a building can maintain the desired temperature more effectively, which in turn reduces the energy required to heat or cool spaces.

This improvement in energy efficiency not only contributes to lower utility bills but also reduces the overall environmental impact by decreasing energy consumption. Although sealing ductwork can lead to enhanced indoor comfort by ensuring that the conditioned air reaches all areas as intended, the direct and overarching benefit is the improvement in energy efficiency. Additionally, addressing duct leakage can mitigate air quality issues, as unconditioned air can enter from outside, potentially impacting comfort levels within the indoor environment.

While limiting air leakage through the building envelope, enhancing indoor comfort, and reducing construction costs are also important aspects of building performance and management, the primary and most immediate benefit tied directly to sealing duct leakage is the improved energy efficiency of the HVAC system.