Are air ducts ruining your summer cool? Recent studies indicate that up to 30 percent of the conditioned air in an average central air conditioning system escapes from the ducts. Your energy dollars literally go out the window when cooled air escapes from supply ducts or hot air from the attic leaks into return ducts.

The best way to keep your central air conditioning efficient is to make sure ducts are airtight. Leaky ducts may be difficult to find without experience and proper testing equipment, so it is a good idea to invest in hiring a professional service technician to check your ducts and correct leaks. Check with your energy service provider, as many companies offer low-cost tests and rebates on repairs.

There are steps you can take to make sure your ducts are working properly. Since obstructions can impair the efficiency of a duct system, make sure you do not obstruct the flow of air from supply or return registers with furniture, drapes, or interior doors. Dirty filters and clogged evaporator coils can also be major obstructions to air flow.