Duct Flow Performance

Brownsville Public Utilities Board > GoGreen > Rebate Programs > Duct Flow Performance

Efficient Duct Systems Optimize
the Home's Comfort Delivery System

To create a comfortable home, an efficient duct system is a must. Ducts - known collectively as the air distribution system - carry air from the central heater or air conditioner to each part of the home and back again.

In a typical house, about 20 percent of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. That's why the duct systems found in ENERGY STAR-qualified homes are third-party tested for tightness and verified to be correctly insulated.

Benefits of Efficient Duct Systems

Improved Comfort. When ducts are correctly sealed and insulated, they deliver conditioned air more effectively to all rooms - helping to ensure a more constant temperature throughout the home.

Lower Utility Bills. The average homeowner spends more than $600 on space heating and cooling each year. Tightly sealed and well-insulated ducts found in ENERGY STAR-qualified homes can reduce annual utility bills by $120 or more.

They improved Indoor Air Quality. Leaky ducts in attics, unfinished basements, crawl spaces, and garages can allow dirt, dust, moisture, pollen, pests, and fumes to enter the home. Sealing these ducts helps improve indoor air quality.

Lower Equipment Costs. When ducts are leaky, the heating and cooling system has to work harder to condition the home. Duct sealing, along with proper insulation, allows the installation of a smaller, less costly heating and cooling system.

Building Efficient Duct Systems

Techniques and practices that provide an efficient and effective duct system include:

Ducts in Conditioned Spaces

Ducts in Conditioned Spaces. Ducts operate more efficiently in conditioned air at room temperature. They work poorly in excessively hot or cold attics and crawl spaces.

Sealed Ducts

Sealed Ducts. EPA promotes using mastic or Underwriters Laboratory (UL) 181-approved tapes, such as metal-backed tape, to seal ducts. These materials more effectively seal leaks around duct joints and seams than standard "duct tape."

Insulated Ducts

Insulated Ducts. Leaky ducts and poorly sealed connections can waste 20% or more of the air you pay to heat and cool. To minimize this energy loss, EPA first recommends installing ducts in conditioned spaces. Where this is impossible, ducts should be insulated as the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) recommends.

Right-Sized Ducts

Right-Sized Ducts. Ducts in ENERGY STAR-qualified homes are sized based on the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manual J and D calculations. This helps to ensure that the ducts accommodate the airflow requirements of the heating and cooling system for efficient distribution of heated or cooled air.

Residential Program Guidelines
Residential Program Guidelines

BPUB Rebate Eligibility:

  1. Applications are subject to verification. The rebate will not be paid if the verification cannot be completed.
  2. The installation address must match the address on the active BPUB electric service account.
  3. The application and supporting documents must be completed and submitted within 45 days of installation.
  4. The rebate recipient (tenant/property owner) must be a BPUB customer. Property ownership will be verified using county tax records.
  5. Only one application per fiscal year (October 1 through September 30) will be accepted for each address.
  6. BPUB may discontinue the program at any time. Rebates are contingent upon fund availability.

Duct Replacement Rebate Program Terms and Conditions:

  1. The rebate is for replacing existing ductwork or repairing and improving existing ductwork; it is for retrofit only.
  2. Before commencing any work, the customer is required to pay for the pre-test cost through a Home Energy Rating System Rater (HERS). If the rebate is approved, the customer will receive a credit of up to $125.00 applied to their account for the cost of the pre-test.
  3. Pre-testing must show 20% or more leakage in the duct system.
  4. Post-testing of the repairs and replacement must show 10% or less leakage in the duct system.
  5. The first duct blaster test establishes base leakage, and the second test establishes results. All results must be sent to BPUB. Duct testing must be done to show energy-efficient improvements to the system.
  6. The customer is responsible for ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations for the installation.
  7. The work must be done by a licensed Texas Air Conditioning Contractor (TACL). TACL number must be provided on the application.
  8. A legible copy of the purchase receipt that includes the installation address and installation date.
  9. A rebate of 25% of costs up to $500.
  10. BPUB will pay for the final testing of the system up to $125.00.

Program Instructions:

  1. Ensure you meet both Eligibility and Program Terms and Conditions.
  2. Complete the entire Duct Replacement Residential Rebate application.
    • Option 1: Complete the Application Online (preferred method to get automatic updates).
    • Option 2: Deliver the application and supporting documents to 1425 Robinhood Drive. (No automatic updates available) Please keep a copy for your records. Duct Performance Rebate Application
  3. Provide a legible copy of the purchase receipt, including the installation address and date.
  4. Pre-testing results from a HERS Certified Rater.
  5. Post-testing results from a HERS Certified Rater.

Credit to the account is typically applied 3-6 weeks after receipt of all documentation. Please direct all questions to 956-983-6282 or E-mail [email protected].