Ductwork is the network of sheet-metal, fiberglass duct board, or flexible tubing that distributes conditioned air from the air handler to supply registers in each room, and returns room air to the air handler via return grilles.
Two duct systems in most homes: the supply side (pushes conditioned air out) and the return side (pulls room air back to be re-conditioned). The return side is usually undersized in older Charleston homes — leading to high static pressure, noisy registers, and inefficient operation.
Duct leaks are common and expensive. EPA estimates the average home loses 20-30% of HVAC output through duct leakage, especially in attic or crawlspace duct runs. Sealing existing ductwork with mastic (NOT duct tape) recovers most of that lost capacity.
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