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Location is important because ducts placed in unconditioned attics, basements, garages, or crawl spaces waste energy if improperly insulated—another major cause of energy loss. Additionally, most homes have leaks in both the return and supply sides of the duct system. Locating ductwork in conditioned spaces decreases the temperature difference if leaks do occur.

Source: Wendell A. Porter, Hyun-Jeong Lee, and Kathleen C. Ruppert, The Duct System, UF/IFAS FCS3263, 2008.

UF IFAS Energy Efficient Homes: Easy Steps to Improving Your Home's Energy Efficiency - http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY1028

Florida Building Code - http://www.floridabuilding.org

U.S. Department of Energy – Better Duct Systems for Home Heating and Cooling - http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy05osti/30506.pdf

U.S. Department of Energy – Improving the Efficiency of Your Duct System - http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/building_america/27630.pdf

U.S. Department of Energy – Minimizing Energy Losses in Ducts – http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12730