Describes a study evaluating the effectiveness of sealing leaks in the warm air ducting of residential heat pump systems to save energy during the Pennsylvania heating season. Finds that the sealing had a significant impact on only one of the five houses studied. Discusses the reasons and notes that in basements used for some activities, some heating of the basement due to duct leakage is desirable. Also stack effect causes the air to move to the upper areas of the house, so most of the heat lost to the basement is eventually recovered.

Units: Dual

KEYWORDS: year 1997, Warm air heating, heat pumps, air ducts, sealing, housing, energy consumption, measuring