What happens if there is a leak in my duct system?
Since most ductwork is located in non-conditioned space like attics, basements, garages, or crawl spaces, the HVAC system becomes an open system instead of a closed one. Leaking supply ducts can lose large amounts of cooled/heated air to these unconditioned areas. Leaking return ducts suck hot/ ...
- What is the best way to seal leaks in a home’s duct system?
It is best to have a licensed heating and air conditioning contractor repair your system's duct leaks. Return duct leaks are difficult to detect because the larger return ducts operate at a lower air pressure and air is being drawn into the system. And if you only repair the supply duct leaks, ...
- When building a new home, where should the ductwork be located?
In new construction, the best option is to locate the duct system within the conditioned space. Doing so can reduce your heating and cooling costs and improve your indoor air quality. When all the ducts are inside the building envelope, even if return leaks do occur, the air infiltrating the sy ...
- What is the least I can do to improve the energy efficiency of my air conditioner?
One of the easiest things to do to improve your system’s efficiency is to change the air filter(s) associated with your system. This allows the system to operate without having to draw (work) harder to get air through the ductwork. Another simple task is to make sure the outdoor unit (con ...
- I have been told I need to set my thermostat at 78 or higher for maximum energy savings during the warmer months. Is this true?
While most experts do recommend 78 degrees F for maximum savings, in Florida 76 degrees F is the “sweet-spot” where the most energy is conserved, comfort is not sacrificed and mold/mildew is not encouraged. Did you know AC accounts for 40% of your monthly energy bill. There are six ...
- How often should a home's duct system be checked for leaks?
Ductwork should be inspected once a year for leaks. Some utilities and energy raters offer energy audits or diagnostic tools like blower door, duct blaster, and pressure pan tests to detect leaks the homeowner can't easily see. The relationship between supply and return ducts and air movement i ...
- Why is the location of a home’s ductwork important?
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 ...
- Where do you look for leaks in a home's ductwork?
Major leaks can be found around joints at ductwork connections, around the air handler, and near vents. Look for holes, tears, and loose joints. Every unsealed joint is likely a small leak—even if a gap is not visible. Make sure registers and vents are firmly attached. If your home has a ...
- How do leaks occur in a home's ductwork?
Homes are not static systems, and conditions change as homes age. Tape adhesive dries out and caulking erodes. Many systems have supply registers in each room, but only one centrally located return register for the whole home. When we close doors for privacy, air in that particular room can't r ...
- How can my air conditioning system run more efficiently and save me money?
Your air conditioning system, often referred to as your Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system gets a pretty good work-out in our Central Florida Climate. As a result, HVAC energy use accounts for more than 40% of your energy bill. An efficiently running system can save energy a ...
- How does a home's duct system work and why is it so important?
The duct, or air distribution, system used in cooling and heating your home is a collection of tubes that distributes the heated or cooled air to the different rooms. This branching network of round or rectangular tubes—usually constructed of sheet metal, fiberglass board, or a flexible p ...
