If it’s not broke don’t fix it
why your duct system needs to be tested
This is excellent advice. Why waste time and money on something that is not broken. The problem is that often things are broken and we are simply unaware of it. Or there are times that we are aware of a problem but do not acknowledge it and hope it will simply go away.
( I like to call this the ostrich effect)
As building performance specialists we often see a host of problems that our customers are unaware of. I will concentrate on one of the most common problems we see in an energy audit or a HERS rating
Duct leakage
When we walk into a home the first tool we use as students of building science is our eyes. We can often identify duct leakage from our training and past experience. There is dust and debris attached to registers. This is a tell tale sign is an indication of leakage. Why should we care about duct leakage? I don't see a problem and it works just like it always has. Well I am glad you asked.
You cant see it
Just because you cant see it does not mean there is no problem. If it has always been performing poorly. Our ducts are tucked away in place few ever travel. You might not know what your system is capable of and that it is falling short of acceptable standards.
Dirty air
Duct leakage can distribute contaminates throughout your home. When we run our system air is forced through a tube. If that tube has leaks it will siphon surrounding air into the system. Virtually sucking dirty unconditioned air from your attic or crawl space and dump that air into your living space.
Money
You spend money to condition your space. You want that money to go where it is intended.
How much can my ducts be leaking?
I have seen them not only leaking but unattached.
According to the Department of Energy 25 to 40 percent of our energy is wasted in a duct system. This includes leakage and insulation issues.
http://1.usa.gov/xo3JZO
I have often heard the 30 to 35 % number thrown around.
I have tested systems as bad as 50%. I have found that 25 % leakage is common in existing homes
It might be broke and you probably want to fix that
we can help
Call Red E3 today