Discovering duct leaks
I recently read an article focused on improving the energy efficiency of the home.
According to this article, heating as well as cooling accounts for approximately 50% of household energy consumption.
It listed suggestions on how to prevent conditioned air from escaping as well as outdoor air from coming in. I was already aware of numerous of the recommendations. I know that it’s a wonderful system to close the curtains against the heat of the afternoon while I was in the Summer as well as open them up to welcome in the sunshine while I was in the winter. I make sure to correctly replace the air filters of the cooling system as well as oil furnace as well as schedule professional maintenance every Spring as well as fall. I’ve invested into thermal pane, low E, Energy Star rated windows as well as meticulously caulked around them. I’ve added insulation to the attic, weatherstripped exterior doors as well as installed overhead ceiling fans. I was doubtful when the article claimed that the majority of homes sacrifice up to 30% of heated as well as cooled air to holes as well as leaks in the ductwork. I decided to have our duct system tested by a licensed Heating as well as Air Conditioning contractor. The contractor informed me that our ducts were wasting approximately 20% of heated as well as cooled air. That energy waste adds up to a significant expense. I had no system how to go about fixing the problem. The ductworks are concealed inside walls as well as ceilings as well as nearly impossible to access! Fortunately, there is a process called Aeroseal that works to resolve complications from inside the pipes. The contractor obstructed off the supply as well as return vents, then introduced highly pressurized air into the ducts. The air contains polymer particles that are non-toxic yet sticky. As the air leaked from cracks as well as holes, the adhesive particles clung to the edges. They steadily built up to form an airslender seal.