The EPA estimates that between 10% and 40% of the air being pushed through your ducts leaks into your attic and/or crawlspace as a result of improperly sealed ductwork.
As air leaves your system's pump, just over half of it reaches its intended destination, leaving a lack of conditioned air in the receiving rooms. Because air has been pulled into the house through poor insulation, open windows or doors, and other problem areas, the result is a return of unconditioned air.
This effect puts added stress on your system, making it work harder to push and pull air, which leads to driving up your energy costs and lowering the life expectancy of the equipment. In addition, this allows more pollutants and more moisture to stay in your air, which can cause health problems or structural issues.
The solution to this problem is to check the duct system for leaks, then to clean and seal any problem spots, or replace faulty and inefficient ducts. By addressing your duct problems, we can assess whether the ducting is the proper size and fit for its intended purpose, and whether the current heating/cooling unit is properly functioning for optimal performance.
If the ducts are too big for the unit, then you will not get the proper air pressure the system requires. Conversely, if the ducts are too small, the system is putting extra effort into pushing air through limited space. In either scenario, the unit is overworked, which will inevitably shorten the life of the equipment and lead to long term problems for the system.
We will work with you to determine the next best steps.
It may be necessary to install an air filtration system to remove air-borne health-hostile contaminants and dust, making your air more breathable, increasing the comfort of your home.
For problems with the infiltration of bad air, we usually look to your duct work. Our suggestion would be a thorough inspection of ducts and duct seals to check for leaks. Subsequent action may include cleaning, sealing, or even replacement of faulty ducting.