Why is duct testing important?

When people ask me what measures can be taken to optimize energy efficiency in a home, I tell them to prioritize air sealing and insulation of the attic first. This is because the largest temperature differences occur between that area and the living space, and, as a result, the most rapid and intense heat loss and gain occur. A very close second priority should always be to optimally seal the ductwork for your heating and cooling system and then do duct testing. There are two reasons for this: leaky ductwork costs you money and affects your indoor air quality and possibly your health. Also, leaky ductwork will dramatically reduce the overall efficiency of the mechanical heating and cooling equipment in your home.

At Apogee Consulting, we use software to measure the adverse effect of duct leakage on the efficiency of the homeowner's heating and cooling system. I have seen somewhat astonishing reductions in the efficiency of heating and cooling systems caused by leaky ductwork. For example, if you invest a lot of money into a 17 SEER heat pump and have 30% duct leakage because the air handler was attached to the existing 20-year-old ductwork, the system will perform at a 10 SEER level! And you will spend 30% more than you would have with a new, airtight duct system. This is because the air is leaking out of the ductwork, and most of the time, it is into your attic or crawlspace and NOT your home. And it's leaking out under a lot of pressure, so it is leaking out quickly.

The other problem leaky ductwork can cause is discomfort. If the return side of your ductwork is leaky in the summer, hot air from your attic will be drawn into the system, causing it to work harder and not remove humidity as effectively.

From an indoor air quality standpoint, leakage can also draw air from the attic, including air contaminated with insecticides, pesticides, fiberglass, and air tainted by the feces and urine of vermin like mice.

So needless to say, there isn't a whole lot to like about leaky ductwork! It's expensive, causes discomfort, and can make you sick. At Apogee Consulting, as part of our energy audit, we will measure the duct leakage in your home and compare it to current building code and Energy Star for Home standards, then recommend a contractor to fix it for you. So call or text us today at 864-492-1344 if you are seeking duct testing near me and book an appointment for an energy audit in your home to put you and your family on the path to better health and lower utility bills.