Ductwork Evaluation

AC Pro’s air conditioning technicians are trained to evaluate the design and efficiency of your current ductwork. When a contractor visits your home and begins his evaluation of your ducting system, he is not only looking for possible leaks of airflow, he will also verify that your ducting system is laid out and designed properly. An efficient ducting system should be designed in accordance with the procedures set forth by Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).

Evaluating Ductwork Layout and Design

When a contractor abides by ACCA’s standards for optimum ductwork layout, he will take many scientifically-proven procedures to design a duct system that will allow the airflow coming from your central heating and/or cooling to easily travel through it without unnecessary friction. The technician will determine the amount of air that needs to be delivered, and he will consider the location of your heating/cooling units as well as the number of turns required in your ductwork. The type of ducts are also considered. Sheet metal ductwork tends to allow the air to travel through it with less friction than fiberglass or flexible ductwork. However, this is not to say that one type of ductwork is better than the other, as both serve specific needs. In fact, it is not uncommon for both types of ductwork to be used in one ducting system. Your technician is the expert when it comes to the design and layout of your ducting system, so it is best to follow his recommendations.

Finding Ductwork Leaks

As your technician examines your existing ducting system, he will also be looking for any leaks that may be allowing conditioned air to escape. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s program, ENERGY STAR, the average home in America wastes 20 to 30 percent of airflow due to leaks or improperly sealed ductwork. In other words, that is $20 to $30 dollars wasted for every $100 spent on air conditioning and heating your home.

The good news is that an air conditioning contractor can easily test your ductwork and determine the amount of airflow your system is wasting. He will run a blower through your system, and it will calculate a precise measurement of wasted airflow. The bad news is that if you do not have a contractor inspect your ductwork for leaks, you won’t know how much airflow your system is losing. And if you have invested extra money on purchasing a top-of-the-line, energy efficient heating or cooling units, the leaks in your ductwork will prevent your units from ever reaching their optimum efficiency levels, leaving you with average equipment performance and high energy bills.

Signs of Faulty Ductwork

Because ductwork is often laid out in areas of your home that are unseen, such as crawl spaces and attics, you may not even realize that your ductwork is leaking. If you are unsure whether your system is properly sealed, one common indication is having suspiciously high energy bills. Another indication may be if you or your family suffer from allergies. Since leaking ductwork may allow air that has not been conditioned into the system, this air may enter your home through faulty ducts. This polluted air may cause or trigger allergies in you and your loved ones.

The best way to find out whether your home’s ducts are leaking is to contact a trusted contractor and have them evaluate your current system. A trusted air conditioning professional will be able to evaluate your ductwork and explain any issues and recommendations. For help finding a trusted professional, search our contractor listings.