Escaping Air

It's hot outside, so you crank on the Ac...but it's NOT getting any cooler!

While there are many possible causes for this problem, it is easier (and cheaper) to start with the small repairs/self-fixes than to jump right to replacing the air conditioner. Various problems may come up, and depending on the age of the duct work and air conditioning unit, somethings are more common than others. If the ductwork is over 10-15 years old and perhaps wasn't sealed correctly during the install (people used to believe that a home needed fresh air to breath) you could be loosing expensive, cool air through leaks or poorly sealed ducts. To help with this problem, energystar.gov has provided a list of repairs that homeowners can often do on their own to prevent air from leaking out of the ducts and into the attic. Source: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_sealing.hm_improvement_sealing

Sealing Ducts In houses with forced-air heating and cooling systems, ducts are used to distribute conditioned air throughout the house. In a typical house, however, about 20 percent of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks and poorly sealed connections. The result is higher utility bills and difficulty keeping the house comfortable, no matter how the thermostat is set. Because some ducts are concealed in walls and between floors, repairing them can be difficult. However, exposed ducts in attics, basements, crawlspaces, and garages can be repaired by sealing the leaks with duct sealant (also called duct mastic). In addition, insulating ducts that run through spaces that get hot in summer or cold in winter (like attics, garages, or crawlspaces) can save significant energy. Additionally, if you are replacing your forced-air heating and cooling equipment, make sure your contractor installs the new system according to ENERGY STAR quality installation guidelines. A quality installation will include a thorough inspection of your duct system, including proper sealing and balancing of ductwork, to help ensure that your new system delivers the most comfort and efficiency.

If you think that you may be loosing air through your ducts, Sinclair Air can always check the connections and suggest some corrective action.