Detecting leaks in the HVAC system is possible with a Duct Air Leakage Test.  The machine used in this test is sometimes called a “Duct Blaster” which sounds ominous but it’s simply a small fan that attaches to a flexible and expandable pipe (that resembles flex duct) that blows air into the duct system and allows a qualified technician to find any and all air leaks so they can be sealed.

Keep in mind that all duct system leaks are NOT the same.  Duct leaks in the attic or other unconditioned places are the highest priority because you never get any benefit from those kind of leaks.  However, duct system air leaks inside your interior walls or between conditioned floors are not so bad as the leaks will still work to heat or cool the home even if it doesn’t complete it’s trip through the duct system.

 But there is NO silver bullet that will cure uncomfortable rooms and/or high energy bills.  There are almost always multiple reasons why a home is underperforming.  There is, however, a logical progression of activities that you can follow to incrementally improve the performance of your home and set the stage for significantly better payback from more expensive energy upgrades.   

Job 1 – Air sealing:  Ensure all voids, cracks and openings are covered (especially opening in your attic), weatherstripped or otherwise sealed to ensure you keep conditioned air inside in your living space.

Job 2 – Insulate, insulate, insulate:  Make sure attics, vented crawl spaces, kneewalls and other spaces where unconditioned air enters your home are well insulated.  Don’t forget to install a hot water tank blanket and insulation on the hot water pipes.

Job 3 – Seal leaks in HVAC and duct system:  Leaks in your HVAC/duct system, especially when the HVAC unit and/or ducts are in unconditioned spaces (like attics) reduce the performance of this equipment. 

Job 4 – Monitor and reduce your energy use:  Buy a whole house energy monitor and become aware of how you use (and abuse) electricity.  This is a behavioral change that can save you lots depending on how vigilant you are.

Job 5 – Switch out lighting:  Replace incandescent lightbulbs with CFLs or LEDs

Take a break and measure the effects of your work so far!

Job 6 – Review water heating efficiency:  With federal and state tax credits available, solar powered water heating systems are becoming cost effective

Job 7 – Upgrade to higher efficiency HVAC:  I’m an advocate of running HVAC systems until they are unfixable but you may want to talk to your HVAC repairman about the cost/benefit of replacing yours.

Job 8 – Replace single pane windows:  Replacing single panes with double or triple pane windows will make your home more comfortable but may have a long payback period.  A cheaper option is to install storm windows as long as the windows operate properly and the window opening is not deteriorating.

Job 9 – Install solar power:  Once the jobs above are complete, it’s time to consider creating your own electricity.  With all the improvements in place, you won’t need as many solar panels and your investment will payoff quicker!

So before you spend gobs of money trying to solve your high energy bills or uncomfortable rooms, make sure you’ve solved the simple yet critical problems that plaque a home’s performance.  Try not to skip steps or you will delay the payback on the larger energy saving investments (jobs 6-9).

Most people think that the greatest Delta T in the summertime is between the inside of the home (air conditioned) and the outside (definitely not air conditioned).  While there is a big Delta T between inside and outside (for example, on a 90 degree day with the air conditioner set at 75, there is a 15 degree difference) a much greater Delta T exists between the inside of your home and your attic.  Some attics can reach temperatures up to 130 degrees creating a Delta T of 45 degrees!

At this point you might say “there’s nothing to worry about because heat rises and will stay in the attic”.  This is a common misconception about heat.  While it’s true that the hottest molecules of air rise, it’s important to note that – HEAT MOVES IN ALL DIRECTIONS AND IS ALWAYS LOOKING TO DISPLACE COOLER AIR.

So if you attic is inadequately insulated, that 130 degree heat is looking for any opening it can find (heat also takes the path of least resistance) to displace the conditioned (cooler) air in your living areas.  That’s why most energy saving contractors advocate air sealing the attic and adding at least an R30 level of insulation to the attic floor.  This prevents the super heated air in the attic from getting into your air conditioned spaces and forcing your A/C unit to work overtime.

So when it’s time to rank which energy saving home improvements come first in your home, remember to address the areas with the highest Delta T!

But there is NO silver bullet that will cure chilly rooms and/or high energy bills. There are almost always multiple reasons why a home is underperforming. There is, however, a logical progression of activities that you can follow to incrementally improve the performance of your home and set the stage for significantly better payback from more expensive energy upgrades.

Steps to Energy Saving Success:
Job 1 – Air sealing: Ensure all voids, cracks and openings are covered, weatherstripped or otherwise sealed to ensure you keep conditioned air inside in your living space.

Job 2 – Insulate, insulate, insulate: Make sure attics, vented crawl spaces, kneewalls and other spaces where unconditioned air enters your home are well insulated. Don’t forget to install a hot water tank blanket and insulation for the hot water pipes.

Job 3 – Seal leaks in HVAC and duct system: Leaks in your HVAC/duct system, especially when the HVAC unit and/or ducts are in unconditioned spaces (like attics) reduce the performance of this equipment.

Job 4 – Monitor and reduce your energy use: This is a behavioral change that can save you lots depending on how vigilant you are.

Job 5 – Switch out lighting: Replace incandescent lightbulbs with CFLs or LEDs

Job 6 – Review water heating efficiency: With federal and state tax credits available, solar thermal water heating systems are becoming cost effective

Job 7 – Upgrade to higher efficiency HVAC: I’m an advocate of running HVAC systems until they are unfixable but you may want to talk to your HVAC repairman about the cost/benefit of replacing yours.

Job 8 – Replace single pane windows: Replacing single panes with double or triple pane windows will make your home more comfortable but may have a long payback period. A cheaper option is to install storm windows as long as the windows operate properly and the window opening is not deteriorating.

Job 9 – Install solar power: Once the jobs above are complete, it’s time to consider creating your own electricity. With all the improvements in place, you won’t need as many solar panels and your investment will payoff quicker!

So, before you spend gobs of money trying to solve your high energy bills or uncomfortable rooms, make sure you’ve solved the simple yet critical problems that affect a home’s performance and delay the payback on large energy saving investments.