HVAC Talk

The DIY Energy Evaluation: A Saturday Project With Long-Term Savings Potential

Thu, 17 May 2012 19:00:00 GMT

When you spend a few hours performing an energy evaluation of your home, you pay yourself back with long-term energy savings. Once you identify where your home is leaking air or lacks proper insulation, and give your cooling or heating equipment the attention it demands, you have a road map to higher indoor energy efficiency.

Air Infiltration

Air leaks in your home make heating and cooling more difficult. An effective way to find air leaks is to draw a simple floor plan of your home, close all the windows and exterior doors, and then shut off all gas appliances. Turn on the kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans and walk through your home with a lighted stick of incense. Mark on the floor plan where the smoke from the incense wavers, signaling air movement.

After you're done, investigate the places on the floor plan that indicate possible points of air leakage. Use caulk, expanding foam or weather-stripping to seal the leaks. Pay attention to windows, exterior doors, and electrical switches or outlets on exterior walls, as likely spots for air leaks.

Insulation

Home energy evaluations often show that the attic insulation is inadequate. Adding more can be an easy and affordable project. If you can't tell if you need more, take a sample or a photo to a home improvement center and ask the staff. More insulation lowers your energy bills year-round and can also help soundproof your home.

HVAC Equipment

Check the filter for your air handler or air conditioner. If it's dirty, clean or change it. A dirty filter contributes to high energy costs with forced air systems because the dirt slows the passage of air. Your cooling or heating system has to run longer, and too much dirt on the internal components can cause parts failure.

Comfort Services can help you with energy evaluations by inspecting, servicing and maintaining your HVAC equipment, extending its life and lowering its operational costs. We've been providing HVAC services in South Carolina's Midlands since 1976.

Duct Cleaning: A Basic Guide to How It Works

Thu, 17 May 2012 18:57:00 GMT

Duct cleaning can be an important component of improving interior air quality. Over time, the supply and return ducts of your heating and air conditioning system will naturally accumulate a light coating of dust. This is not necessarily an indication of trouble. However, if the ducts also become contaminated with mold, large amounts of dust or debris, or insects and other vermin, duct cleaning performed by a professional technician may be necessary.

Reputable duct cleaning services begin the procedure by opening all doors and removing all panels that provide access to the heating and cooling system. The system is then inspected to verify that no asbestos-containing materials are present that might be dislodged by cleaning. HEPA vacuum equipment is then utilized to clean the entire span of the ducts and all components of the heating system. Power brush units with soft-bristle brushes and contact vacuuming is employed to clean areas of heavy accumulation of dust or other contaminants. Dust and debris vacuumed out of the ducts during the process is exhausted into a container outside the home.

Neglecting any portion of the system during cleaning can result in re-contamination of the entire system once it's restarted. Other components of the heating and cooling system beyond the ducts are therefore addressed in a professional duct cleaning procedure. These include the air handler, heat exchanger, blowers, coil and drain pans. The supply and return plenums are also cleaned.

After the cleaning is completed, new filters should be installed and all grilles, registers and diffusers cleaned and re-installed securely. A thorough, professional procedure usually necessitates cutting access holes in the ductwork to properly clean the entire duct system. These holes will be covered with air-tight access doors. The system should be restarted to check for proper operation in both the heating and cooling mode, and technicians will inspect all seals and access doors for air leakage.

Our professionals at Comfort Services provide heating, cooling and related services such as duct cleaning to homeowners in Columbia, Lexington and the surrounding areas. We’re ready with sound HVAC advice whenever you’re in need.

Think Your Home Is Ideally Suited for a Geothermal System? Here's What You Need to Know

Wed, 09 May 2012 15:10:00 GMT

Geothermal systems are an increasingly popular way to maximize energy savings and efficiency while heating and cooling your home. They transfer the constant warmth from several feet beneath the earth's surface to heat your home in the winter, and transfer warmth out of your home for summer cooling.

A geothermal system can work in most homes, but you will need to consider a few factors before committing to this exciting, energy-saving technology. The type of soil and amount of land on your property is of critical importance. The soil must have good heat transfer properties and enough surface area for the installation of the horizontal ground loops that are essential to the transfer process. If not, vertical ground loops should be considered; drilled deep into the earth, they take up less land area, but do need the right type of soil and rock.

Another consideration is water sources available on your property and around your area. Ground or surface water can be used for an open-loop system, depending on the depth, quality and volume of water available from the water source. For the most part, the design of your geothermal system will depend on how much land is available to install the system; additionally, the layout of the land will affect the logistics of installing the system.

The savings of installing a geothermal system arrive over time. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the systems cost “several times” that of a more traditional heating and cooling system. However, the initial costs “are returned to you in energy savings in 5-10 years.” Another benefit of a geothermal system is its durability. Components contained within the house typically last 25 years while ground loops can last over 50 years.

For more expert advice about geothermal systems and other issues related to home comfort, please feel free to contact us at Comfort Services. We have been serving South Carolina's Midlands since 1976.

3 Factors to Consider When Buying a Programmable Thermostat

Wed, 09 May 2012 15:05:00 GMT

Utilizing a programmable thermostat is an easy way to achieve consistent home comfort and substantial energy savings. When buying a programmable thermostat, you’ll need to consider the type of heating and cooling system you have, the best programming options for your lifestyle, and the appropriate special features that fit your needs.

Some programmable thermostats are universally compatible, and others aren't. For instance, a central forced-air heating/cooling system may require a different thermostat than an electric baseboard heating system, a heat pump with auxiliary heat, or a multi-stage system. It’s best to consult a heating and cooling pro if you’re unsure of which thermostat to choose.

Once you’ve matched your system to the correct thermostat, you can choose the model with the programming option that best suits your lifestyle. Keep in mind that all of these models may be programmed for four daily (24-hour period) temperature settings.

• For large households with varying daily schedules, a 7-day model may be best. This model can be programmed with a different schedule for each day of the week.

• Many households have regular weekday and weekend schedules. A 5-2 model or 5-1-1 model work well for this schedule. These may be programmed for one specific schedule Monday through Friday, and a specific weekend schedule (the 5-1-1 model may be scheduled individually for both Saturday and Sunday).

• If your household has work-at-home or stay-at-home occupants, the basic 1-week model will work very well, with one program for the entire week.

Next, you’ll decide on the features that are most convenient for your household. These are some of the most popular features available:

• Extra-large panel that is easy to see and program.

• Remote-controlled thermostats (also available with radio frequency to use anywhere in the home).

• Tamper-proof keypad lock.

• Programmed “Vacation Mode,” which maximizes energy efficiency while you’re away.

• Backup battery (in the event of power outages, re-programming isn't necessary).

• Voice, smart phone, and/or Internet programming.

• Indicator lights for filter replacement, system alerts and low battery.

If you have any questions about buying a programmable thermostat, contact Comfort Services today. We’ve served South Carolina's Midlands since 1976.

Lifetime Costs of Solar Show This High-Efficiency System Pays You Back Ten-Fold

Wed, 09 May 2012 14:49:00 GMT

We might not have winters like South Dakota but summers here in the Midlands can be hot and humid and energy costs for air conditioning can be high. An energy efficient, green solution is a solar system for your home or office building. They are usually more costly initially than standard heat pumps or air conditioners, but with state and Federal tax rebates and incentives plus energy loan programs and renewable energy credits available through most public utilities, these costs are offset over time.

Rather than comparing buying and installing a new solar system to a conventional system, it's much more accurate and telling to make the comparison by factoring in lifetime costs. With a solar system, you'll see a significant reduction in yearly energy costs that will probably increase as energy costs. This greatly reduces the lifetime costs of your solar system. The other factor is the number of solar panels you use on your structure. You do not have to buy enough to produce 100 percent of your energy needs right off the bat. You can do it in increments, thus reducing the initial cost.

In South Carolina, homeowners with qualifying solar systems can expect a 25 percent tax rebate on the initial installation costs, plus Uncle Sam will give you a 30 percent rebate as well. So if the initial cost estimate is about $25,000, then the out-of-pocket expenses would be around $13,000 with an expectation of approximately seven years to repay the initial investment. This is why looking at a solar system in terms of lifetime costs is so important. If you plan on selling your home within the next two years, it probably isn’t a good decision to make, but if you plan on staying put, then the yearly energy savings are well worthwhile, especially since utility costs probably will continue to rise.

For more information about solar energy systems and their lifetime costs, contact Comfort Services. We serve homeowners in South Carolina's Midlands.

5 Mold Prevention Tips Every Triangle-Area Homeowner Should Know

Wed, 09 May 2012 14:36:00 GMT

When you live in our part of South Carolina, humidity is something you expect when you step outside. However, you want to avoid humidity in your home, and not just because of the discomfort it causes. Moisture in your home can encourage the growth of mold that can damage your family’s health and your home's fixtures and furnishings. Fortunately, there are five mold prevention tips you can use to reduce indoor humidity and prevent mold.

Look for Signs

When you're trying to determine if you home has a humidity problem, there are several things you might look for:

• Condensation on window panes
• Flaking paint and peeling wallpaper
• Rotting wood around door frames and window frames

• Musty odors and signs of mold growing

Fix Leaks Quickly

One of the most important mold prevention tips is to look for leaks and immediately fix any you find.

• Check all faucets, pipes and connections under sinks.
• Check your washing machine, water heater and dishwasher for signs of leaks.

• Make sure that equipment such as window air conditioners that are supposed to drain liquids outside are not clogged and leaking inside.

Dry Things Quickly

If you have any standing water in the house, dry and clean it quickly. Letting it sit is an invitation to mold. Never place damp clothing in the clothes hamper. Dry damp clothing in your dryer first to avoid creating a host for mold.

Dehumidifiers

An effective way to get rid of mold in your home is to install a whole-house dehumidifier. Many people use their A/C or heat pump to remove humidity, but this often makes the house too cold. A separate dehumidifier will let you stay comfortable and save on your energy bill.

Ventilation

Another way to fight mold is to ensure that you have fresh air coming into the house regularly. Instead of throwing open a window, you can install a ventilation system that will exchange stale air inside with fresh air without losing energy. But when the outside temperatures allow it, by all means open your screened doors and windows.

Keeping you home clear of mold requires a systematic approach. If you have any questions about these mold prevention tips in your Triangle Area home, please feel free to contact us at Comfort Services.

Indoor Air Quality: 7 Tips to Keeping Your Indoor Air on Track During Spring Allergy Season

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:21:00 GMT

Although it's refreshing to open the windows on the first warm spring days, your indoor air quality could suffer, especially if someone in your home has allergies. Pollen counts surge in the spring, and even though that fresh air feels and smells good, it does increase the irritant load in your home. You can fight spring allergies and improve your indoor air quality throughout the year by following these seven tips for healthier air:

1. Clean or change your air conditioner or furnace's filter and turn the fan to "on." This circulates the air throughout your home without conditioning it, and this will lower the pollen count indoors, especially if you have a denser high-efficiency filter. Before replacing the filter with one that removes more particles, check your owner's manual to verify the maximum density you can use with your HVAC system. If it doesn't say, contact an HVAC professional.
2. Take your shoes off before entering your home. They contain a lot of pollen you collected simply by walking around.
3. Change your clothes and take a shower. Your hair and clothing contain pollen, too.
4. Wash your bedsheets weekly in hot water and dry on the high setting.
5. Use HEPA bags in your vacuum cleaner or double-bag this appliance. When fine particles such as pollen blow from vacuum cleaners, the pollen is distributed far and wide inside your home. HEPA bags trap the smallest of particles, keeping your air pollen- and dust-free.
6. Put the clutter away during the seasons when you or family members suffer most from allergies. Items that you don't need displayed collect dust and pollen, and add to your cleaning chores. Place them in plastic bags or containers in closets, away from freely circulating air.
7. Install an air purifier in your home. Some of them destroy microscopic particles, remove ozone, mold, viruses and bacteria. When these elements are removed, your indoor air quality improves immediately.

At Comfort Services we can help you improve your indoor air quality through filtration and purification. Contact us to learn more. We've been providing HVAC services in the Midlands of South Carolina since 1976.

A Whole-House Dehumidification System Helps Manage Humidity

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:55:00 GMT

Achieving the optimal humidity level in your home can be a bit of a balancing act. Low humidity and high humidity each presents its own set of problems, but high humidity tends to be more of an issue during the warmer parts of the year. A whole-house dehumidification system can help keep the humidity level in your home at just the right level, especially during the summer months.

What's the Right Humidity Level?

Different people have their own preferences, and you might be more comfortable at a slightly different humidity level than someone else, but most experts agree that the ideal relative humidity is somewhere between 30 and 50 percent.

What Happens If My Humidity Is Too High?

High humidity is uncomfortable, especially during warm weather. It creates a heavy, sticky atmosphere in your home that can make it difficult to sleep or even relax. In addition, high humidity encourages mold growth. Mold and mildew thrive in a warm, moist environment, and areas like attics, bathrooms and cupboards can be mold hot spots without humidity control. A number of pests also enjoy high humidity, including millipedes and dust mites.

How Do Dehumidifiers Help?

Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air, lowering humidity and helping you feel cooler. This not only discourages mold and makes your home more comfortable, but also allows you to set your thermostat a few degrees higher in summer, saving you money without sacrificing comfort.

What Are My Options?

When you choose a dehumidifier for your house, you essentially have two options: a whole-house dehumidification system, or one or more portable humidifiers. Whole-house systems offer a number of benefits.

Portable humidifiers are relatively inexpensive, but the major drawback is their limited range. Each one can only effectively dehumidify a single room, so it would take several to control humidity throughout your house. A whole-house dehumidifier operates out of sight, and works with your HVAC to deliver conditioned, dehumidified air to your entire home. Plus maintenance of a whole-house system is much simpler.

To learn more about the benefits of a whole-house dehumidification system, contact Comfort Services. We've been serving the South Carolina Midlands since 1976.

A Room-By-Room Look at Your Home's Energy-Savings Potential

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:50:00 GMT

Most people want to save a money wherever they can. One way to do this is by reducing the amount of energy you use in your home. Achieving energy savings in your home can be maximized if you do a thorough review of the entire home. You may find that in each room there are ways that you can save money. Several rooms particular deserve close attention.

Living Room, Family Room or Den

Since the family will spend a great deal of time in these rooms, it's important that they be comfortable. However, there is no reason to waste money either. There are several features to look at:

The fireplace: Make sure that the damper is completely closed when the fireplace is not in use. Otherwise, energy is going straight up the chimney.

Ceiling fan: A ceiling fan can help create a cooling wind chill in summer and when the circulation is reversed, force warm air down into the room in winter. Remember to turn off the ceiling fan when nobody's in the room, since a wind chill doesn't do any good if there's nobody around to feel it.

Vents: Make sure that all of your vents are properly sealed around the edges so you're not losing heating or cooling through the cracks.

Bathroom

The bathroom is another area where you might look for significant energy savings:

Check to see if the faucets are modern low-flow types, since they can greatly reduce your hot water usage

Use an energy-efficient vent fan to reduce moisture in the bathroom. This can save you more that the cost of the fan over its lifetime

Utility room

A very important area to check is the utility room or other location where you keep your hot water heater, washer and dryer:

Make sure that your hot water heater is set to no more that 130 degrees, since this is enough to kill bacteria. In most homes, 120 degrees is sufficient for all expected uses.

Use only the cold water connection for your washer, since clothes will get just as clean with modern detergents

Getting energy savings in your home requires that you – or a professional HVAC technician – discover any flaws or inefficiencies and fix them. If you need any help or advice in this process, please feel free to contact our experts at Comfort Services. We serve the Midlands of South Carolina.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors Protect You and Your Family: Use This Consumer Guide for Selecting Devices

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:38:00 GMT

Most South Carolina homeowners have smoke detectors in their homes, but many aren't aware that they should have a carbon monoxide detector as well. Carbon monoxide detectors are alarms that go off when carbon monoxide (CO) builds up in your home. Since CO is invisible and odorless, having a detector is the only way you can know if you have a problem.

If you have any fuel-burning devices in your home, including non-electric furnaces or gas water heaters, these devices produce carbon monoxide as a side effect of combustion. Normally, this gas is safely vented outside the home. When a leak occurs inside the home, however, carbon monoxide can build up to levels that are dangerous or even deadly.

Carbon monoxide detectors come in two broad categories: battery-powered and powered by the household electrical current. Within these categories, you have different options to meet your specific needs.

Battery-powered detectors usually have sensors that react to the build-up of carbon monoxide much like smoke detectors react to the build-up of smoke. They are easy to place anywhere in the house since an electrical plug isn't needed. The batteries do need replacing every few years, as do the sensor packs. A battery-powered detector will only go off if a certain level of CO has built up within the home. They are sometimes slow to be reset if high levels of carbon monoxide have been present.

Carbon monoxide detectors powered by the home's electrical current usually have sensors that constantly sample the air and display the levels of CO present. You don't have to remember to change the battery, and the sensor pack shouldn't need replacement for the life of the unit, which is roughly five to 10 years. These detectors will also reset quickly as soon as the carbon monoxide problem is fixed.

At the least, experts recommend having one detector per floor where people sleep as well as one in each area where a carbon monoxide-producing device is located. This ensures adequate coverage to protect everyone in the house.

For help with all your HVAC-related questions and problems in South Carolina's Midlands, contact Comfort Services.

An Air Conditioner Tune-Up Offers These 5 Benefits

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 23:05:00 GMT

Many people in South Carolina use air conditioning units to keep their homes and businesses cool. These appliances are usually reliable and designed to give years of service. However, just like with any other piece of complex machinery, an air conditioner tune-up will help keep your equipment running smoothly and extend its life span. A spring tune-up offers five significant benefits.

Maintaining Efficiency

While the efficiency of any air conditioning unit will decline a bit over time, by having regular scheduled air conditioner tune-ups you can get the maximum cooling your A/C is designed to deliver. Air conditioners can keep working at up 95 percent efficiency all the way to the end of their working lifetime if they get professional attention.

Saving Money

Hand in hand with maintaining cooling efficiency goes the money you will save. An air conditioner that is operating at maximum efficiency will use less power to cool a home, thus reducing your costs.

Avoiding Sudden Breakdowns

One thing you certainly don't want on a hot day is for your air conditioner to go out unexpectedly. Unfortunately, since summer is a busy time for repair professionals, it can be more difficult to schedule repairs. This is why it's better to be proactive by scheduling a regular air conditioner tune-up. This way, you can count on your air conditioner working for you when you really need it.

Replacing Worn Parts

A professional can catch parts that are wearing out and let you know if they need to be replaced before they break down entirely. Replacing that single part may also protect other parts that are currently in good shape.

Evaluation of the Unit

While it's important to get the most out of your investment, eventually any unit has to be replaced. A professional can evaluate the overall condition of the air conditioning unit and let you know if it finally needs replacing, or whether repairs will bring it back to optimal operation.

Keeping your air conditioner in top shape is an important job. If you have any questions about arranging an air conditioner tune-up, please feel free to contact us. Comfort Services has decades of experience with air conditioner maintenance, and we will be happy to serve you.

A 5-Step Guide When Planning for Solar

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 22:57:00 GMT

So you’re planning for solar power in your South Carolina home? If so, follow this handy five-step guide to help you plan for solar power. In planning for solar you’ll want to consider your budget, the best placement location (south facing), and our five-step plan below:

1.   Factors that need to be considered in a basic solar power system include the type of system, size and cost. Consider what you want to the solar system to do: heat and cool your home, heat water only, energize a specific appliance, or full electric and heating duties for your home.

2.   Minimum Equipment you’ll need for a solar power system regardless of the size includes solar panels, power inverter, charge controller and batteries.

3.   Next, determine the size of the solar power system you’ll need. Add up the wattage of all the appliances you plan to run off the solar energy system, figuring out the number of hours per day they'll all be used.

4.   Now you know how many solar panels and batteries are needed. Next connect the batteries (there are multiple configurations using 2-, 4-, 6-, or 12-volt batteries) and chose what’s right for your solar power system.

5.   Finally, choose the correct size of wire to run for your solar panels. Proper wire size will ensure maximum transfer of power to your batteries while preventing overheating.

For advice on planning solar power systems and other issues related to home comfort, please contact us at Comfort Services. We proudly serve South Carolina's Midlands area.

Static Electricity Zapping You? Humidifiers Can Help With Dry Air Problems

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:47:00 GMT

Static electricity, a common side effect of dry air, can range from being a mild nuisance to zapping computer equipment to oblivion. One sure-fire way to stop the shock is to humidify your home.

Static electricity

If your indoor air doesn’t contain enough moisture, which is common during the heating months, electrical charges accumulate on materials such as clothing, blankets, sheets, shoes and furniture. Static electricity can be annoying, for instance when you touch a door knob, brush your hair or pat the family pet, and can accumulate in the baby’s blanket, as well. If you’ve ever experienced damage to computer equipment and files as a result of a static shock, then you know that static electricity is not very amusing.

Whole-house humidifiers

Whole-house humidifiers add just the right amount of moisture to air as it’s circulated through the ductwork. These humidifiers are easy to maintain. They attach to your heating/cooling system, and utilize your home’s water supply, so there's no water refilling involved as with portable models.

These units add a thin layer of water molecules to surfaces in your home. This prevents the accumulation of electrical charges (which are necessary for static-electric shocks). As well as alleviating static electricity, whole-house humidifiers have many other benefits including:

•   Alleviate dry skin, sore throat, and dry nasal passages and sinus issues that are caused or exacerbated by dry indoor air.
•   Prevent damage to wood furnishings, sensitive paper materials (old books, files and photos), hardwood floors, wall coverings and paint, paintings and musical instruments.
•   Allow you to lower the thermostat to save energy without sacrificing comfort, since humidified air feels warmer than dry air of the same temperature.
•   Inhibit the growth and spread of many bacteria and viruses.
•   Provide more comfortable air quality for allergy and asthma sufferers.
•   Maintenance is light and care-free.

Whole-house humidifiers offer many benefits for your family. Make every day a perfect weather day in your home. Contact Comfort Services in Columbia, and we’ll help you any way we can. We serve homeowners in Columbia and surrounding areas.

Increase Ventilation System Performance With These 5 Tips

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:11:00 GMT

In today’s tightly sealed houses, a ventilation system is an effective way to bring fresh air into the home. Make the most out of your ventilation system by following these five tips.

1.   Learn the controls on your ventilation system. Controls might include a circulation mode setting that circulates the indoor air without using outdoor air, a timer that enables you to schedule the system to run at high speed when you need it, and a maintenance light that informs you when the system needs cleaning or service.

2.   Keep the ventilation system continuously running at low speed. This is the only way you can ensure that your home is ventilated at all times. Your home will be more efficiently ventilated if you leave it on instead of turning it on and off repeatedly.

3.   Switch over to high-speed operation when needed. If you paint a room, use cleaning products, or entertain a guest who smokes indoors, turn on the high-speed operation to replace the pollutants with fresh air. This operation is also useful when you have a lot of people in your home or when your indoor air feels stale or humid.

4.   Ensure that the area around the air intake is free of any contaminants. A ventilation system works by exchanging the outside fresh air with the indoor air through the fresh air intake. If you put contaminants, such as trash, chemicals and/or pesticides, near the fresh air intake, your ventilation will be compromised.

5.   Adjust the dehumidistat on the ventilation system to reduce condensation. During the winter, heat will be pulled from the heated indoor air that is on its way out of the house and replaced in the incoming fresh air. This difference in temperatures between the indoor air and the outdoor air can cause condensation on windows and other cold surfaces. Simply adjust the dehumidistat to decrease this, but don’t overdo it because too-dry air can cause static electricity, dry skin and other undesirable effects.

Contact Comfort Services for more information on ventilation and other ways to reduce pollutants in your indoor air. We've been proudly serving South Carolina's Midlands since 1976.

Ductwork Design That Gets Results

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 19:53:00 GMT

Proper ductwork design is vital to efficient heating and cooling, as well as the function and efficiency of your heating and cooling unit. If you’re designing construction for a new home or room addition, or simply want to upgrade your current duct system, follow these tips to ensure energy savings and supreme home comfort year after year:

Designed for efficiency
Ductwork sizing and installation play key roles for optimal efficiency. Ducts should be sized to match the heating and cooling unit, and to each room’s design, location, sun/shade orientation, windows and square footage. Ducts should decrease in size the farther they extend from the air handler. The path from air handler to air-supply registers should be as short and straight as possible, avoiding unconditioned areas of your home.

Designed for comfort
Air circulation should be balanced and even throughout your home. Return grilles should be on each level of the home, preferably in each room with an air-supply register. Jumper ducts and transfer grilles aid in circulation, especially if there are rooms with doors closed for privacy or other reasons. Balanced air pressure will prevent too much pressure drop at the air handler, and it prevents forced air exchange between indoor and outdoor air.

Designed to last
The typical home wastes around 20 percent of conditioned air before it ever reaches the living space, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE also states that as much as 60 percent of heated air is wasted if it travels in uninsulated ducts located in unconditioned areas of a home.

With this in mind, sealing and insulating ducts is obviously a top priority. All duct connections should be tightly sealed. Use mastic and fiberglass mesh, or perhaps aluminum tape. Do not use duct tape. If ducts must be run through unconditioned areas of your home, make sure that they are properly insulated.

For more information about ductwork design and all other home-comfort questions, contact the experts at Comfort Services today. Our goal is always to exceed your expectations. We’ve served South Carolina's Midlands since 1976.