Doctor:B b Then donb t do that.b
Unfortunately, we do have to open our utility billsb &OUCH! And I am afraid there is no magic pill on the market to miraculously cure Comfort Delivery Problem #2: The Duct System is Restricting Air Flow. But we do have a prescription, guaranteed to cure the disease and alleviate some of the pain of opening your utility bill each month.
But just like a doctor we do need to run some tests to best prescribe your treatment plan. Afterall, b prescription without diagnosis is malpractice.b
First we will measure your lung capacity. Just kidding. We will measure total system airflow. There are several tools in our tool bag we utilize to do this. One you may be familiar withb the Magnahelic and Flow Hood. The other is the Duct Blaster mentioned in earlier blog.
We will also measure your systemb s b blood pressureb b or its static pressure. At this time we will also visually inspect your duct system for restrictions.
So what is the Solution to Comfort Delivery Problem #2?
- Remove the duct restrictions.
- If the return ductwork is too small, increase itb s size to a properly sized return.
- If there are too many bends and changes, redesign or add turning vanes to help the air move more efficiently through the ductwork. Every time there is a bend or change in direction of ductwork, the b Lengthb of the ductwork increases greatly. A great example would be a snorkel. It is about 5/8b in diameter, approximately 2 feet long. It works great allowing you to breathe underwater. But what if it were 100 feet long? Would you think it would work so well then? Remember the Smoothie and the Crazy Straw?
- If ducts have been collapsed, replace them.
- Install a new filtration system designed for your house and duct system. Believe it or not, our choice of filters can impact your system greatly. (Yes, your filters are extremely important to your comfort and health, as well as your equipmentb s. We will visit this in a later blog.)
- Inspect and replace registers and grilles that are installed in wrong applicationb or is not rated for your systemb s air flow. (We will visit Register and Grille Choices in a later blog.)
When a properly sized, designed renovations are installed (properly sealed and insulated of course.) Retest final system airflow, and test for proper airflow balance to each room in the house.
b So Laurie, We are only up to Comfort Delivery Problem #2b are you saying it may not be my equipment but my ductwork making me uncomfortable, increasing my utility bills, creating repairs to my heating and cooling systems?b Very much so. Please give us a call if you would like to know more. But remember we have Three More Common Comfort Delivery Problems to go.