Many professionals are wondering exactly what’s involved in this test, the equipment that’s needed, third-party testing, and how to pass these tests. Let’s take a look at some of the basics for residential duct-leakage testing.

What if they cause more harm than good? Let’s look at the potential impact these smartphone-controlled dampers can have on the typical duct systems found across the country.

A subject that is sure to get some hearty debate going is whether ducts inside a conditioned space should be sealed or not. What is your opinion on this sticking point of energy efficiency?

There is a formula for calculating heating Btu and a formula for calculating cooling Btu. Both of these formulas have three components necessary to complete the calculations. Two of the Btu formula components are field measured while the third is a multiplier that is added at the end of the formula.

A couple of months ago, I addressed the topic of how proper HVAC system design could not guarantee the installed performance of a system. Since that article, I have received a number of emails requesting I go into further detail about the measurements I mentioned and how to verify the installed performance of a system.

Have you ever noticed dirt streaking out of the sides of any of the supply vents on the HVAC systems you service? Dirt streaking on supply vents is a common problem HVAC professionals encounter on a daily basis.

Taking a few minutes to investigate your component selection on the airside can help point out if that default duct design has the potential to work or if it is doomed from the start.

One of the primary measurements customers use to gauge comfort is the room temperature shown on the thermostat. If the number falls within an acceptable temperature range, the individual should be comfortable, right? Not quite. Could there be other factors at play here that are influencing their comfort that you might be missing? 

The revelation that many of these rules of thumb can get you into trouble, and also the need to comply with new code revisions, is accelerating the move toward using design software to meet industry standards.

Once the realization is made that the HVAC equipment is a component of the HVAC system and not the HVAC system itself, a contractor and homeowner can start to address the real issues.