We’re in an attic in Phoenix, directly over the closet that holds the air handler. With a flashlight and smoke pencil, which makes the air stream visible, we watch hot attic air being sucked into return duct fittings and down the interior partition walls into the air-handler’s platform plenum below. Later, while inspecting the crawlspace, … Continue reading ““Getting the Most from Mechanical Cooling,” Journal of Light Construction, August 1993″

A pressure test with telltale fog will keep your duct installers on their toes. Airtight ductwork is one of the keys to a quality heating and cooling system. It helps to make a home more healthful, more comfortable, and more energy efficient. By reducing the load on the equipment, it also reduces wear and tear. … Continue reading ““Pressure Testing Ductwork,” Journal of Light Construction, April 2003″