| Press Release Archive
Leaking ducts wasting 27 percent of
air conditioning in typical home
Recent diagnostic tests of air ducts in
200 Austin homes found that the homes on average were losing
27 percent of their air conditioning through leaking ducts.
Since air conditioning makes up 60 to 70 percent of a home's
electric bill during the summer, this amounts to a $26 loss
in air conditioning on a $150 monthly electric bill.
The testing also found that many of the
homes needed enlarged or additional ducts to equalize air
flow and cooling in rooms. In addition, leaking ducts can
affect air quality in homes by pulling in dust, molds and
other pollutants into the air conditioning system and aggravating
allergies.
The tests were performed as part of Austin
Energy's Duct Sealing Program. For $50 per air conditioning
system - a cost that is much lower for the same service -
Austin Energy contractors will test a home for leaking ducts,
determine whether return vents are bringing allergens and
pollutants into the home, and test whether the home has unsafe
venting conditions for carbon monoxide. The test, which uses
computerized equipment, takes about two hours.
After the analysis is completed, the contractor
gives the resident a list of repairs that can be made to improve
the efficiency of the duct system and a cost estimate for
the work. Austin Energy will rebate up to 50 percent of the
cost for repairs if the resident chooses to have the work
performed.
Residents who have made the repairs after
testing have seen significant improvements including a more
even cooling of rooms that were once warm, quicker cooling
of the home and a reduction in dust.
Residents can find more information about
the Duct Sealing Program here on the Austin Energy Web site
or by calling 499-7827.
For more information, contact Ed
Clark, Public Information.
Phone: (512) 322-6514
Pager: (512) 802-2000
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