Lecture: Solving Temperature Comfort Complaints with Aeroseal

Introduction

Continuation of the five-lesson series on problems Aeros Seal solves or prevents.
Focus on how duct leakage causes temperature comfort complaints.

Issue: Duct systems can't be air balanced despite using balancing dampers.
Insight: For balance, the duct system must first be balanceable.
- Leaking supply side (20%-40%) cannot be fixed by damper adjustments.
- Aeros Seal helps make duct systems balanceable, often self-balancing or needing minimal tweaks.

Question: How zoning dampers and extra thermostats relate to Aeros Seal.
Experience:
- Aeros Seal can achieve near-uniform temperature even in modest homes.
- Fixes the root cause, sometimes making additional zoning unnecessary.
Zoning as a solution:
- Sometimes sold as a Band-Aid fix for duct leakage.
- Recommended only when necessary, often bundled with other solutions.
- Zoning without sealing increases duct pressure, leading to more leaks and worsened conditions in attics, basements, etc.

Common Misconception: AC unit is too small.
Real Issue: Duct system leakage.
- Causes HVAC systems to work harder due to loss of conditioned air.
- Example: A unit designed for 4 tons might deliver only 3 tons due to leakage.
Solution: Sealing duct systems restores lost capacity, helps maintain cooling even on hot days.
Additional Checks: Dirty coils, low airflow, incorrect charge, missing insulation.

Issue: House feels cold when the heat pump is on.
Common Causes:
- Supply Leaks: Create a negative pressure, drawing in cold outside air through gaps, making the house drafty and cold.
  - Solution: Seal ducts to maintain neutral pressure and eliminate drafts.
- Return Duct Leakage: Draws in cold air from crawl spaces or attics, diluting the return air and lowering output temperature.
  - Solution: Seal return ducts to improve comfort and reduce utility bills.

Heat pumps need well-sealed duct systems for optimal performance.
A leaky duct system is like driving a Formula 1 car on a dirt road—it doesn't work well.
Proper duct sealing is essential for heat pump efficiency and comfort.

Duct leakage is the root cause for major temperature-related comfort complaints:
1. Unbalanceable duct systems.
2. AC units struggling to maintain cooling.
3. Cold drafts with heat pumps.
Comfort is a primary reason homeowners invest in Aeros Seal.
Next Lesson: Comfort complaints related to indoor humidity.