Original message
| HomeownerDarien
 |  "Cold air leaking through ducts"
, posted Sun 13 Jan 14:00  
I have a Hi efficiency Lux Aire gas furnace with insulated ducting overhead in the attic of our second story addition. We have a problem with cold air drifting into the living spaces from the overhead registers when the furnace is off. This is a significant problem in the Chicago winter and will drop the temp in the rooms to 60 degrees or less. (we try to keep them at 68) We originally had flex duct which was leaking and substandard from the original construction so we had it replaced with insulated hard pipe. The problem continues after the replacement, so I am asking if there is any other way cold air can get into the supply and return ducts. The upstairs is 1400 square feet with three bedrooms, loft, and two bathrooms. All the rooms get cold. The furnace is closed combustion box with intake and exhaust venting to the outside.
I understand a bit of cool air because of the duct location but did not believe there should be so much to drop the upstairs room temperature like it does. The addition was completed four years ago and the first winter was air tight and toasty warm. The next two winters the flex duct deteriorated so we replaced for this winter with no improvement.
Thanks for any insight you can give.
Dave
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Replies:
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| marchvac
| "Re(1):Cold air leaking through ducts" , posted Sun 13 Jan 21:21:
When the ducts were replaced, were they wrapped in foilfaced R12 or did they use R4. You might want to check the insulation to make sure it did not fall off. You also might want to check that the return air is not sucking from the attic.
Be careful sometimes you don't get a second chance
[this message was edited by marchvac on Sun 13 Jan 21:24] |
| acefurnacefxr
| "Re(1):Cold air leaking through ducts" , posted Sun 13 Jan 14:38
The answer is mechanical dampers that open and close on a call for heat or cool, should only cost around $800 installed
HVAC REPAIR IS NOT A DIY WEEKEND PRODJECT
I have been performing HVAC repairs for 23 years
http://www.hillaryclinton.com
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| | fitter597
| "Re(2):Cold air leaking through ducts" , posted Sun 13 Jan 20:45
quote:
The answer is mechanical dampers that open and close on a call for heat or cool, should only cost around $800 installed
...
Thats the dumbest thing i have ever heard, mechanical dampers, why not fix the problem not band aid it!!!!!!!!!
Stick to selling old people new equipment they don't need would ya. Ace
Pipefitters Local 597
" We do it right the first time"
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| | acefurnacefxr
| "Re(3):Cold air leaking through ducts" , posted Mon 14 Jan 07:04
LOL........i knew that would draw one of the trolls out from under the bridge..............SUCKER, now go back to trolling losers
P.S. last time i checked old people dont buy $50,000 chillers.....
HVAC REPAIR IS NOT A DIY WEEKEND PRODJECT
I have been performing HVAC repairs for 23 years
http://www.hillaryclinton.com
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| yuri
| "Re(1):Cold air leaking through ducts" , posted Sun 13 Jan 14:37
Sounds like there is a leak in one of the joints/not sealed properly. In my area people sometimes put 5-6" fresh air intake pipes into the return air duct to bring in fresh air/humidity control reasons. That can be a problem if left too wide open. There may be home inspector/air flow balancing companies which can check your ductwork for leaks as well as your house. Use infrared cameras. Perhaps the installer forgot to seal the slide in filter rack with a cover plate/door where the filter slides in?
Yuri
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