Air leakage is the unintentional movement of air from one area to another. Air leaking from the ductwork (air being pushed out of…

Air Leakage

Air leakage is the unintentional movement of air from one area to another. Air leaking from the ductwork (air being pushed out of the ducting system), will have a negative impact on your comfort level, heating and cooling system efficiency, and indoor air quality. To alleviate air leakage from the ducting system, all connections and transitions on the ducting system should be properly sealed and insulated.

Air leakage can also occur because of the home’s natural ‘stacking effect.’ As warmer air in the home rises, a negative pressure is created in the lower areas of the home. If mechanical ventilation is not used to create a pressurization balance, the negative pressure will be equalized by drawing unconditioned air (air leakage) through cracks, piping access holes, and porous building materials.