Hot and cold spots in the home
When the Milewskys moved into their home late in 2004, they noticed hot and cold spots throughout the home. They both suffered from nasal congestion and sinus infections they felt were aggravated by high dust levels in the house. To counter the dust problem, they contacted a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor. The contractor conducted a careful assessment including diagnostic testing on their home. The inspection and testing found significant leakage in the ductwork and in the house itself.
The Milewskys hired the contractor to perform the retrofit work, which included fixing holes in the ductwork “big enough to put your arm in” and holes in the attic floor. The results were dramatic. The hot and cold spots are gone; their sinuses are improved. Tom Milewsky notes that “there is very little dust in the house.” As an unintended bonus, the Milewskys report that this summer’s electric bills are approximately 50 percent less than last year’s cooler summer.
A case of duct leakage
Mike Williamson’s experience was similar to the Milewskys. He suspected the heating and cooling system in his 14-year-old house needed replacement. This prompted him to call a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor for an assessment and quotation. He was impressed that the contractor was the only one he called out to the house “that took the time to really understand” his issues and concerns, which were hot and cold spots, excessive dust and electric bills that were 20–30 percent higher than his neighbors. The contractor replaced his cooling equipment, sealed the ductwork and air sealed the house. The duct leakage was reduced 86 percent, producing a comfortable home with much less dust. Cooling bills were slightly lower for this summer compared to the last (which was cooler than this summer), but he expects his winter heating bills to show a greater reduction.