Installation Issues

Home Energy Magazine -10/97

An engineering study found three main areas of concern:

Duct Leakage!

- Average loss per home = 360 cfm

- Average loss (as % of sq. footage) = 19.5%

• A deficiency of 20% in air flow reduces the SEER rating by 17%.
  
• A 15% return air leak from a 120° attic could reduce a 12 SEER to 6!
  

Texas A&M University

Found a 23% refrigerant undercharge could result in a 52% efficiency loss

Pacific Gas & Electric

Found the average heating energy savings for:

(1) Repair of disconnected ducts was 15%

(2) Repair of diffuser leakage 7.5%

(3) Correcting low air flow 5.6%

(4) Repairing leaks and correcting refrigerant charge 18.4%

Honeywell

Found that heat pumps lost almost 50% of their efficiency after 20 years, even if a typical "dust stop" filter was installed. In 20 years, a 12 SEER unit could degrade to a 6 SEER. This would double the energy cost!

Louisiana State University and Gulf States Utility

Found consumers could save about $30 per month just by making sure that their air conditioning system was cleaned and serviced regularly.

HVAC Manufacturer's

Data shows a condensing unit with an SEER of 13 matched with an old air handler would decrease the SEER to 9.2, resulting in 30% less efficiency.