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Below are a few examples of the common causes of wasted energy. While no single one of these examples seems to be a big deal one can quickly come to understand why a specific room is difficult to cool or how the HVAC system is not performing to its potential. Ever notice that when the HVAC system is running and you go to close the bedroom door it pulls itself closed? The HVAC system is pulling air from any available source, including the super-heated air from the attic and walls through any opening available such as electrical outlets, plumbing penetrations, attic accesses and light fixtures just to name a few.

Click on each picture to view a larger image.

 
Austin ECAD Audit

Notice that the duct collar is not sealed to the supply plenum. This allows conditioned air to escape into the attic.

 
 
 
Austin Energy Efficiency

Fiberglass batt and cotton insulation on small vaulted ceiling has been compromised by unwanted guests in the attic. 3 feet below this vaulted ceiling is a childs bunk bed. The surface temperature of the ceiling where the insulation is missing was 10 degrees warmer in the mid morning than the ceiling less that 1 foot away where the insulation is adequate.

 
 
 
Austin ECAD Audit

Inefficient transition in duct system causes restricted airflow equivalent to adding another 100ft of duct line to the system. The restricted airflow increases any leakage present in the duct system.

 
 
 
Austin ECAD Audit

Notice anything missing behind the return air plenum? Take a closer look at the next photo...

 
 
 
Austin ECAD Audit

When the home was built the insulation contractor did not install any insulation in the cavity behind the return air plenum.

 
 
 
Austin ECAD Audit

Attic access has no seal or weather stripping

 
 
 
Austin ECAD Audit

Sheetrock used as attic access door is not insulated. The interior surface temperature of this access door was 20 degrees warmer by mid-day than the insulated ceiling just inches away

 
 
 
Austin ECAD Audit

This is a view of the attic access from the hallway to show the sheetrock access door sitting in the unsealed frame. See the gap that allows the super-heated attic air to infiltrate the conditioned space?