Most people never give much thought to the ducts running through their home, yet ductwork can make or break an HVAC system. Building science practitioner AJ Callegan takes you behind the drywall to reveal what really happens inside your ducts. You’ll learn which types of ducts are best for your home and how even beautifully installed systems can fail if they aren’t designed or sealed correctly. Discover why duct tightness, filtration, and proper installation matter far more than ineffective add-ons, and learn the red flags that signal you’re paying top dollar for a subpar job. If you want to avoid wasted energy, hidden microbial growth, and comfort issues in your home, this class will help you gain a new appreciation for your ductwork.

In this mini class, you’ll learn:

  • HVAC basics and the role of ducts. (3:05)

  • Types of ducts and their life expectancy. (5:37)

  • Key considerations when choosing hard duct pipe, and a brief overview of the ACCA Manuals. (11:30)

  • The importance of duct tightness, duct leak testing, and when leak testing should be performed. (14:56)

  • What to do if ducts are leaky. (18:57)

  • How to test and balance your ductwork and why its appearance matters. (21:21)

  • Why the house itself is the biggest duct in the system, and examples of bad ductwork installations. (23:50)

  • Why UV lights are not effective against microbial growth, and what does work to prevent it. (25:29)

Download the transcript here.


Watch More Episodes From Our HVAC + D Mini Class Series here:

https://changetheairfoundation.org/understanding-hvac-d/


Thank You To Our Sponsor!

Santa Fe Dehumidifiers: www.santa-fe-products.com

Links Mentioned in Interview:Understanding HVAC Maintenance: What Every Homeowner Should Know By Becky Callegan: https://changetheairfoundation.org/understanding-hvac-maintenance-what-every-homeowner-and-renter-should-know/

AJ’s Story: From Seizures to a Second Chance https://changetheairfoundation.org/ajs-story-from-seizures-to-a-second-chance/


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