Ever wonder why in the summer time the second floor is several degrees warmer than the first floor? Or why the basement is so cold when the A/C is on? The US Dept. of Energy, Energy Star, and he EPA will be happy to answer those questions for you. Check their websites and read how the average residential duct system leaks 20 – 40% of it’s air/energy into the ceilings, walls, and basement of your home.
You would expect the Dept of Energy and Energy Star to cover this topic, but why the EPA? Because these same leaks are responsible for construction dust and insulation fibers being pulled into our homes- into the air we breathe. Larger return air duct leaks in the basement can also create a negative pressure.
When the basement is negative air flows backward down flue pipes and radon is pulled in through the sump pump drain system. The bottom line: SEAL YOUR DUCTWORK! Your energy bills go down 20-40% that day- and your air quality goes up. The average payback in a 2400 square foot home is two years, unless the cost of energy goes up!