Cooler Weather Ideal Time to Check Duct Work for Leaks

October 23, 2008

The cooler weather brings on an ideal time to get home air conditioning duct work checked, and if necessary, repaired for leaks. After all, as much as one-third of a heating/cooling system's airflow could be leaking through the ducts, causing not only physical discomfort, but unnecessary pain in the pocketbook.

This year, almost 200 APS customers have taken advantage of the new APS Duct Test and Repair Program; saving an average of $120 a year in energy costs with some customers saving up to $200 a year. Their collective participation adds up to a lifetime savings of more than two million kilowatt-hours; enough to power 1,900 homes a month.
 
Moreover, customers who get their duct work tested and repaired by a Building Performance Institute (BPI) certified contractor are eligible for a rebate of up to $250 from APS. 

So, how can you tell if your duct work is leaking and needs repair? Jim Holbrook, APS AC Rebate program manager, said, "Sometimes, it's difficult to tell if you have a problem by just looking at your duct work. APS testing has shown that even new homes often have excessive air duct leakage. That's why it's important to have a trained technician test your duct work for leakage."

But, Holbrook said there are some telltale signs of a problem:

• The insulation on the duct work has dark and discolored areas.
• Your home has a stuffy room that never seems to be comfortable in the summer.
• Your home has a room, or rooms that are difficult to cool and heat.
• Air coming from your heat pump feels lukewarm or even cold in the winter.
• Your home seems to get dusty frequently even though the windows are closed.
• The inside of the ducts get dirty frequently.  

One customer who recently got the duct work in his home repaired said he saw a difference in his electric bill and the comfort level in his home was much better. "I would do the repair work again," said Tim Hancock of Scottsdale.

With many Valley homes having duct work located in the attic, where summer temperatures can reach over 140 degrees, Holbrook said fall presents a great opportunity for homeowners to commit to getting their home duct work tested and repaired.

To find a certified BPI contractor, customers should call the APS Energy Answer Line at (602) 371-3636 or (888) 890-9730. 

APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electric utility, serves about 1.1 million customers in 11 of the state's 15 counties. In 2008, APS won its second Edison Award in recognition of innovative leadership and operational excellence in the electric industry. Given annually by the Edison Electric Institute, the Edison Award is considered the industry's most prestigious honor. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp.  (NYSE: PNW).

Maria Arellano, Media Contact
(602) 250-3155