BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Air Sealing the Air Handler Closet

Guide

Guide describing the repair and reconfiguration of the air handler closet and platform when replacing the air handler.

Seal Seams in Air Handler Cabinets

Video

Video describing how to seal air handler cabinet seams.

Technology Solutions Case Study: Sealed Air-Return Plenum Retrofit

Case Study

Case study describing the retrofit of a leaky air handler.

Fiberglass mesh tape is installed around a duct boot in preparation for air-sealing the seams with mastic.

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The gap between the duct boot and the drywall is air sealed by covering the seam with fiberglass mesh tape and mastic.

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The seam between this duct register and the wood flooring is sealed with caulk to prevent air leakage into the house from the crawlspace below.

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HVAC equipment should never be exposed to the garage; instead, locate them in air-sealed closets, with weatherstripping, spring-loaded hinges, and mastic.

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For homes with heating registers in the ceiling or floor, air seal where the duct boots meet the ceiling drywall or the flooring to prevent heat loss around the register.

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The gaps around this duct boot are sealed with canned spray foam.

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Right: A well-constructed air handler closet

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Wrong: The door and filter were removed, allowing unfiltered air to enter the air handler leading to premature failure of the system due to dirt accumulation.

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Vented Attic vs Unvented Cathedral Attic Air Flow

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Seal seams in fiber board ducts with out-clinching staples, UL-181A-approved tape, and mastic

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SMACNA HVAC Air Duct Leakage Test Manual (first edition)

Reference

Manual that identifies certain leakage limits for ducts and outlines procedures for testing ducts for conformity with air leakage limits that are set forth in a designer’s project specification.

The hole in the drywall was cut overly large for this heating register, allowing air to leak into or out of the wall cavities.

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This air register has noticeable gaps between it and the floor; use canned spray foam to fill in the gaps.

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This constant airflow regulator (CAR) has been fouled by aerosolized sealant because it was not covered while the ducts were being sealed with the aerosolized acrylic sealant.

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The dark streaks seen in this infrared camera image of a return vent in a ceiling indicate cooler air is leaking in around the vent.

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With the register grill removed, very large gaps are visible around the edges of this duct boot between the duct boot and the drywall; the gaps can be closed with screw or heavy staples then sealed with caulk, mastic, or metal tape.

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Encapsulated Ducts

Video

Video describing air sealing and insulation for encapsulated ducts.

Injected Spray Sealant for Existing HVAC Ducts

Guide

Guide describing how to thoroughly seal HVAC ducts to ensure air delivery without leakage, and to ensure economical and quiet performance of the HVAC system.

Total Duct Leakage Tests

Video

Video describing how to properly seal ducts.

Colleyville Eco House Prototype

Case Study

Case study describing a building project in the mixed-humid climate zone.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Quadrant Homes

Case Study

Case study describing a new construction project in the marine climate zone.

Baxter Community - High Performance Green Building

Case Study

Case study describing a building project in the mixed-humid climate zone.

GreenCraft Greenspoint House Prototype

Case Study

Case study describing a building project in the mixed-humid climate zone.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Pine Mountain Builders

Case Study

Case study describing a new construction project in the mixed-humid climate zone.

Mercedes Homes: Hot, Humid Climate Region 40+% Energy Savings

Case Study

Case study describing a building project in the hot-humid climate zone.

Concord Cape Prototype

Case Study

Case study describing a new construction project designed to achieve an 87% reduction in source energy use when compared to the 2009 Building America Benchmark.

GreenCraft Builders 2009 TimberCreek Net Zero Energy House Prototype

Case Study

Case study describing a building project in the mixed-humid climate zone.