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systems, this translates into higher Solutions to Ductwork Leakage from both an operational performance
energy bills and unnecessary wear and Traditional Sealing: Using mastic and a financial investment standpoint.
tear on equipment. sealant can be effective in small, local- Duct sealant is also considered a repair
Reduced Indoor Air Quality: Leaky ized and exposed sections of ductwork, to existing infrastructure systems and
ducts can draw in dust, mold, and but challenging for long vertical ducts in can be paid from the reserve fund.
other contaminants from uncondi- constrained shafts. Unfortunately, this
tioned spaces like attics, crawlspaces, method lacks practical feasibility and Call to Action
or mechanical rooms, which can then would require extensive disruption and For condominium managers,
be distributed throughout the build- expense in condominium buildings. addressing ductwork leakage in MUA
ing. This can compromise indoor Aerosolized Sealing: This patented systems is a practical and impactful step
air quality, affecting the health and method pressurizes the duct system, toward improving energy efficiency and
comfort of residents. allowing the sealant to travel down- reducing operating costs. By conduct-
Inefficient System Performance: stream finding and sealing air leakage ing thorough audits and implementing
When ductwork leaks, the MUA system points effectively. It can seal holes as effective sealing techniques, you can
struggles to maintain the required large as 1/2” and as fine as a human hair, enhance the performance of your
airflow and pressure levels, leading to resulting in an airtight system. This building’s HVAC systems, ensure the
uneven heating and cooling. This inef- technique enables condominiums to comfort and health of your residents,
ficiency can result in hot or cold spots seal ducts without disrupting the build- and achieve significant energy savings.
within the building, leading to discom- ing or tenants, typically in just 1 or 2 Take the initiative to assess your
fort for residents and complaints to days. It eliminates the need for extensive building’s ductwork today. Partner with
building management. manual sealing efforts and offers a reli- experts who can provide the necessary
Increased Maintenance Costs: The able, cost-effective, engineered solution tools, knowledge, and solutions to opti-
additional strain on HVAC systems certified to last for 30 years. mize your MUA systems. The benefits of
due to duct leakage can lead to more addressing ductwork leakage are clear –
frequent breakdowns and a reduced Measuring the benefits improved energy efficiency, better indoor
lifespan of the equipment. This not only Eliminating ductwork leakage allows air quality, and long-term cost savings. n
increases maintenance costs but also fans to run at lower speeds and for
requires more frequent replacements less time, delivering electricity savings Steve Herzog, CEM, C.Tech, CMI,
of costly components. year-round. Not having to compensate CMRC, Registered Deposit Broker, has
for lost air also means bringing in less been working in condos for almost 20
Identifying Ductwork Leakage outdoor fresh air, significantly reduc- years, helping clients balance energy,
Engaging a professional energy ing natural gas consumption and GHG environment, and finance. With a pas-
audit can provide a comprehensive emissions. sion for commercializing new environ-
assessment of the ductwork system. Enbridge offers incentives for this mental technology – Steve has a histo-
Professionals use specialized tools and program that help to offset the initial ry of introducing new ways for condos
techniques to accurately measure leak- cost. The simple payback for duct seal- to save money while helping them on
age, such as smoke testing, pressure ant projects in condos is typically 3 to their path to meeting the greenhouse
testing, and air volume testing. 4 years, making this solution attractive gas emission reduction targets.

58 I CM Magazine FALL 2024