ICC Commercial Mechanical Practice Exam

Duct leakage significantly impacts HVAC system efficiency by allowing conditioned air to escape into unconditioned spaces or even the outside environment. This premature loss of air leads to several adverse outcomes.

Firstly, when air leaks from the ducts, the system must work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This increased workload results in higher energy consumption as the HVAC equipment runs longer and operates less efficiently. Consequently, the overall system efficiency diminishes.

Additionally, the presence of duct leaks can cause temperature imbalances, leading to some areas being over-conditioned while others may not receive adequate heating or cooling. This inconsistency not only affects occupant comfort but also drives energy costs up, as the system continuously compensates for the lost air.

Ultimately, the combination of increased energy demand, reduced comfort levels, and higher operational costs clearly illustrates why duct leakage is detrimental to HVAC efficiency.