Return duct leaks pulling ceiling/plenum air
Return leaks can pull ceiling/plenum air instead of designed room air. Seal the return path per the approved method before startup.
Watch out
- Do not leave return leaks because “it is only return.”
Check
- Identify whether the duct is return, relief, exhaust, or transfer.
- Check open seams, gaps, access panels, and unsealed joints.
- Verify whether the return is ducted or intentionally uses plenum return.
- Seal only with approved material/method for that system.
- Ask before assuming a ceiling space leak is acceptable.
Steps
- Identify whether the duct is return, relief, exhaust, or transfer.
- Check open seams, gaps, access panels, and unsealed joints.
- Verify whether the return is ducted or intentionally uses plenum return.
- Seal only with approved material/method for that system.
- Ask before assuming a ceiling space leak is acceptable.
Say this to your foreman
This return duct has leakage/open gaps at [location]. Is this supposed to be sealed ducted return, or is this area intentionally plenum return?
More in Airflow, Noise, Vibration & TAB