hac in Solitaire

[grandma49]

Have a 2002 18x80 Solitaire purchased new in 2003. I noticed air coming through the opening when changing washer in tub faucet 7-8 yrs ago. I've also felt air coming from behind clothes washer panel. Just recently we had leak in cpvc connection behind a tub & had to cut out a panel under sink to have access. I feel a great amount of cold air when ac cycles on. These places are not near the vents. One of their selling points was the 2x4 framing & insulation. I hate to think of the energy lost & money wasted because of their construction of the venting system. What are your thoughts?

[fredcdobbs]

What you describe sounds like you have a duct leak, that is discharging into the floor cavity, assuming of course that you have floor ducts and not overheads. Damaged or missing bottom board/belly paper may also contribute as this allows air to enter the floor cavity. Penetrations from or through the floor cavity into the conditioned space are typically troublesome as the penetration is the weak link of the envelope.

A duct pressure test will confirm whether or not you have duct leakage. A blower door test will identify other pressure envelope issues that may be present.

[grandma49]

Have begun replacing & resealing tape of floor ducts with metalized tape. Will post whether or not it stops the loss of large amount of air.