At Fast Affordable Air, we recently completed a detailed HVAC performance inspection at a home in Las Vegas. Our focus was to evaluate airflow temperatures, check the condition of attic ductwork, and inspect attic insulation to ensure optimal comfort and energy efficiency.
đź“Ť Step 1: Measuring Airflow Temperature
We started by checking the temperature of the air coming out of the supply vents. Using an infrared thermometer, we recorded a supply temperature of 53.5°F. This tells us that the air conditioner is delivering cool air as expected.
Next, we checked the return air temperature, which read 73.0°F. This means the difference between return and supply—called the “temperature split”—was approximately 19.5°F. A temperature split in the 18–22°F range typically indicates that the system is cooling properly.
Why does this matter? The temperature split tells us how efficiently your system is cooling the air. If the split is too low, it may mean refrigerant is low, or the ductwork is leaking. If it’s too high, the airflow could be restricted due to dirty filters, blocked ducts, or undersized equipment.
đź“Ť Step 2: Attic Duct Inspection
Next, we headed into the attic. The attic is where the hidden heroes of your HVAC system—your ducts—live. We visually inspected the ductwork and found that the flexible ducts were intact, sealed, and supported properly, without major signs of collapse or disconnects.
The black flexible ducting visible in the images is called CAL-FLEX, which is a type of flexible air duct often used in residential installations. We checked for any kinks, tears, or insulation issues and made sure the airflow path was clear throughout the attic space.
Proper duct installation and insulation are critical. Poor ductwork can leak up to 30% of conditioned air into the attic, which means higher energy bills and uneven room temperatures.
đź“Ť Step 3: Evaluating Attic Insulation
While in the attic, we also evaluated the pink fiberglass batt insulation. Fiberglass insulation helps reduce the heat load that enters your living space from the hot Las Vegas attic.
We found that the attic was generally well-insulated, but there were areas where insulation had been shifted or thinned. Improving coverage in these spots could enhance overall energy efficiency and reduce the strain on the air conditioning system.
đź“Ť Step 4: Inspecting the Air Handler and Plenum Box
Finally, we took a close look at the air handler and the attached plenum box, where air is distributed to different parts of the home. The system connections were sealed with foil tape, and the plenum was properly insulated to avoid energy losses.
Maintaining this area is essential. If the plenum isn’t sealed correctly, cool air can leak out into the attic instead of reaching your living space. That’s money—and comfort—being wasted.
đź’ˇ The Result? Better Comfort & Efficiency
Thanks to the inspection and the testing performed, the homeowner can now enjoy:
- Improved airflow and consistent cooling
- Reduced energy consumption by identifying potential duct or insulation inefficiencies
- Peace of mind knowing their AC system is running smoothly and safely
This project is a great example of how regular maintenance and inspection can lead to better performance from your central air conditioning system. If you’re curious how your own attic insulation or ductwork is affecting your energy bills, check out our HVAC Maintenance Services or Air Conditioning Repair pages to learn more.
