Typical duct systems have almost seven times as much leakage as we consider reasonable. And equipment is often installed in such a way as to create negative pressures in the house which can cause furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces to back-draft poisonous combustion products into the living space. A builder who talks about energy efficiency and just mentions a fuel type or a SEER rating probably doesn't understand how often proper installation doesn't happen, which probably means he's not paying enough to make sure it's done right. Finally, it's crucial that all this happen in a house with adequate ventilation to control moisture and assure fresh air for people. No one wants to live in an energy-efficient thermos bottle.
Adequate ventilation has to be planned and controlled.
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