Technical directory · Ducts
Return trunk assessment
The return trunk carries room air toward the filter and blower, so leakage before the filter can introduce basement or cavity dust.
What to observe
Inspect accessible return sections, seams and the clean side of the filter rack for bypass trails.
A field example
A return built through an unfinished cavity can draw dust from that cavity before it reaches the filter. Cleaning the trunk while leaving the open seam untouched will not prevent fresh loading.
What the written work should say
Separate removal of accumulated debris from sealing a return leak; record what is included in each estimate.
Where this task stops
Cleaning the return trunk will not fix a leaking or undersized return path.