In the 1970's energy conservation measures led to a decline in. This article will explain how to test for air duct leakage and describe the different types of ductwork to help you determine which tools to use. You can choose which method might work best for you and your situation Look for obvious leaks, tears or separations in the ductwork. Leaky returns can pull in air from uncontrolled spaces, causing humidity problems contaminants iaq , comfort , energy issues caused by leakage from hvac system system leakage = duct leakage + equipment leakage accessory leakage scope of presentation = duct leakage does not include Leakage through equipment (see ashrae 193) leakage through.
Learn how to verify duct tightness in accordance with the 2009 and 2012 iecc codes Learn how to use a duct leakage tester and blower door to measure and quantify duct leakage in different scenarios Find out the difference between benign and malignant leaks and how to perform the outside and total duct leakage tests. A duct leakage tester consists of a calibrated fan for measuring an air flow rate and a pressure sensing device to measure the pressure created by the fan flow. The duct leakage to the outdoors test measures only duct leakage outside of the home's air barrier, i.e., leakage to the outdoors, for example, into an unconditioned attic or crawlspace. Hvac duct leakage testing is a critical maintenance task that ensures system efficiency, reduces energy costs, and prolongs the lifespan of your hvac unit