Summit Services – Duct leakage testing
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What Are Ducts
Ducts are used to distribute conditioned air throughout the house. However, about 20 to 30 percent of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks and poorly connected ducts. This can result in your house not cooling or heating comfortably, moisture problems, mold, rot, and higher utility bills. A proper duct cleaning and duct sealing can help you avoid these consequences, along with duct leakage testing.
Duct Leakage Testing
A duct leakage tester is designed to measure the airtightness of forced air heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) ductwork. A duct leakage tester consists of a calibrated fan for measuring an airflow rate and a pressure sensing device to measure the pressure created by the fan flow. Then it calculates the amount of pressure passing through an orifice plate. Based on the results it determines how much leakage there is.
These are the various methods for conducting a duct leakage test:
- Using only a blower door (not recommended)
- Using a blower door and pressure pan (for diagnostic purposes only)
- Using a duct leakage tester and blower door together (the most common method)
- Using a flow hood
- Using a Duct Blaster
Two Kinds of Leaks
There are two kinds of leaks, benign and malignant. The malignant leaks should be taken care of immediately. They’re the ones that send conditioned air into unconditioned spaces. Benign leaks are the ones leaking inside the conditioned space. Leakage inside the building enclosure isn’t as bad because it’s still within the conditioned space.
These two kinds of duct leakages require two different types of tests. The malignant leaks occur in ducts that are outside the conditioned space and you would need an “outside leakage test.” The other test is called the “total leakage test.”
If you would like our help in conducting the ideal duct leakage test for your home, we at Summit Services Heating and Air would be more than happy to assist you. We provide premium service and help you save on cost. If you’re in Hilton Head & Bluffton, SC and Savannah, GA, don’t hesitate to call or visit our contact page to get our legendary services.