What is the Duct Leakage Test?

The duct leakage test is a “Condition of Approval” that many contractors see in their Citizen’s Access Portal in the Clark County jurisdiction.

This test is generally required when a new HVAC System is installed, when a new ductwork system is installed, or when a new conditioned space is added to the floor plan. Other reasons for requiring duct leakage testing also exist.

Duct Leakage Testing is a diagnostic test used in building performance analysis, specifically focused on assessing the airtightness of ductwork within a building's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Just as blower door testing evaluates the overall airtightness of a building envelope, duct blaster testing evaluates the tightness of the ductwork system.

During a duct blaster test, a calibrated fan is temporarily connected to the ductwork system, typically at the air handler or furnace. The remaining duct openings, such as registers and grilles, are sealed off. The fan pressurizes or depressurizes the ductwork system, and a pressure gauge measures the amount of air required to maintain a certain pressure difference between the inside and outside of the ducts.

By measuring the airflow and pressure difference, technicians can determine the amount of air leakage present in the ductwork system. This information is typically expressed in terms of air leakage rate in cubic feet per minute (CFM) or as a percentage of the total airflow capacity of the system.

Duct blaster testing is crucial for identifying leaks in ductwork, which can lead to energy waste, reduced HVAC system efficiency, and uneven heating or cooling throughout a building. Once leaks are identified, they can be sealed to improve energy efficiency and comfort, as well as to ensure proper indoor air quality by preventing the infiltration of dust, pollutants, and contaminants into the ductwork system.

To book your Duct Leakage Test and to learn more, please call us at (702)376-9105.

To provide a quote, we’ll need to have you provide your:

1) Permit Number

2) Plans - Emailed to Admin@EnergyAuditingCo.com

3) Current Stage of Construction.