Duct Leakage Testing in Clark County Nevada

Many contractor’s are beginning to see the “duct leakage test” requirement under their Conditions for Approval in the Clark County Accella interface. Here at The Energy Auditing Co, we offer this testing for Commercial and Residential Construction Projects throughout the Las Vegas Valley, and Clark County Nevada as whole. As a Clark County Building Department approved 3rd Party Inspection Agency, we are allowed to clear the “Duct Leakage Testing” requirement for permit holders throughout the Valley, upon the construction projects passing the duct leakage test.

What is “Duct Leakage Testing” ?

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.

When Does the Clark County Building Department Require Duct Leakage Testing?

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. From experience, we’ve seen this requirement needed in:

  • New Builds

  • Tenant Improvements

  • Remodels

  • Rebuilds after the home has been fire damaged or water damaged

  • When new FAU’s or Package RTiU’s are installed in homes.

When Should I Call for Duct Leakage Testing?

The best time to call for duct leakage testing is in the rough-in stage after all the HVAC returns, supplies, cans and FAU’s or Package RTU’s are installed. The systems do not need to be powered or charged with refrigerant, however, we do need for the property to have power in order for us to run out duct leakage fan.

The reason why this is the best time to call for a duct leakage test, is because if the system is leaking, it’s much easier to find the leak and diagnose the leak at this time.

Most contractors request duct leakage test at the same time as the blower door test, I.e, at the very end of construction. This is also okay.

What do I need to have in place before I call for Duct Leakage Testing?

You will need to have:

  1. All ductwork installed

  2. The FAU or Package RTU installed. - They do not need to be powered or charged with refrigerant, just connected via ductwork.

  3. Power in the building - This allows us to run our fan and test the unit for leaks. Once again, the FAU or Package Unit does not need to be powered.

How Do I book my Duct Leakage Test?

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

How do I request pricing for Duct Leakage Testing in Clark County?

In order for us, at The Energy Auditing Company, to provide you pricing for Duct Leakage Testing, we will need your:

1) Permit Number

2) Plans - Emailed to Admin@EnergyAuditingCo.com

3) Current Stage of Construction.