runbrook’s DUCT LEAKAGE SERVICES

RunBrook has performed thousands of duct leakage tests, either due to LEED certification requirements, to confirm that installers did the job right, or to allow builders to market quality to potential buyers. Our experienced and efficient staff is ready to help with duct leakage testing for your project.

ABOUT DUCT LEAKAGE TESTING

Leaky ducts can reduce HVAC equipment capacity and performance, result in dangerous indoor air quality problems, result in humidity problems, increase air conditioning and heating bills, and make a home uncomfortable. In addition, duct leakage can account for as much as 25% of total energy loss in homes.

A great way to demonstrate a quality home to potential buyers and differentiate a homes from their competition is through duct leakage performance testing. Duct leakage testing also allows developers to confirm that installers have done the job correctly.

A duct leakage performance test involves pressurizing the duct system with a calibrated fan and simultaneously measuring the air flow through the fan and its effect on the pressure within the duct system. You need less air from the fan to create a change in duct system pressure, the tighter the duct system. Testing can be set up to measure leaks connected to the outside, or can be set up to measure leaks connected to the outside and the inside of the house (i.e. total duct leakage).  Measurements from duct leakage testing can be used to:

·         Diagnose and show leakage problems,

·         Estimate efficiency losses from duct leakage, and

·         Determine the quality of duct system installation.

Certain above-code programs, such as obtaining a LEED certification, require duct leakage testing of homes.