Duct Testing: Boost Your Delivery System’s Potential

Your duct system plays a vital role in the overall energy efficiency of your home, and it needs occasional testing to determine if it’s functioning at an optimal level. When duct testing is done by a qualified professional, you ensure that your ductwork operates at peak efficiency, and avoid wasting energy due to air leaks. The service service professional will likely use one of two methods to test your system.

• Pressurization subtraction: This method involves setting up a large fan in a exterior doorway and depressurizing the house. The service professional performs this test twice and take measurements each time; once with the supply and return vents open, and once when they are sealed off. The difference between the two measurements indicates the leakiness of the ductwork.
• Duct-blower test: This procedure sees the service professional use a small portable fan to pressurizes the duct system.The fan is connected to the system near the air handler of the heating and cooling unit. The service professional will take readings from various gauges as the fan operates to determine the leakiness of the ductwork.

Duct testing can take place at any time, but is especially recommended when new heating and cooling equipment is installed. After the testing takes place, the service professional seals any air leaks and makes other necessary repairs, such as reconnecting ductwork sections where the joints have failed. He might also suggest that you upgrade to a larger size system if your ducts are too small. Undersized ductwork can cause various problems, including noisy operation and poor energy efficiency.

Duct testing can prevent energy losses that can reach up to 30 percent in some cases, making it an important part of reducing your utility bills. For more information on testing your ductwork, and other issues related to home comfort, contact us at Blanton’s Heating & A/C. We have served the greater Fayetteville area since 1951.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Fayetteville, North Carolina and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).