Duct Blaster Tests Help Measure Duct Leakage in Delmarva Homes

Two different types of performance testing systems are used to measure duct leakage: a duct blaster test or a blower door test.

A duct blaster combines a small fan and a pressure gauge to pressurize a home’s duct system and accurately measure air leakage of the ductwork. This test is similar to a pressure test of a plumbing system. Duct leakage can increase heating and cooling costs over 30% and contribute to comfort, health and safety problems. Here is how the test works:

• A duct blaster is used to directly pressure test the duct system for air leaks, much the same way a plumber pressure tests water pipes for leaks.
• The duct blaster fan is first connected to the duct system at the air handler cabinet, or a return grille. After temporarily sealing all remaining registers and grills, the duct blaster fan is turned on to force air through all holes and cracks in the ductwork.
• The fan speed is increased until a standard test pressure is achieved in the duct system. A precise leakage measurement is then made using an airflow and pressure gauge connected to the duct blaster system.

Just like the duct you see to the right, some duct problems are clear. But it is still good to do the performance tests to provide our customers with numbers so they can fully grasp the benefits of these and other services we provide.

Contact us today for your home energy audit where we perform a blower door test and much more. We also provide the services to repair the problems we find. We service throughout Delmarva and the Shoreline.