Professional Duct Leakage Testing Services
Measure duct-system airtightness, identify hidden air leakage, verify code compliance, and improve HVAC performance, comfort, and energy efficiency.
What Is a Duct Leakage Test?
A duct leakage test measures the airtightness of your heating and cooling ductwork using a specialized duct depressurization or pressurization fan and pressure gauge.
Leaky ducts waste energy, cause uneven heating and cooling, and can draw dusty or conditioned-compromised air from attics, crawlspaces, and basements directly into your living spaces.
Quantify leakage throughout the duct system.
Identify hidden leakage paths and problem areas.
Document system performance for code compliance.
Duct Testing for New and Existing Buildings
From code-compliance testing during construction to diagnostic testing of existing HVAC systems, duct leakage testing provides measurable information about how efficiently conditioned air is being delivered.
Code Compliance Testing
Modern mechanical and energy codes, such as IECC N1103.3.5, mandate duct testing for new residential and commercial construction when ductwork runs through unconditioned space.
SBC Testing delivers certified duct leakage testing and official code-compliant RESNET 380 reports required for final inspection and sign-off.
View the referenced building code ↗Rough-In / Pre-Drywall Testing
Testing the duct system during the rough-in stage, before walls and ceilings are closed up, allows installers to easily locate and seal air leaks.
Catching duct defects early prevents costly tear-outs and helps ensure the HVAC system operates at peak efficiency from day one.
Diagnostic & Energy Efficiency Testing
If your existing building has high energy bills, excessive indoor dust, or rooms that never reach a comfortable temperature, a diagnostic duct test can uncover major hidden tears or loose fittings.
Combined with pressure pan diagnostics, SBC Testing can help pinpoint exact leakage paths to optimize HVAC performance.
Total Leakage vs. Leakage to Outdoors
Depending on local code requirements or home performance goals, SBC Testing offers both Total Leakage testing and Leakage to Outside testing.
Total Leakage measures all leaks throughout the entire duct network, while Leakage to Outside measures only the air escaping outside the building's thermal envelope.
Two Ways to Measure Duct Leakage
The appropriate test depends on the project, applicable code requirements, and the information needed about the duct system.
Entire Duct Network
Measures leakage from all portions of the duct system, regardless of whether the leak is inside or outside the conditioned building envelope.
Outside the Thermal Envelope
Measures only the portion of duct leakage that escapes outside the building's conditioned thermal envelope.
Duct Leakage Testing in Practice
See an example of SBC Testing's duct leakage testing and building-performance work.
Let's Talk About Your HVAC System.
Whether you need code-compliance documentation, rough-in testing, or help diagnosing an existing duct system, SBC Testing can help determine the appropriate test for your project.
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