Duct Pressure Testing
Why do I need it?
Duct pressure testing is required by code to ensure a minimal amount of air leakage is lost to the attic or outside the conditioned spaces of the home. It helps to ensure the "bought" or conditioned air owners pay for is delivered to the rooms where it was intended to go. Even an expensive high efficiency unit that is installed badly with poor connections and leaky ducts is still going to leave occupants feeling too hot and humid or too cold AND upset and confused about why their electric and/or gas bills are so high!
The version of the energy code in your city (2015, 2018, 2021) or the standard you're trying to meet (Energy Star, Green Builder's Challenge, etc.) determines the amount of duct/ air leakage that is allowed in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFMs).
How do I pass this test?
We've created a page to help builder pass this testing by listing some of the more common errors we've seen; to view the list, please scroll to the bottom of our, "Avoiding Re-Inspections" page.
Why do I need it?
Duct pressure testing is required by code to ensure a minimal amount of air leakage is lost to the attic or outside the conditioned spaces of the home. It helps to ensure the "bought" or conditioned air owners pay for is delivered to the rooms where it was intended to go. Even an expensive high efficiency unit that is installed badly with poor connections and leaky ducts is still going to leave occupants feeling too hot and humid or too cold AND upset and confused about why their electric and/or gas bills are so high!
The version of the energy code in your city (2015, 2018, 2021) or the standard you're trying to meet (Energy Star, Green Builder's Challenge, etc.) determines the amount of duct/ air leakage that is allowed in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFMs).
How do I pass this test?
We've created a page to help builder pass this testing by listing some of the more common errors we've seen; to view the list, please scroll to the bottom of our, "Avoiding Re-Inspections" page.