Residential Services

Green Rater

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Weatherization

Green Design & Energy Modeling

Project Consulting & Management

Duct Blower Testing

Most homes have duct leakage of 10% - 30%. Energy efficient homes such as Energy Star homeachieve duct leakage of < 6% total duct leakage with < 3% of leakage to the outside. Often there issignificant opportunity for improvement.

Duct leakage contributes to energy loss, decreased comfort, and potential for health concerns such asundesirable distribution of pollutants, moisture and potential impact on thermal and structural integrity.In addition duct leakage and poor ductwork design can lead to uneven heating and cooling andadditional stress on HVAC equipment.

Duct blower diagnostics along with a comprehensive audit provide the information that leads to energysavings, year around comfort, and improved indoor air quality. These diagnostics also provide theinformation needed to calculate the right sized HVAC equipment leading to cost effective purchases offurnaces, air conditioner, exhaust vents and strategies to meet ventilation requirements for indoor airquality.

Duct Blower diagnostics include:

• Visual Inspection of forced air distribution system design and condition
• Visual inspection of all accessible Duct work, registers, grilles, and controls
• Inspect duct work located in unconditioned spaces for function and R value.
• Visual inspection and assessment of filtration system
• Set up duct blower to measure Total Duct Leakage
• Set up duct blower to measure Duct Leakage to Outside
• Locate areas of duct leakage confirmed with pressure pan tests
• Measure Air Handler flow rate
• Measure the supply pressure differentials between rooms.
• Measure supply and ambient temperature in rooms and in problem areas
• Measure Temperature rise between supply & return side of HVAC equipment
• Visual inspection of all exhaust fan and dryer vent duct work and controls
• Report on all conditions found with recommendations for improvements to system that impact energy efficiency, health and comfort
• Identify scope of work required to meet designated duct leakage performance goals of Energy Star, specified Green Standards or incentive programs offered by utilities, federal, state, county or city governments.
• Generate complete report with findings from diagnostic testing of distribution system and controls
• Recommendations are prioritized for energy savings, comfort and health with specifications for duct sealing, insulation, or modifications.
• Report includes a preferred provider list of HVAC contractor who have demonstrated the commitment and capacity to perform energy conservation work.