Geothermal Alliance of Illinois
2012 IECC “Duct Pressure Testing”
Brian KumerThermal Imaging Services, Inc.
Peoria, IL 309-547-5000 office309-251-1719 cell
or www.briankumer.com
THERMAL IMAGING SERVICESof Central Illinois, Inc.
“Improving Home Performance”
3
Building Science Hot LineIllinois Home Performance Building Science
HOT LINE 866-395-1032 ext. 3
Free to homeowners, renters, contractors, anyone looking for unbiased advice on specific home
performance issues and improvements!
To learn more go to: www.illinoishomeperformance.org/hotline
Equipment Loan Program
Balanced Duct System - No Leaks
Unconditioned Crawlspace
Supply Leaks in Unconditioned Space
Unconditioned Crawlspace
Return Leaks in Unconditioned Space
Unconditioned Crawlspace
Cold Bedrooms
Tray Ceiling is a Huge Return Duct
Duct Leakage to OutsideSecond Floor Living Space
Front Porch
Porch AtticNegative Pressure
To Furnace
Two Important Tips…
1. Air seal your ducts yourself. DO NOT rely on the foam insulator to air seal your ducts with their spray foam
2. Try to pressure test your ducts in the rough-in stage of construction
Duct Blaster™ - Energy Conservatory
Flow Rings Like the Blower Door
In-Field Calibration
The flow should be between 103 cfm to 109 cfm with the calibration plate installed @ 25.0 Pascals
NEW
Ring 4 - 2.4 cfm to 25.0 cfm
Duct Blaster™ - Energy Conservatory
“Total” Duct Leakage Test
Source: The Energy Conservatory Duct Blaster Operators Manual - page 18
Ducts pressurized to +25 Pascals
2012 IECC “Total” Duct Leakage
Total duct leakage is based on 3 cfm / 100 sq’ of conditioned space with no air handler, or 4 cfm / 100 sq’ with air handler installed.
• Rough-in no air handler …………………….… 3 cfm
• Rough-in with air handler …………………… 4 cfm
• Post construction with air handler ………. 4 cfmExample:
(2,400 sq’ ÷ 100) x 3 cfm = 72 cfm of total duct leakage
(2,400 sq’ ÷ 100) x 4 cfm = 96 cfm of total duct leakage
System 2Second Floor
System 1Main Floor & Basement
4 cfm / 100 sq’ of living space
Basement /Floor Cavity
Living Space
Supply Duct
Source of Duct Leakage
Attic Space
Living Space
Supply Duct
Source of Duct Leakage
Duct Pressure Testing
House Set-up…
• Open a window to prevent pressurizing the home during the test
• Turn off air handler(s)
• Cover all supply & return registers with tape or mask. Seal between the floor or wall and the register
• Remove air filter
• DO NOT tape air filter slot (it’s part of the system)
Connect to the Duct System
Connected to return grille Connected to blower compartment
Direct Mount to Blower Compartment
Connected to blower compartment Need to add clearance for blower
Air Filter Slot Cover Leakage
Pressure Drop Across the CoilReturn Ducts
Negative PressureSupply Ducts
Positive Pressure
Return Ducts.1 iwc
Air Filter.1 iwc
A-coil.2 iwc
Supply Ducts.1 iwc
(fan)
Pressure Drop Across the Coil55.0 Pascal's 25.0 Pascal’s
(fan)
Return Ducts Supply Ducts
Duct Blaster
Duct Testing Adaptors
Duct Testing Adaptors
Seal much better and are much faster!
Portable Power for Testing
Pressure Pan
Using a Theatrical Fogger With Fan
TrueFlow Air Handler Flow Meter
Brian KumerThermal Imaging Services, Inc.
Peoria, IL 309-547-5000 office309-251-1719 cell
or www.briankumer.com
THERMAL IMAGING SERVICESof Central Illinois, Inc.
“Improving Home Performance”
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