Your Cincinnati home's ductwork plays an important role in the overall energy efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Leaky ducts can waste a significant amount of heated or cooled air produced by your HVAC equipment. Air leaks not only waste energy, but they may also reduce the quality of the air in your home.

To make sure that your ductwork is functioning at peak efficiency, consider having a qualified professional test your ducts for leaks. Once the technician has finished with duct testing, he or she can make any necessary repairs.

Experts use two primary types of tests to check for ductwork problems:

• Pressurization subtraction method -- This test uses a large fan set in an exterior doorway to pressurize the house. A duct-efficiency measurement is then taken with the vents open, along with a second measurement when vents are closed. Comparing the two measurements allows the technician to determine whether the ductwork is leaking. Leaks are pinpointed by using a detection tool called a pressure pan.
• Duct blower test -- The duct blower test, sometimes referred to as the duct blaster test, uses a portable fan that connects to the duct system at the air handler cabinet or at a return grille. Once the fan is activated, gauges indicate the amount of leaks in the ductwork, and a fog machine that injects non-toxic fog into the ducts helps to identify the exact location of the leaks.

The benefits of duct testing are proven, as sealing up leaky areas helps you to achieve lower energy bills and improves indoor air quality in your home. These benefits typically outweigh the expense involved. You also receive the peace of mind that comes from knowing a critical part of your heating and cooling system is working efficiently.

For more information about duct testing and other issues related to home comfort, contact us at Jonle Heating & Cooling. We have proudly served Butler County and the Greater Cincinnati area since 1959. 

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