Ventilation duct air permeability (MVHR/MEV)
Ductwork air permeability testing quantifies and locates the leaks in ventilation or air-conditioning systems. It ensures the systems work properly and efficiently.
What is ventilation duct airtightness testing?
Ventilation duct air permeability testing measures the airtightness of part or all of a single- or double-flow ventilation system, to determine its leakage
rate and its airtightness class. Measuring duct airtightness ensures the ventilation unit works properly and uses energy efficiently.
Ventilation system airtightness
How is the air permeability test carried out?
Measuring
the ductwork
The operators receive the digital ductwork drawings and analyse them in full to determine the total surface area and the length of joints.
On-site
measurement
The test is carried out on site. The operators select a sample section of ductwork (at least 10% in apartment or commercial buildings) and the whole system for a single-family house (octopus-type network). The ductwork is sealed with inflatable balloons at the extract vents. It is then pressurised or depressurised between 80 and 250 Pa. Photos of the airtightness defects found are taken so they can be fixed.
Writing the
test report
A test report compliant with current standards and their guidance documents is drawn up. It describes the whole ductwork, the section measured and the airtightness class obtained. Illustrations of the types of leaks found are included so the contractor concerned can fix them.
Why test ventilation duct airtightness?
Avoiding
energy waste
A European study shows that leaks in the ventilation ducts of hospitals and commercial buildings add up to the output of three nuclear reactors (source: Lindab).
Improving
indoor air quality
More energy-efficient buildings need suitable air change rates to ensure good air quality for occupants. To achieve this, a ventilation system must be able to deliver the required extract and/or supply airflows, and therefore better air for occupants.
Extending the life of
ventilation equipment
Airtight ventilation ducts reduce fan speeds and limit the entry, circulation and build-up of dust from building materials in service shafts.
Our expertise
Our experience as one of France’s first testing firms, combined with teamwork, lets us respond quickly to our clients’ needs : fast, high-quality tests, with the possibility of reaching the target the same day if the contractor’s team accompanies our operators.
