Ventilation duct air permeability
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. The ductwork is sealed with inflatable balloons at the extract vents, then pressurised or depressurised between 80 and 250 Pa. Photos of the 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, with illustrations of the leaks found so the contractor 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. A ventilation system must therefore deliver the required extract and/or supply airflows.
Extending the life of ventilation equipment
Airtight ducts reduce fan speeds and limit the entry, circulation and build-up of dust in service shafts.
Our expertise
Our experience as one of France’s first testing firms, combined with teamwork, lets us respond quickly: fast, high-quality tests, with the possibility of reaching the target the same day if the contractor’s team accompanies our operators.
