Duct Blaster Test:
A Duct Blaster Test combines a small fan and a pressure gauge to
pressurize a house’s duct system and accurately measure air leakage
of the ductwork. This test is similar to a pressure test of a
plumbing system and is performed at completion.
The Duct Blaster Test is required for an ENERGY
STAR certification and for final calculation of the
HERS Index. Increased duct leakage has a negative
effect on the HERS Index which in turn will affect the FGBC and NAHB
certification scores (when a HERS score is part of the FGBC or NAHB
certification selections).
ENERGY STAR, on the other hand, requires that the results of this test show total duct leakage ≤ 6 cfm to outdoors / 100 sq. ft. making this a pass – fail test. If this requirement is not met, the ENERGY STAR certification is lost.
The best way to avoid this scenario is to include the Smoke Test as part of the normal construction process. Having this test performed at rough-in identifies the leaks while the ductwork is accessible and repairs can be made. The Smoke Test is currently not required for ENERGY STAR, FGBC or NAHB certifications
To view at a glance how the HERS Index and all the various tests play a role in the FGBC, NAHB and ENERGY STAR certification programs Click Here
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