Duct Leakage Testing in Clark County, NV

Many contractors are beginning to see the duct leakage test requirement under their Conditions for Approval in the Clark County Accela interface. Energy Auditing Co. offers duct leakage testing for commercial and residential construction projects throughout the Las Vegas Valley and Clark County, Nevada. As a Clark County Building Department approved third-party inspection agency, we are authorized to clear the duct leakage testing requirement for permit holders throughout the valley upon the construction project passing the duct leakage test.

What Is Duct Leakage Testing?

Duct leakage testing is a diagnostic test used in building performance analysis, specifically focused on assessing the airtightness of ductwork within a building's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Just as blower door testing evaluates the overall airtightness of a building's thermal envelope, duct blaster testing evaluates the tightness of the ductwork system.

During a duct blaster test, a calibrated fan is temporarily connected to the ductwork system, typically at the air handler or furnace. The remaining duct openings, such as registers and grilles, are sealed off. The fan pressurizes or depressurizes the ductwork system, and a pressure gauge measures the amount of air required to maintain a specific pressure difference between the inside and outside of the ducts. Technicians use the airflow and pressure readings to determine the air leakage rate of the ductwork system, typically expressed in cubic feet per minute (CFM) or as a percentage of the total airflow capacity of the system.

Duct leakage testing is important for identifying leaks in ductwork that can lead to energy waste, reduced HVAC system efficiency, and uneven heating or cooling throughout a building. Once leaks are identified, they can be sealed to improve energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality by preventing dust, pollutants, and contaminants from infiltrating the ductwork system.

When Does the Clark County Building Department Require Duct Leakage Testing?

Duct leakage testing is generally required when a new HVAC system is installed, when new ductwork is installed, or when a new conditioned space is added to the floor plan. From experience, we have also seen this requirement come up in:

  • New builds

  • Tenant improvements

  • Remodels

  • Rebuilds after fire or water damage

  • When new FAUs or package RTUs are installed

When Should I Call for Duct Leakage Testing?

The best time to call for duct leakage testing is during the rough-in stage, after all HVAC returns, supplies, cans, and FAUs or package RTUs are installed. The systems do not need to be powered or charged with refrigerant, but the property does need to have power available so we can run our duct leakage fan. Testing at the rough-in stage makes it much easier to locate and diagnose any leaks if the system does not pass.

Most contractors request duct leakage testing at the same time as the blower door test, at the end of construction. That is also acceptable.

What Needs to Be in Place Before Calling for Duct Leakage Testing?

You will need:

  • All ductwork installed

  • The FAU or package RTU installed and connected via ductwork (does not need to be powered or charged with refrigerant)

  • Power in the building

How to Book Your Duct Leakage Test in Clark County

To schedule your duct leakage test or to learn more, call us at (702) 376-9105.

To provide a quote, we will need:

  1. Permit Number

  2. Plans (email to Admin@EnergyAuditingCo.com)

  3. Current Stage of Construction