Final report: new construction duct leakage diagnostic.

The objectives of this project were to develop and test a simplified duct-leakage measurement technique that could be used as part of both new-construction and retrofit DSM programs for residential duct systems. This effort, funded by Southern California Edison through the California Institute for Energy Efficiency, addresses two principal issues: l) the need for a quick accurate duct leakage diagnostic, and 2) the need for a technique that can be used prior to dry-wall installation. The technique developed involves direct pressurization of the duct system, and is similar to a technique used by SMACNA. Field tests suggested that the technique could be used in two to five houses per day, and suggested that approximately 50% of the leaks in a typical duct system could be sealed within half an hour. The technique was applied in thirty houses, whose ducts were found to be tighter than those in earlier field studies of existing houses, however it remains unclear as to why they were tighter.