Delta Q Testing
Delta Q Duct testing.
Delta Q was developed by the Lawrence Berkley Labs. It uses a blower door to test duct leakage. The blower door is set for four separate ten point tests. The blower door is set up and the house is winterized as in any blower door test. We test for the CFM leakage as we normally do during a blower door test.
Then is scaled down in pressure is scaled down at ten different points.
For example we start with pressurization at 50 Pascal’s. We then move to 42. Then to 35. Etc until we have ten measured points moving down a scale.
We run this test four times in the following requirements.
Depresuuriazation with the Air Handler off (heater or ac or HVAC fan) at ten scaled down points
Depressurization with the Air Handler on ten scaled down points
Pressurization with the Air Handler off scaled down at ten different points
Pressurization with the air handler on a ten different scaled down points.
This data is then plugged into the Delta Q formula developed by LBL and it produces the results.
What is really cool is it gives the data in two different forms. It measures the return side leakage(air returning to the HVAC unit) and the supply side leakage(air coming into the room from registers).
I won’t pretend to understand the whole aspect of it nor will I attempt to explain in detail. I have provided the link to the experts. I am simply standing on the shoulder of those before me and providing the service to my customer base.
What I like about it is the ability to test systems and have data that points us in the direction of the worst problem areas. It is also useful in existing homes where wall cavities have been used for return air. In these instances the duct blaster tells us only part of the story.
It should be noted Delta Q is not accepted for HERS testing in California at this time
Is it replacing single pane windows with dual glazed windows? Is it purchasing an energy-efficient heating cooling system? Is it tightening up the envelope of the house? Is it replacing my incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs? Is simply planting a tree my backyard in order to take advantage of shade to reduce solar gain? Is it sealing ducts of an HVAC system in making sure that all the energy used is toward the purpose that is desired? Is it buying energy efficient appliances such as a refrigerator?
The reality is that energy efficiency is a synergistic whole that is made up of a lot of different parts.It can involve Envelope Sealing, Insulating, purchasing an energy-efficient heating cooling system, replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, or planting a tree that creates shade to reduce solar gain. Energy efficiency is also sealing HVAC system ducts and energy efficient appliances like refrigerators washing machines and dishwashers
Since houses are different and the people that live in them are also different, they will all have different energy needs and those elements that create energy efficiency will vary.
Red E 3 can provide a detailed snapshot of your existing energy usage, and offer a targeted efficiency plan that simply cannot be duplicated without the proper equipment and training. The diagnostic equipment that we use gives tangible data to assist the customer to make an informed decision about what they can do in every aspect of energy efficiency in their home.