Duct Blaster Testing

A duct blaster is simply a fan and a manometer calibrated specifically for testing duct systems. In order to perform the test is necessary to seal all of the existing registers. Next the fan is sealed to be so supply register. The fan is then turned on and charges the system with a specific pressure of air. The unit that is used for the duct blaster is a Pascal. One Pascal is equivalent air pressure to water in a tube one 10th of an inch.

The duct blaster tests at 25 Pascal. This is a low amount of air pressure. At 25 Pascal we will never damage an existing system. In other states 50 Pascal is often used. By performing this test we are able to determine the leakage of the system. Every system will have leaks. Getting a HVAC system to within 6% of leakage is recommended. That is the standard for new home construction.

Who needs to have a duct blaster tests?

In California when any commercial building as a HVAC changed it must be tested.
In California residential HVAC change outs must also be tested. Coastal regions are not subject to the testing process. These zones are climate zone one and three through eight. Here in San Diego climate zone seven and eight do not need to be tested.

Note even though climate zones are not mandated for testing does not mean that it is not a good idea. If your ducts are leaking they are costing you money in any climate.