- Leakage Test for Air Duct Systems -
-- Ventilation Ducts & Air Conduits --
Air Duct Leakage Testing: A Pillar of Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency has become a top priority in modern buildings, whether they are new constructions or renovations. Ventilation systems, designed to provide healthy air and control indoor temperature, play a central role in this quest. However, their overall efficiency largely depends on a frequently overlooked element: the airtightness of air ducts.
At AIR MAZE, we offer leakage tests for ventilation ducts that comply with European standards, particularly NBN EN 12599. This approach ensures that your ventilation system operates efficiently, meets regulatory requirements, and saves you money in the long term.
Why Test the Airtightness of Ducts?
Reduction of Energy Loss:
Improvement of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ):
Regulatory Compliance:
Reduction of Noise and Vibration:
A non-airtight duct network leads to air losses throughout the path between the source and the diffusion points. These leaks force the ventilation system to work harder to compensate for the loss, increasing energy consumption. It is estimated that a system with leaks can consume up to 30% more energy, directly impacting operating costs.
Good airtightness ensures that the transported air remains clean and free from external contamination. Conversely, leaks can allow unfiltered air, containing dust particles, allergens, or even gases, to enter the network. This not only affects occupant comfort but can also have health implications, particularly for individuals sensitive to respiratory issues.
Current standards require specific levels of airtightness to ensure optimal functioning. Financial Savings: Better system performance reduces operating costs.
Leaks in ducts can cause air turbulence, creating unwanted noise and vibrations in the network. This can significantly inconvenience occupants, especially in environments where silence is essential, such as hospitals, schools, or offices.
Our Execution of the Air Duct Leakage Test
To ensure the efficiency and compliance of ventilation systems, we follow a precise and rigorous protocol during leakage tests. The first step involves preparing the ducts by isolating the sections to be tested. This allows measurements to focus on specific areas and prevents interference. The ducts are then pressurized or vacuumed using specialized equipment to simulate real usage conditions.
Once preparation is complete, measurements are taken by applying specific pressures corresponding to defined airtightness classes (A, B, C, or D). These measurements help determine the airflow rate and detect potential leaks with high-precision equipment (EN 12237 EN 1507).
The results obtained are then analyzed and compared to thresholds established by the NBN EN 12599 standard. This step identifies critical points in the duct network and provides tailored recommendations to improve performance.
Finally, we provide a detailed report summarizing all collected data. This document includes test conditions, measured values, any deviations from standards, and necessary corrective actions. With this approach, we help our clients optimize their installations and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.