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Duct leakage using pressure pans

Pressure pans can be used to estimate duct leakage more precisely than user estimation.

Updated over a week ago

Pressurized duct leakage (e.g., Duct Blaster®) testing may be difficult or cost prohibitive for many Snugg Pro users. Using a pressure pan in conjunction with a blower door is a less precise but viable method of approximating duct leakage. This article covers pressure pan test results and how to properly categorize the pressure pan findings as duct leakage estimates in Snugg Pro.

  • 30% - Very leaky
    All pressure pan readings are greater than 2.0 Pascals (Pa)

  • 15% - Somewhat Leaky
    Three or more (but not all) pressure pan readings are greater than 2.0 Pa

  • 6% - Well sealed
    Fewer than three pressure pan readings are greater than 2.0 Pa and
    Any pressure pan readings are greater than 1.5 Pa or
    More than 2 pressure pan readings are greater than 1.0 Pa

  • 3% - Very tight
    All pressure pan readings are less than 1.5 Pa and
    No more than 2 pressure pan readings greater than 1.0 Pa

This guidance is adapted from The Energy Conservatory’s pressure pan manual, Using A Pressure Pan To Diagnose Duct Leakage

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