Mechanical Systems
From Design to Verification
December 11th, 2013
Verification (to prove something is true or correct)
• Definition of a Hole: • a : an opening through something : perforation
<have a hole in my duct> • b : an area where something is missing : gap:
as (1) : a serious discrepancy : flaw, weakness <some holes in your logic regarding your ventilation strategy>
Find Hole – Fix Hole (or verify no Hole)
You don’t have to be good at math… Common Sense is your best friend
Change is hard I know, I know…
Buildings are just like our bodies… Intentional and Purposeful holes
Blower Door
• Measure airtightness level of building/unit envelopes • Fancy tape measure
for air leakage • Test (when?)
• Typically, at Final • Before drywall is hung
in certain scenarios • Code Compliance
aka Hole Hunter
EarthCraft Virginia
Duct Blaster
• Diagnose and demonstrate leakage problems
• Estimate efficiency loss • Test (when?)
• Before drywall is hung • Final inspection
• Code Compliance
Test airtightness of forced air duct systems
EarthCraft Virginia
Duct Tape! (Don’t use on ducts)
Mastic!
EarthCraft Virginia
Flow Capture Device
• Used to accurately measure air flow in all residential applications
• Positive • Duct Supplies
• Negative • Duct Return • Bath Exhaust • Ventilation
EarthCraft Virginia
Unit / Bedroom Pressures
Main body of the unit is negatively pressurized
Bedrooms are positively pressurized
Pressures must be in balance
EarthCraft Virginia