WHEN TO TEST

WHEN TO TEST Duct testing is strongly recommended when a new heating and/or air conditioning unit is being installed. If the existing duct system is leaky and inefficient before the new unit is installed, it will still be leaky and inefficient after the new unit is installed—unless the ducts are tested and sealed by a qualified contractor. It does not make sense to install a new, energy-efficient heating and/or air conditioning unit unless the duct system is also energy efficient. Duct testing is also recommended when a diagnostic tune-up is performed on a heating and air conditioning unit. A diagnostic tune-up can improve the operating efficiency of the heating or air conditioning unit itself, but the overall efficiency will still be less than adequate if the duct system is not in good condition. A duct test is necessary to determine leaks, needed repairs, and/or renovations. Duct testing can be performed at any time, however, whether or not new energy efficiency equipment is being installed. It is not unusual to find that sealing, repair, or renovation must be performed to complement a comprehensive HVAC installation