Testing air ducts primarily involves checking for leaks and ensuring proper airflow. Here's how you can test air ducts:
Simple Leak Test
This test helps you find obvious leaks in accessible ductwork:
- Turn on your HVAC system: Ensure the system is running so that air is flowing through the ducts.
- Accessible Areas: Go to areas where the ductwork is exposed (e.g., basements, attics).
- Check Connections Manually:
- Feel for Air Leaks: Place your hand over the connections between each duct section.
- Identify Leaks: If you feel air blowing against your hand, the connection is loose, and there's an air leak. According to the provided reference, duct joints are common places for leaks.