Ductwork Leakage – Effects and Efficiency Opportunities

Ductwork leakage is a pervasive problem in virtually all buildings, but is especially an issue in the healthcare sector given their 24/7 operation, high ventilation and outdoor air rates, and the risk of cross-contamination. In fact, ASHRAE states in their Duct Design Manual that “75% of commercial duct systems leak between 10% – 25%”. This directly impacts the performance of HVAC systems, leading to the inefficient use of energy, higher greenhouse gas emissions, and a reduction of the air exchange rates in occupied areas of buildings which has a negative impact on indoor air quality. This presentation will quantify the issue, discuss case studies, and present both traditional and innovative solutions.