What is the purpose of duct leakage testing?

The purpose of duct leakage testing is primarily to measure air loss in duct systems. This testing is crucial because leaky ducts can significantly impact a building's energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and overall comfort. When duct systems have leaks, conditioned air can escape into unconditioned spaces, leading to uneven heating and cooling, increased energy bills, and potential issues with humidity and air quality. By quantifying the amount of air lost through duct leaks, building analysts can make informed recommendations for repairs or improvements to enhance the system’s performance.

Focusing solely on improving aesthetics does not address the functional efficiency of the ductwork. Assessing the size of duct systems is important for proper design and installation but does not directly relate to the testing of leakage. Similarly, calculating heating requirements is a separate evaluation that involves the thermal dynamics of a building rather than the integrity of the duct system itself. Thus, measuring air loss in duct systems is the key aim of duct leakage testing, making it the correct answer.