Replies

1. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | Jan 12, 2017 05:53am | #1

   Iqra,
   We use a manometer to measure the pressure difference. Knowing the pressure difference and the diameter of the round opening or duct, we can thereby deduce the air flow rate.

   There are lots of ways to measure air flow rates -- you can use an aenomometer or a hot-wire probe that detects temperature changes, for example -- but using a manometer to measure a pressure difference is a fairly accurate method. The bottom line is that you have to measure something to deduce the air flow rate, and measuring a pressure difference works.

   For more information on methods used to measure air flow rates, see this article: Is Your Ventilation System Working?

2. 
   paulmorin | Jan 13, 2017 11:03am | #2

   Iqra Khan's question relates to blower door testing using The Energy Conservatory TECTITE software. When using TECTITE, you have the option of performing an automated test or manualing entering the data. When you are manualing entering the data you can choose between entering the fan pressure or the flow. Most people will choose to enter the blower door flow and that is the default setting in the software.

   The pressure and flow gauge is always reading a fan pressure and converting it to flow, but that happens in the background. Most techs do not know that is happening and do not need to be concerned about it.

   Paul Morin
   The Energy Conservatory

3. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | Jan 13, 2017 11:53am | #3

   Paul,
   Thanks for the clarification. Iqra's question was more specific than I realized. I'm glad you could help.