Smart ventilation starts with airtight ductwork

Airtight construction is essential for low-energy buildings, but so is proper ventilation. Healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) depends upon effective ventilation systems which balance performance with energy efficiency. At Ubbink, we understand the challenges designers and installers face in achieving this balance, especially when installed ductwork systems are not as airtight as they are on paper. That’s why Ubbink developed the Air Leakage Calculator, a smart tool that shows, in real numbers, how much energy and money leaky ductwork wastes.

Why airtight ductwork matters

Leaky ductwork can significantly impact the performance and running costs of mechanical ventilation systems with increased fan energy use and sound production as a result. Our innovative Air Leakage Calculator helps designers and installers estimate the financial impact of ductwork leakage for any project, making it easy to highlight the importance of airtight ductwork systems, like Ubbink’s Air Excellent.

Use the Air Leakage Calculator

The cost of leakage

Plastic pipes are airtight but may leak at connections to other components, such as metal or plastic distribution boxes, bends, and valve adaptors. Did you know that even small leaks in ductwork systems can lead to significant energy loss and higher operating costs? Using the Ubbink Air Leakage Calculator, you can estimate:

Energy waste caused by leakage.
Financial impact on the system's operation.

Certified quality you can trust

Ubbink’s Air Excellent system is the only non-metallic ductwork system tested and ATC 2-certified by TÜV SÜD. This ensures the highest level of airtightness, minimizing energy waste and reducing noise. You can download the Air Excellent TÜV SÜD certificate here.

The consequences of leaky ductwork

It is important to understand how leakage in ductwork systems impacts fan energy use and ventilation unit sound production.

In short, increasing the flow rate to compensate for duct leaks raises pressure loss, forcing the fan to work harder. This leads to higher energy use, unnecessary noise, and reduced efficiency. You can use the Air Leakage Calculator, which was based on research by PLEIAQ in 2023, to estimate the financial impact of leaky ductwork in ventilation systems.

Ready to calculate?

Estimate the impact of leakage on your projects with our Air Leakage Calculator. It’s easy to use and designed to support installers in delivering reliable, energy-efficient ventilation solutions.

Start your calculation now