Depressurization Testing in Ontario
Keep Your Home Safe, Code-Compliant, and Free from Hidden Dangers
When your home has negative pressure, it can pull smoke and harmful gases from your fireplace or woodstove back into your living space. This isn’t just a comfort issue; it’s a serious safety hazard and a building code requirement in Ontario.
At ON Point HVAC Designs, we specialize in depressurization testing for homes equipped with solid-fuel appliances. We help homeowners, contractors, and builders follow the Ontario Building Code (OBC 9.32). This keeps families safe from harmful backdrafting.
What Is Depressurization Testing?
Depressurization testing checks the air pressure in your home against the outside. This ensures your fireplace or wood stove can vent safely.
When exhaust devices like kitchen range hoods, dryers, or bathroom fans pull out more air than your home can bring in, the pressure drops. Negative pressure can pull smoke, carbon monoxide, and other combustion gases into your living spaces.
Our certified experts recreate real-world conditions, test airflow, and spot issues. This ensures your home is safe.
The Benefits for Your Home and Family
1. Protect Your Family
- Detects backdrafting before it becomes a hazard
- Prevents carbon monoxide and smoke infiltration
- Keeps your home’s air safe, clean, and breathable
2. Meet Ontario Building Code Requirements
- Required for all homes with woodstoves or fireplaces
- Ensures compliance with OBC Section 9.32 – Ventilation Requirements
- Avoid costly occupancy delays and inspection failures
3. Expert Solutions You Can Trust
- Receive a clear, detailed report with test results
- Get step-by-step recommendations for compliance
Access certified HVAC experts trusted by Ontario builders and inspectors
How Our Depressurization Testing Works
- Home Assessment: Our certified technician checks your solid-fuel appliance, ventilation systems, and key exhaust sources, including the range hood, dryer, and fans.
- Testing & Measurement We use calibrated diagnostic equipment to measure indoor and outdoor pressure. This simulates real-world exhaust conditions.
- Analysis & Verification: We identify any unsafe or harmful pressure levels that may lead to backdrafting or non-compliance.
- Actionable Reporting: You get a clear, easy-to-read report. It includes recommendations for corrective actions, like Make-Up Air (MUA) systems when necessary.
💡 Did you know? A Make-Up Air system brings fresh outdoor air into your home. It can connect with your kitchen range hood, which is the leading cause of depressurization. This setup ensures balanced airflow and safe operation.
Why Choose ON Point HVAC?
- Certified Depressurization Specialists serving Ontario
- Expertise in Ontario Building Code compliance
- Trusted by builders, inspectors, and municipalities across Ontario
- Detailed reports with clear, actionable recommendations
- Fast scheduling and professional on-site testing
FAQs About Depressurization Testing
Q: How do I know if my home needs depressurization testing?
A: If your home has a woodstove or fireplace, testing is required under the Ontario Building Code to confirm safe venting before occupancy.
Q: Why is this testing necessary?
A: It ensures that your solid-fuel appliances vent properly, prevents dangerous backdrafting, and verifies compliance with OBC 9.32.
Q: When should depressurization testing be done?
A: During new construction, renovations, or before occupancy of any home with a solid-fuel-burning device.
Schedule Your Depressurization Testing Today
Don’t leave your family’s safety or occupancy permit to chance. Make sure your home’s air pressure is safe and balanced. Get certified depressurization testing from ON Point to meet code requirements.
ON Point HVAC Designs Ontario’s Depressurization Testing Experts
We serve Simcoe County, Muskoka, and nearby Ontario communities with certified testing. You can trust our results for your peace of mind.