A flow hood test lets us know if the air distribution is balanced properly. In this test, an air flow capture hood is used to measure volumetric airflow at diffusers, grilles and registers.

The flow-hood test consists of:
• Measuring the room
• Calculating the appropriate heating and cooling load
• Calculating the required cubic feet of air flow per minute (“CFM”)
• Use the flow-hood over each supply and return opening to determine the actual CFM that is going into and out of the room
• Calculate the CFM shortfall for each room in question
• Determine what is causing the CFM shortfall