How Winnipeg is built
- Before 1961 37%
- 1961–1990 40%
- 1991–2000 6%
- 2001 or later 17%
Who needs it in Winnipeg
In the Winnipeg area, 66% of households heat mainly with a forced-air furnace, 12% with electric baseboards and about 7% with a boiler and radiators; natural gas is the main heating energy for 56% of households and electricity for 27% (Statistics Canada, 2023).
Of Winnipeg's 202,915 houses (single-detached, semi-detached, row houses and duplexes), 37% were built before 1961 and 77% before 1991, according to the 2021 Census. Ducts in older houses often run through unheated spaces with taped or unsealed joints, and supply runs to the far rooms are the first to suffer.
What the test shows
- Total duct leakage, as a share of the system's airflow, measured with a duct-pressurization fan.
- Airflow at each register, which explains why one bedroom is always cold.
- Whether sealing and balancing will fix comfort problems before you buy bigger equipment.
What it costs
About $200–$450 (a September 2026 planning range; quotes vary). It isn't part of a standard EnerGuide evaluation, so ask for it when you book if comfort is your main complaint.
NRCan-licensed service organizations serving Winnipeg
Duct leakage testing isn't part of a standard EnerGuide evaluation. Some of these organizations offer it, as do HVAC contractors with duct-testing equipment, so ask when you call.
- CoEfficient Building Science
- Energy Werx Profile
- EnerQuality
- EnerSolution Profile
- Green Think
- Greenbrain Profile
- NRG Inspections and Consulting
- prairieHOUSE Performance
- The Energuy Profile
- Buildingexpert
- Isle Energy Consulting
- Sensible Home Inspection
Programs in Winnipeg
Duct leakage testing in Winnipeg: common questions
How much does duct leakage testing cost in Winnipeg?
Plan on about $200–$450. It is usually a separate service from an EnerGuide evaluation.
Is duct cleaning the same thing?
No. Cleaning removes dust; it doesn't find or seal leaks. A leakage test measures where air is lost.
Should I close vents in unused rooms?
Usually not. Closing registers raises duct pressure and can increase leakage elsewhere in the system.