Duct testing is now mandatory for all new construction and when HVAC equipment is changed and the ducts are altered. This applies to residential and commercial applications.
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Duct testing must be performed by an independant, third party, state certified HERS raters and involves pressuring the duct system to a specified level and verifying that the ducts leak at a rate no greater than 6% of the total airflow. A greater amount of duct leakage is allowed for retrofit HVAC work.
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Most of the state sponsored incentive programs and most utility sponsored incentive programs require duct testing as a prerequisite for acceptance into their incentive programs.
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You can view a brief video here which explains how what is involved in the duct test and the benefits.
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The new 2013 Title-24 Building Energy Standards which took effect July 1, 2014 include a mandatory requirement for duct testing if the air handling unit (furnace) is located in the garage or return ducts are located in the duct (regardless of the air handler location). This requirement is triggered by the new residential ventilation requirements and is separate from other energy code related prescriptive requirements within Title-24 that would also trigger duct testing.
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We are state certified HERS raters for both the 2008 energy code and the new 2013 Title-24 Building Energy Standards which took effect July 1, 2014.
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If you need duct testing for new projects or HVAC equipment changes call us at: (800) 700-0131