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Duct test requirements
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In the 2005 code HVAC contractors were allowed in some cases to avoid duct sealing and testing by installing equipment with a higher efficiency or SEER rating. That option has now been eliminated.
In addition the TXV verification inspection has been eliminated and now more detailed verification of the refrigerant charge is required in climate zones 2, & 8-15. Refrigerant Charge verification by a HERS rater is triggered if the entire HVAC system is installed, or if the outdoor condensing unit is installed or, if the indoor coil is replaced.
How the Refrigerant Charge Measurement verification works:
When a new A/C system is installed, the installing contractor performs the refrigerant charge measurement and has an independent, third party HERS rater verify. This applies when either replacing an existing HVAC unit or installing a new system. The contractor then fills out the appropriate sections of the standard CF-6R form indicating the proper amount of refrigerant charge. The HERS rater then verifies the refrigerant charge using one of two possible methods. The first, called an intrusive method, involves the HERS rater attaching their own gauges to the system to measure the refrigerant charge. This does not set well with many HVAC contractors. Because of this another approach may be used, this is referred to as a “non-intrusive” method. This method requires the HVAC installer to install temperature measurement access holes and saturation temperature measurement sensors. This allows the HERS rater to verify the system performance and refrigerant charge without attaching gauges to the system.
The temperature measurement access holes are 5/16? holes that the contractor drills, one in the supply plenum and one in the return plenum. Exact locations are specified in the standards. HVAC installers can attend training seminars sponsored by the State to become familiar with the details of this process. You can became fairly proficient with the process in about 2 hours of hands on training.
The Saturation temperature measurement sensors are Type K thermocouples that are permanently attached to the evaporator coil and the condenser coil. The plug on the end of the thermocouple is plugged into a handheld digital thermometer to read the temperature which is then converted into pressure. The Type K thermocouple must be precisely attached to the indoor coil and the outdoor unit.
Insured to $1,000,000
A well design duct system will meet the 350 cfm/ton requirement easily, however a duct system that is poorly designed, with many bends that inhibit airflow will fail this test. This test must be performed by an independent HERS rater. However the HVAC contractor must first measure the airflow themselves and then fill out the appropriate sections on the CF-6R form. The HERS rater verifies this with their own airflow test and then will fill out and register the CF-4R form which is then provided to the HVAC contractor, building department and homeowner.
Fan Watt Draw verification
In climate zones 10-15 if the HVAC contractor installs or replaces both the duct system and the air handler the system must meet a Fan Watt Draw standard of 0.58 watts per cfm of airflow for the air handler. This is a fairly simple test to perform. The first step is to measure the total system airflow. Then multiply this number by 0.58 which will give you the maximum watts that the air handler fan can draw. The final step is to measure the actual fan watt draw using either a plug-in watt meter or a clamp type amp meter and then convert the amps to watts. An independant HERS rater must verify this test and again fill out a CF-4R to complete this process.
Non-Residential Application:
Duct leakage is prescriptively required in non-residential projects only when all of the following is true:
1. The system is constant volume
2. It serves less than 5000 sq. ft. of conditioned space
3. 25% or more of the duct surface area is located in the outdoors, unconditioned space, a ventilated attic, in a crawl space or where the U-factor of the roof is greater than the U-factor of the ceiling.
Where duct sealing and leakage testing is required, the ducts must be tested by a HERS rater to verify a leakage rate no more than 6% of fan flow. This applies to new ducts on existing systems AND existing ducts on existing systems that are being either repaired or replaced.
When a entirely new duct system is being installed, and meets the criteria described above, it must meet the leakage rate of no more than 6% of fan flow. If the new ducts are an extension of an existing duct system the combined system (new and existing ducts) must meet:
1. A leakage rate of less than 15% of fan flow or,
2. A reduction in leakage rate of less than 60% (as compared to the existing ductwork) with all accessible leaks that are visable (with a smoke test) to have been sealed, or
3. All accessible leaks shall be sealed and verified through a visual inspection by a certified HERS rater.
These requirements also apply to cases where existing HVAC equipment is either repaired or replaced. There is an exception for ducts that are connected to existing ducts that have asbestos insulation sealant.
Another way around the duct sealing and testing requirement is to use the performance compliance method which requires a more complex and detailed analysis of the buildings performance. If you meet the allowed energy budget for the building without duct sealing and testing then you comply.
The HERS rater then will use their handheld digital thermometer to take eight temperature readings at the system. The temperature readings are then used to complete a worksheet that determines that a proper refrigerant charge for the system was used.
Cooling Coil Airflow test
Additionally, in Climate Zone’s 10-15, when both the air handler and the duct system are replaced, the HVAC installer must document that the air handler can deliver at least 350 cfm per ton in cooling mode. This applies to both split and package HVAC units. The airflow is measured at the return air grill using one of three approved methods:
1. Flow capture hood
2. Flow Grid Device
3. Plenum pressure matching procedure.
New Title-24 HVAC Change-Out Requirements - Duct Testing
New Effective January 1, 2010