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ceiling, whose responsibility is that? 3a. Duct Blaster Test Benefits : Duct blaster tests are the best and most reliable of methods to assure that the duct is within code specifications. The inspector and the dealer have science to prove a tight duct system and the homeowner has the peace of mind knowing that they will not be throwing away valuable heating and cooling they just paid for. 3b. Drawbacks : The first drawback of a duct blaster is cost—about $3,000 for equipment plus training time for the technician. The best time to do the duct blaster test is at rough in so if there are problems, they can be more easily discovered with a smoke machine. (more money) This can easily add another 2 hours or more to the install. Time is money and someone has to pay. Another possibility is to hire a third party to test the duct. The results may be more credible but only if the tester is hired and paid by the builder or homeowner. The price just went up again. Another big drawback to the third party is time. The installing dealer can only benefit from the test if they are there at the time of the test. Again, if there is a problem, they want to find it before the certificate of occupancy is denied due to leaky ductwork. Does the third party charge more to assist in finding the leakage? Time is money and someone has to pay. Only one jurisdiction presently requires a duct blaster test but others are considering it. It is part of

the unabridged 2009 Energy Code. You may remember that the Arkansas Code deleted the blower door and duct blaster test and left it to the local code official to determine their preferred method of checking the tightness of the duct system. No one intentionally installs a leaky duct system. This isn’t easy work and a real hot day in the summer, with sweat in your eyes and tight place on a low pitch is a recipe for mistakes. Putting tape on the opposite side of the duct with the mastic wanting to stick to everything it touches is no easy task. We have never really given a good duct installer the respect they deserve. Duct installer mistakes have cost homeowners thousands of dollars in wasted energy over the life of a system. The difference today is that code requires we have to prove that those mistakes are being minimized. The question is, “What is the most effective and cost effective method.” The decision lies in the hands of the local code authority but they need our help and cooperation. We have the same goal—a properly designed and installed system that delivers maximum comfort at the least cost to the consumer. One thing is certain. As an installing dealer, it is in your best interest to know how the local code official interprets the code and how they plan to enforce it. Complying and assisting is always more profitable than finding out after the fact. Excuse the grammar but, “It ain’t never fun to tear out and reinstall.”