Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine June 2018

Code, Regulation, & Legislation

RESNET, BPI, or the Arkansas HVACR Association. The Arkansas HVACR Association will conduct up to three training classes on duct blaster rough-in testing. The only cost would be any manuals and refreshments that the class may require, $50 or less. The Home Builder’s Association and the Realtor’s Association have offered their facilities for the training. Cost of the duct blaster equipment is approximately $2,600 which includes the Energy Conservatory Series B duct blaster with DG1000 manometer or about $2,300 for the Retrotec US341 with DM32 manometer. Self-testing makes the process much simpler as the installing contractor can perform the test as part of the duct installation. Another advantage of self- testing is that the installer can test for air leakage and balance the air flow before the sheet rock ceiling is installed. This ease of access to dampers can make the process much easier. While post-construction testing is permissible, testing at rough-in makes finding and sealing leaks much easier. This is especially true for ductwork between floors. Leaks between floors found during a post-construction test can result in hundreds of dollars of expense; i.e., tearing out and replacing ceiling sheet rock. Implementation should begin in October 2018. The Association will offer classes for self-testing in September. Please email tomhunt@arhvacr.org if you are interested. More in depth training for Rater Field Inspector is also available locally by Ron Hughes of HERS, Inc. ron@hersinc.inc

Little Rock Residential Construction Duct Testing!!

It’s a Done Deal Well, it’s a done deal. The city of Little Rock passed an ordinance requiring that all residential new construction ductwork be pressure tested using a “duct blaster test.” The standard for duct tightness at 25 pascals is I. Test at Rough In A. Air handler present 6 cfm per 100 ft 2 floor area B. Air handler not present 4 cfm per 100 ft 2 floor area II. Test at Post-construction (air handler installed) A. Leakage to outdoors 8 cfm per 100 ft 2 floor area B. Total leakage 12 cfm per 100 ft 2 floor area Why the concern now? According to Energy Star.gov, 20 to 30 percent of the air that moves through a residential duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. The result is higher utility bills and difficulty keeping the house comfortable. Considering the fact that we would be more than a little upset with a plumber if his pipe leaked even to the HVAC standard, it makes sense that there is a heightened concern for sloppily installed duct. The test can be done by a third party or the installing contractor; however, the testing person must be certified by