BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

If an intermittent ventilation duct is connected to an air handler, the damper should be shut and the intake vent should not be covered when performing a duct leakage test; if the ventilation will be continuous, the intake should be covered and sealed.

Image

Air Distribution Retrofit Strategies for Affordable Housing

Reference

Report describing two retrofit duct sealing techniques - manually-applied sealants and injecting a spray sealant, that were implemented in several low-rise multi-unit buildings in North Carolina.

SMACNA HVAC Air Duct Leakage Test Manual (first edition)

Reference

Manual that identifies certain leakage limits for ducts and outlines procedures for testing ducts for conformity with air leakage limits that are set forth in a designer’s project specification.

Building America Top Innovations 2014: HVAC Cabinet Air Leakage Test Method

Case Study

Case study describing a 2014 DOE Building America Top Innovation on development of a standardized testing method for testing the air leakage of HVAC air handlers and furnace cabinets developed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380: Standard for Testing Airtightness of Building, Dwelling Unit, and Sleeping Unit Enclosures; Airtightness of Heating and Cooling Air Distribution Systems; and Airflow of Mechanical Ventilation Systems

Reference

This ANSI/RESNET/ICC standard provides a consistent, uniform methodology for evaluating the airtightness of building, dwelling unit, and sleeping unit enclosures and heating and cooling air distribution systems, and the air flows of mechanical ventilation systems.

Home Performance Assessment

Information Guide

Information guide describing how to apply a whole-house approach to home improvement with energy efficiency upgrades, improved indoor air quality, and increased comfort.

Duct Leakage Tests

Guide

Guide describing how to conduct duct leakage tests per RESNET protocols on all components of the HVAC system (including the air handler, ductwork, register boxes/boots, and all air devices such as diffusers, registers, or grilles).

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Evaluation of a Multifamily Retrofit in Climate Zone 5, Boulder, Colorado

Case Study

Case study describing a multifamily retrofit project in a cold climate.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Tommy Williams Homes Initial Performance of Two Zero Energy Homes, Gainesville, Florida

Case Study

Case study describing two new construction projects in Florida built to be net zero energy homes.

Sample results from a total duct leakage test at final

Image

Sample results from a total duct leakage test at rough-in

Image

To prepare for a total duct test at final, cover all of the supply outlets and return inlets

Image

To prepare for a total duct test at rough-in, cover all of the supply outlets and return inlets

Image

Evaluation of Ventilation Strategies in New Construction Multifamily Building

Reference

Technical report describing the evaluation of four different ventilation strategies for providing make-up air in high-performance, new construction multifamily buildings in the Northeast, emphasizing the challenges posed by increasing airtightness standards and the variability of system performance...

Duct Leakage Testing for Central Exhaust and Ventilation Systems in Multifamily Buildings

Guide

Guide describing the testing of duct leakage in central ventilation systems for multi-story, multi-family buildings.