Residential
Air Distribution Systems. The 2001 Florida Building
Code contains new provisions on air handlers and ducts for
heating and air conditioning. They allow new homes to receive
energy "credits" if the air distribution system
is tested to be substantially "leak free."
Substaintially leak free is defined as air leakage that
does not exceed 5% of the rated air handler flow rate at
a pressure of 25 Pascal (0.1 in WG). The energy credit is
substantial at about 13-15% of heating and cooling energy.
A
two-step process is required:
The
builder proposes the leak free credit on Form 600A
on the front Summary and in the "Total Component
Summer (and Winter) As-Built Points" calculation
under DSM (Duct Sealing Multiplier — see Table 6A-20,
note 1) and submits completed Form 600A to Building Official
office for plan review and permitting.
A
state-approved performance Tester tests the completed
air distribution system prior to issuance of
Certificate of Occupancy (CO) by the Building Official.
The Tester provides written certification of the
air distribution system performance test results.
A copy of this certified test report (on right)
is provided to the Building Official and becomes
a part of the building documents on file with the
office of the Building Official.
The
Duct System Performance Report (right) is provided
by the EnergyGauge FlaRes code compliance software
as the means through which test results are certified
to the local Building Official. Test results for each
air distribution system are entered on the form and
certified by the signature of a state-approved performance
Tester.
