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Duct Testing, Sealing

Can I seal off the fresh air intake or economizer on an HVAC system for a duct test?

For residential projects, the fresh air intake, also referred to as CFI (central fan integrated) ventilation, may not be sealed during a duct test. In non-residential projects the fresh air intake may be temporarily sealed for a duct test. ALT TEXT


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The applicable test protocol RA3.1.4.3.1 - Diagnostic Duct Leakage from Fan Pressurization of Ducts does not allow the exterior termination of CFI ventilation systems or the economizer opening on package units to be sealed by the Rater for duct leakage verifications.

The fresh air intake should be left in its intended operating configuration during the duct leakage verification. For residential projects which incorporate CFI or economizers as part of the ventilation system, a motorized damper should be installed that closes off the intake when the system is not running. These fresh air intakes can be tested in the closed position, but they may not be taped or further sealed.

For Non-residential projects the applicable test protocol NA2.1.4.2.1 - Diagnostic Duct Leakage from Fan Pressurization of Ducts does allow the exterior termination of CFI ventilation systems, or the economizer opening on package units to be sealed by the Rater for duct leakage verifications. In non-residential projects, economizers may be temporarily sealed for a duct test because they are part of a ventilation system which is designed to run continuously.

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