403.2.2 Sealing (Mandatory)

All ducts, air handlers, filter boxes and building cavities used as ducts shall be sealed. Joints and seams shall comply with Section M1601.4.1 of the International Residential Code.

Duct tightness shall be verified by either of the following:

Post Construction Test: Leakage to outdoors shall be less than or equal to 8 cfm (226.5 L/min) per 100 ft2 (9.29 m2) of conditioned floor area or a total leakage less than or equal to 12 cfm (12 L/min) per 100 ft2 (9.29 m2) of conditioned floor area when tested at a pressure differential of 0.1 inches w.g. (25 Pa) across the entire system, including the manufacturer's air handler enclosure. All register boots shall be taped or otherwise sealed during the test. space.
Rough-in Test:
Total leakage shall be less than or equal to 6 cfm (169.9 L/min) per 100 ft2 (9.29 m2) of conditioned floor area when tested at a pressure differential of 0.1 inches w.g. (25 Pa) across the roughed in system, including the manufacturer's air handler enclosure. All register boots shall be taped or otherwise sealed during the test. If the air handler is not installed at the time of the test, total leakage shall be less than or equal to 4 cfm (113.3 L/min) per 100 ft2 (9.29 m2) of conditioned floor area. Exceptions: Duct tightness test is not required if the air handler and all ducts are located within conditioned space.

If you have any questions about the duct tightness test please do not hesitate to contact us!

We can explain to you the procedure and what you need to do to be prepared for the test.

Testing can be performed at rough-in (before sheet rock) or at post construction (after trim out.)

We look forward to working with you!

403.2.2 Sealing (Mandatory)

All ducts, air handlers, filter boxes and building cavities used as ducts shall be sealed. Joints and seams shall comply with Section M1601.4.1 of the International Residential Code.

Duct tightness shall be verified by either of the following:

Post Construction Test: Leakage to outdoors shall be less than or equal to 8 cfm (226.5 L/min) per 100 ft2 (9.29 m2) of conditioned floor area or a total leakage less than or equal to 12 cfm (12 L/min) per 100 ft2 (9.29 m2) of conditioned floor area when tested at a pressure differential of 0.1 inches w.g. (25 Pa) across the entire system, including the manufacturer's air handler enclosure. All register boots shall be taped or otherwise sealed during the test. space.
Rough-in Test:
Total leakage shall be less than or equal to 6 cfm (169.9 L/min) per 100 ft2 (9.29 m2) of conditioned floor area when tested at a pressure differential of 0.1 inches w.g. (25 Pa) across the roughed in system, including the manufacturer's air handler enclosure. All register boots shall be taped or otherwise sealed during the test. If the air handler is not installed at the time of the test, total leakage shall be less than or equal to 4 cfm (113.3 L/min) per 100 ft2 (9.29 m2) of conditioned floor area. Exceptions: Duct tightness test is not required if the air handler and all ducts are located within conditioned space.

All information on this page is taken directly from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Click here to see the information on their website.

SOUTH CAROLINA:

Current Code: 2009 IECC

Effective Date: 01/01/2013

Adoption Date: 04/02/2012

Code Enforcement: Mandatory