“Simplicity is the outcome of technical subtlety. It is the goal, not the starting point.” –Maurice Saatchi It’s worth repeating, that HVAC equipment is often the largest energy-consuming system in a home. While listeners have likely run duct leakage and blower airflow tests how did we arrive at the straightforward, almost simple, test equipment and methods used today? What is the science behind the tests? In today’s podcast, we continue down the technical trail with part two of a three-part series on cracking open the details of the ANSI/RESNET/ACCA/ICC Standard 310. We are joined by Steve Rogers, President of The Energy Conservatory, and a pressure and flow measurements expert. Steve introduces us to the technology used to measure duct leakage and blower airflow and the power of proper diagnostic methods and techniques Some of the educational resources mentioned may be found here: www.HVACairflow.com which includes materials prepared by Ed Janowiak, Manager of HVAC Design Education for ACCA After listening, you will better understand the importance of getting the duct leakage and blower airflow dialed in. The adoption by ANSI of the RESNET/ACCA/ICC Standard for Grading the Installation of HVAC Systems sets a realistic level of the performance of an HVAC system in the reference home and awards the increased performance of a system based upon the inspection and testing of the system by a certified RESNET HERS® Rater. Grade I installation could reduce HERS® Index Scores by as much as 6 points! (depending on climate zone). Achieving a Grade I installation is also credited in the qualification of a home for the federal 45L tax credit for energy-efficient homes. Check out the first episode of the series, RESTalk EP 99 Unpacking the ANSI/RESNET/ACCA 310 HVAC Rating Standard series: Task 1, Design with Alex Meaney For more information on HVAC 310, visit https://www.resnet.us/raters/hvac-310-grading/ Listen to the full episode here.
