CEC To Provide Credit for High-quality Ducts

In recognition of the large energy penalty associated with leaky ducts, the

California Energy Commission (CEC) has voted to provide a credit for high-quality ducts in the State’s residential energy code. To qualify for the credit, the home’s duct system must be certified by the installer, and the builder must have an independent party test 15% of the homes in each tract. The test using duct-pressurization equipment must result in leakage of no more than 6%. The code revision incorporating this credit is expected to take effect in May 1999.