Note: This pilot credit was closed for new registrations as of March 1, 2012.

Balancing heating and cooling distribution systems is especially important for high performance homes, since there is less envelope leakage to help mitigate pressure imbalances in the building caused by significantly imbalanced systems. Temperature drops in distribution systems can be minimized by locating duct systems in conditioned space, minimizing the length of duct runs, properly air sealing ductwork, and insulating the ductwork. The testing of temperature drops through a distribution system is a new requirement for this credit in LEED for Homes.

Additional Questions

• With what equipment did you test the temperatures at the air handler and registers?
• Was the temperature drop requirement more or less difficult to achieve than the supply air flow rates? Why?
• Did you deliberately choose a day with mild temperatures to perform this test?
• If there was an initial failure, what corrective actions were undertaken to properly balance the forced air distribution system?

Credit Submittals

General

1. Register for Pilot Credit(s) LEEDuser.com, and participate in online forum
2. Submit the feedback survey using the link on the USGBC.org credit page; supply PDF of your survey/confirmation of completion with credit documentation

Credit Specific

• Record tested flow rate and temperatures on ducts in each room for each forced air system on a document that details Manual J requirements for room by room flow rates.
• Record outdoor air temperature, and testing date.