Can visual verification be conducted in lieu of duct leakage testing for Mid-rise projects for ducts that are wholly contained in the compartmentalization boundary, or for ducts that serve more than one unit? For ducts that are within conditioned space, any conditioned air escaping from the ducts would remain within the compartmentalized boundary, and would not significantly increase heating or cooling energy consumption.
Yes, for ducted heating and cooling systems that have no duct runs outside of the ‘compartmentalization boundary’ or for ducted heating and cooling systems serving more than one unit, the qualified professional must visually verify that all ducts are fully air sealed and that duct boots are sealed to the drywall in accordance with design requirements.
**This ruling is no longer valid to v4 projects registered after 4.21.23**