flexiblefullpage -
billboard - default
interstitial1 - interstitial
catfish1 - bottom
Currently Reading

Reducing duct leakage is focus on latest green building standards updates

Codes and Standards

Reducing duct leakage is focus on latest green building standards updates

ASHRAE 189.1 broadens testing requirements to include more types of ducts.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | October 3, 2017
Duct work on top of a buidling
Duct work on top of a buidling

The latest version of ASHRAE 189.1 will expand duct testing requirements to include low pressure ducts as well as high pressure ducts.

The latest updates to ASHRAE 189.1 have been finalized and incorporated into the standard. They will be published after undergoing a final accuracy review before publication.

A key update to the standard is the broadening of duct leakage testing to include ducts operating at 3-inch WG (water gauge). Currently, the current requirement for leakage testing applies to ducts operation at ≥4-inch WG.

“The industry has resisted testing because of the additional cost involved,” said Bob Reid, former chairman of ASHRAE Technical Committee 5.2 and chief engineer at SPOT (Spiral Pipe of Texas). “But in reality, building owners can either make a relatively small payment upfront to ensure their ducts are operating properly, or they can continue to pay higher operating costs throughout the life of the building.”

There are new duct sealing methods that provide a demolition-free way to meet the tightened duct-sealing specifications. For instance, an aerosol-based duct-sealing technology seals leaks from inside the ductwork.

Related Stories

| Nov 18, 2011

New OSHA fall safety rule could save contractors money on insurance premiums

The new Occupational Safety and Health Administration rule requiring employers operating in the residential construction industry to use the same methods of fall protection that historically have been used in the commercial construction industry could save them money.

| Nov 18, 2011

Some believe new Austin building code will help mom and pop shops

Austin, Texas has proposed building codes that require wider sidewalks and call for buildings to be closer to sidewalks along a 3.5-mile stretch of highway.

| Nov 11, 2011

AIA: Engineered Brick + Masonry for Commercial Buildings

Earn 1.0 AIA/CES learning units by studying this article and successfully completing the online exam. 

| Nov 10, 2011

WaterSense standard for weather-based irrigation controllers unveiled

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense program has released a final specification for weather-based irrigation controllers—the first outdoor product category eligible to earn the WaterSense label.

| Nov 10, 2011

Advocate seeks noise reduction measures in California building codes

A former chief building inspector for San Francisco wants to enact building codes that would limit noise levels in restaurants and other spaces open to the public.

| Nov 10, 2011

California seismic codes spur flurry of hospital projects

New seismic requirements in California are helping to drive a flurry of new projects and retrofits in the state’s health care sector.

| Nov 10, 2011

Senate ready to repeal 3% withholding on government contracts

The U.S. Senate is set to approve legislation that would eliminate a law requiring federal, state, and local governments to withhold 3% of their payments to contractors and companies doing business with the government.

| Nov 10, 2011

New legislation aimed at improving energy efficiency in federal buildings

Recently introduced legislation, the “High-Performance Federal Buildings Act,” would help federal agencies save energy and money by improving building performance.

| Nov 4, 2011

CSI and ICC Evaluation Service agree to reference GreenFormat in ICC-ES Environmental Reports?

ICC-ES currently references CSI's MasterFormat and other formats in all of its evaluation reports. The MOU will add GreenFormat references.

| Nov 3, 2011

House Votes to Kill 3% Withholding Requirement; Senate Yet to Vote

The U.S. House of Representatives voted last week to repeal a 3% IRS withholding tax on businesses that do work for the government.

boombox1 - default
boombox2 -
native1 -

More In Category




halfpage1 -

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021