What tightness criteria, if any, exist in the Florida Energy Efficiency Code for air conditioning ducts located in unconditioned attic spaces?
Although the energy code has indicated “Ducts must be sealed” and specified certain sealing methods, in practice, homes continue to have leaky ductwork. See: http://securedb.fsec.ucf.edu/operation/press_display?pressid=1950. In the new 2001 Code (effective March 2002) the ducts are assumed to be leaky in the Code calculation and one can receive tight duct credit only if the duct system is sealed and tested by a qualified Rater (see http://dbase.fsec.ucf.edu/pls/engauge/engauge_search_rater for a list of raters). Other key changes include an airtight air handler credit and requiring a return air path to closed rooms. Highlights of code changes are provided here: http://energygauge.com/flares/new_code.htm.
