DUCT AND ENVELOPE TESTING REQUIRED ON ALL NEW HOMES

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2011

The following is intended to be a brief summary and is not considered an official document or interpretation of the DET
requirements of the 2011 Georgia State Energy Code. For additional information, please refer to the 2009 IECC and the
2011 GA Amendments to the 2009 IECC for all code requirements. The Georgia State Supplements and Amendments to the
2009 IECC can be found at the following DCA link:
http://www.dca.state.ga.us/development/constructioncodes/programs/codeAmendments.asp

IECC /Ga. Amendments

402.4.2.1 Testing required. Building envelope tightness and insulation installation shall be considered acceptable when tested
air leakage is less than seven air changes per hour (ACH50) when tested with a blower door at a pressure of 50 Pascals (1.04
psf). The formula for calculating ACH50 and testing protocol is listed in Appendix B ‘Building Envelope and Duct Tightness
Testing Protocol’. Testing shall occur after rough in and after installation of penetrations of the building envelope, including
penetrations for utilities, plumbing, electrical, ventilation and combustion appliances. Exception: Building envelope tightness
testing for additions, renovations, alterations or repairs shall only be conducted in the case of construction that affects all aspects
of the building envelope.

403.2.2 Sealing (Mandatory). All ducts, air handlers, filter boxes and building cavities used as ducts shall be sealed. Joints
and seams shall comply with section 403.2.4 of these Georgia State Supplements and Amendments. Duct tightness shall be
verified by any of the following and comply with the testing protocol in Appendix B.
Exceptions:
1. Duct tightness testing is not required if the air handler and all ducts are located within conditioned space.
2. Duct tightness testing is not required for existing duct systems unless more than 50% of the duct system is modified.
3. If the air handler, furnace or evaporator coil is replaced on an existing system, all joints, seams and connections from
equipment to duct system and duct system connections to plenums shall meet the sealing requirements of this code and
be verified by a visual inspection by the state licensed conditioned air contractor or by a DET Verifier.

What does this mean for a Builder?

• The above code applies specifically to Single Family residential units (including duplexes and townhomes).
Additional options are available in the code for Multi-Family residential units.
• The builder must contract a 'DCA' certified Duct and Envelope Tightness (DET) Verifier to perform duct and
envelope tightness testing on their homes.
• Provide both the duct tightness (duct blaster &/or blower door) and envelope tightness (blower door) test results to
the local Building Official
• Include both test results on the IECC required Certificate to be placed in the home (refer to section 401.3
Certificate of the Georgia State Supplements and Amendments to the International Energy Conservation Code (2009
Edition)for more information about the requirements for the certificate)
What is a DET Verifier?
CERTIFIED DUCT AND ENVELOPE TIGHTNESS (DET) VERIFIER. A certified DET verifier shall be deemed
qualified by any of the following methods:
• a certified Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS) rater,
• a certified Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor,
• a Building Performance Institute (BPI) Analyst,
• or successfully complete a certified DET verifier course that is approved by the Georgia Department of
Community Affairs.
(Effective January 1, 2011)

What do these different certifications mean?

Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rater – Most HERS Raters are individuals, or companies, that test and certify
new homes under numerous energy efficiency programs such as ENERGY STAR. HERS Raters are also trained to
certify the energy use of an existing home before and after an energy efficiency retrofit. They are experts in building
science and rate the house using blower doors, duct blasters, and other diagnostic equipment. The HERS Index is
used to compare a homes total energy use compared to the same home plan built to the current energy code.
HERS Raters are governed by a set of Standards managed by RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network).
RESNET maintains the code of ethics and standards all HERS Raters must follow. RESNET also maintains the
official listing of HERS Raters that are qualified to do business in each state. This listing can be found at the
RESNET website – www.natresnet.org
Building Performance Institute (BPI) Analyst: Most BPI Analyst are individuals who have an extensive background as
a trade contractor (ex. HVAC, Insulation, etc.) and are focused mainly on the existing home market. They have
been through an extensive BPI Certification process that includes how to properly diagnose an existing home’s
energy use; analyze the home’s current energy usage and make recommendations on the most economical energy
efficient improvements. These analysts are trained on diagnostic techniques including the use of the blower door,
duct blaster and IR cameras to help quantify the whole house energy use and potential savings. The Building
Performance Institute maintains the set of standards and code of ethics that all BPI Analysts must follow.
Home Performance w/ ENERGY STAR Contractor – In Georgia, Home Performance w/ ENERGY STAR
contractors are BPI Analysts and can diagnose the energy usage, make recommendations on the most economical
improvements, do the improvements and perform an additional test to certify the energy savings.
Duct and Envelope Tightness (DET) Verifier – This is a new certification that was developed as part of the state’s
adoption of the 2009 IECC with Georgia Amendments to help the Builder meet the requirements of the State
Energy Code in regard to envelope and duct tightness testing. A DET Verifier can be an individual that
successfully passes the DCA DET Verifier certification training and exam. The individual will be trained on
building science and how to properly diagnose the tightness of the building envelope and duct system.

The majority of energy contractors in Georgia will either have a HERS Certification OR a BPI Certification. Where
most HERS Raters focus on the new construction market and BPI Analysts focus on the existing home market. There
are a growing number of energy contractors that will have all three certifications to be able to provide home energy
certifications for both markets.
How does a Builder locate a DET Verifier?
• The DET Verifier certification training is under development and will be available beginning January 2011
• The Builder may also hire a verifier that holds at least one of the approved certifications listed above

Who can be a DET Verifier?

• A HERS Rater
• A Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Contractor
• A BPI Analyst
• Anyone who is certified through the DCA approved DET Verifier training

CLARIFICATION – The DET Verifier is not required to be an independent third party in order to meet the requirements
sections 402 and 403 of the State Energy Code. The Builder is allowed to hire any DCA certified DET Verifier which may
include, but not limited to, an employee of the Builder, trade contractor, home inspector, energy contractor, etc.