Residential Duct Air Flow Measurement: Assessing the impact of air flow on ASHP sizing

Duct capacity is often a limiting factor in sizing retrofit heat pumps, and contractors often size heat pumps based on the existing air conditioner, resulting in under-sized equipment. A simple 15-minute test can provide definitive air flow capacity of a duct system, contributing to a proper sized heat pump and avoiding poor system performance—such as noise problems due to restrictive ductwork. Energy Advisors (EA) can easily add this procedure to the scope of an Energy Evaluation.

This training will instruct EAs on how to evaluate the airflow capacity of duct systems in homes where the distribution system is not being changed and the primary retrofit measure is the replacement of heating and cooling equipment. In conjunction with other considerations—such as the CSA F280-12 Heat Loss/Heat Gain value—this is a preliminary assessment to provide the homeowner and their HVAC Contractor with data that will help the contractor select the largest ASHP based on existing ductwork. Please note: This course does not enable EAs and other HOT2000 modelers to select specific heat pumps or make direct sizing recommendations. The Contractor is ultimately responsible for equipment selection.

TRAINING CONTENT

This course, developed in collaboration with Natural Resources Canada, will guide you through the process of measuring duct flow using The Energy Conservatory’s (TEC) TrueFlow™ meter.

The one-day training will address:

• Understanding the impact of the duct system on sizing an Air Source Heat Pump
• How to apply the basic theories of air flow to evaluate a working system
• Identifying the components of a typical duct system in order to take pressure and flow measurements at the correct locations
• How to use the TEC TrueFlow™ meter to measure air flow in an existing duct system
• How to record the air flow and other measurements in the Customer Report and provide feedback to the homeowner on the limitations that the duct system may pose

REGISTRATION REQUIERMENTS

CRITERIA FOR REAs:

• A “Full” category CACEA member OR a non-CACEA member REA who completed D&E files and modeled 15 homes onsite tested under an NRCan program (ERS, EnergyStar, R2000 or NetZero - D&E; P&N) which is SO validated OR put forward by CACEA Full Member in good standing.

• NON-MEMBER REQUIREMENTS: $1 million Errors and Omissions Insurance and a signed SO confirmation letter (annually)*. (USE THIS LETTER) Must upload the proof of coverage and letter to the registration form.
• Successful participants will receive a Certificate of Completion, and listed on CACEA's website.

*CACEA requires E&O insurance to protect EAs for delivering ancillary services. Seek a provider who understands the EA role and offers affordable coverage, e.g., CACEA Partner Federated Insurance Company of Canada. 

CACEA Members: $195.00 + tax
CORPORATE CACEA Members: $165.75 + tax (Discount code required; if you did not receive your discount code for this year, please email info@cacea.ca for assistance.)
Non-members: $295.00 + tax

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations will be accepted up to January 8, 2026. A $10 administration fee will be applied. Refunds will not be issued for cancellations after January 8, 2026.

CEC = 6 (full program completion required). Partial CEC will not be issued.

NOTE: This course will be delivered in the Eastern time zone.

After you register with CACEA, please check your confirmation email and complete the Zoom registration requirements in order to receive your unique meeting link. Check your spam folder if you do not see it.