Measuring, moving and delivering air: static pressure, total airflow, duct fabrication, sealing, insulation, blowers and balancing.

13 skills in 5 sections · listed in learning order

Airflow fundamentals

1. Airflow fundamentals

   How velocity, duct area, static pressure and blower power relate, and why air behaves the way it does in a duct system.

   Foundation No courses yet

Airflow measurement

1. Airflow measuring tools

   Pick and use anemometers, manometers, balometers and pitot tubes for the measurement you actually need.

   Foundation No courses yet

2. Measuring static pressure

   Measure total external static pressure and component pressure drops and compare them to the equipment's rated maximum.

   Core No courses yet

3. Measuring total system airflow

   Determine system CFM by temperature rise, anemometer traverse or fan tables and confirm it against the design target.

   Core No courses yet

4. Airflow for capacity

   Confirm the system is moving enough air for its cooling and heating capacity before touching the refrigerant charge.

   Core No courses yet

Duct installation

1. Sheet metal fabrication

   Lay out, cut, form and connect sheet metal duct, fittings, connectors and turning vanes.

   Core No courses yet

2. Duct board and flex duct installation

   Fabricate duct board and install flexible duct to the standards that preserve airflow and durability.

   Core No courses yet

3. Duct routing and support

   Route runs for the shortest, straightest path and hang or strap them so they stay there.

   Core No courses yet

Duct sealing & insulation

1. Duct sealing and leakage testing

   Seal duct systems with mastic and tape, then prove it with a total and outside leakage test.

   Core No courses yet

2. Duct insulation

   Select and install duct insulation by R-value and location, including vapour barrier detailing to prevent condensation.

   Foundation No courses yet

Blowers & balancing

1. Blower setup and speed adjustment

   Set blower speed taps or ECM settings to hit target airflow for each mode, and recognise direct-drive blower behaviour.

   Core No courses yet

2. Belt-drive blower maintenance

   Replace belts, adjust sheaves, choose bearings and lubricate belt-driven blowers to restore design airflow.

   Core No courses yet

3. Air balancing

   Measure supply and return register airflow and adjust dampers and registers until each room gets its design air.

   Advanced No courses yet