This is an unusual request and if he is a typical NJ building inspector he probably won't know how to interpret the data.

I suggest you call the inspector and ask him specifically what he wants and what is the NJ code that needs to be observed. My thinking is he wants to know the air flow to each room. If that is the case then go out and buy a cheap air flow meter like this one on Amazon.

Turn on the AC and measure the air flow at each vent, repeat this with the heat. Make a nice spreadsheet for the inspector with room names, room sizes, number of vents and air flow per vent. Measure the air flow from the return. Send it to the inspector.

Don't spend money on someone to do this. You may actually find some vents that have poor air flow, or discover there is a big loss between vents and return. If the is the case ask the builder's HVAC sub-contractor to fix it.

The air flow should be 350-400 CFM per ton of AC cooling. Usually the air flow for AC is higher than heating.

hire someone to do duct blaster test. cost is on hvac contractor as it is his work being tested. usually charge for test depends upon size of system to be tested.

check with your local code office to find out what is required.

they may have connections for testing of ductwork.

best of luck

Thanks for the replies.. We have two units being installed.. a 5 ton for the basment/first floor and 3 ton for second floor..

Did the HVAC installer do a load calculation? If so did you review it? It is hard to imagine a new construction house in NJ needing 8 tons of cooling. What are the sizes of the first and second floors?

Maybe the inspector thinks your duct work is undersized. Most houses that have 5 ton systems have undersized duct work. What are the sizes of the furnaces?

I like Mike's approach to the situation and agree with his observations. Therefore,get the facts before shooting into the dark without kowing exactly what you are supposed to be shooting at. Heey,"I like Mike" has a nice ring .Someone should put that on a campaighn button? LOL

"Heey,"I like Mike" has a nice ring .Someone
should put that on a campaign button? LOL"

They already did in the 1950's, "I Like Ike".
Where were you?

“The air flow should be 350-400 CFM per ton of AC cooling.
Usually the air flow for AC is higher than heating.”

Not sure that I agree with that one. Lower cfm for cooling
vs heating would result in better dehumidification due to longer dwell time of
air over the evaporator coil, as long as the coil doesn’t freeze up.

IMPO

SR

I Like Ike Button

Mike - The first floor has the 5 ton unit. This unit runs the basement and first floor for a total of 2788 square feet.. The second floor is 1440 square feet and that has the 3 ton unit..

Thanks guys, but I think I am going to sit out this election. But I like the button idea!

Is this house in New Jersey? Does the 2788 sq. feet represent an equal first floor and basement areas? Does the house have a walk out basement? What are the sizes of the furnaces? Where are the furnaces located?

I highly doubt you need 5 tons of cooling for the first floor and basement. The second floor should be fine with a single stage 2.5 ton condenser, a 3 ton could be necessary if it were a 2-stage system.

Get a copy of the load calculation and review it with the HVAC contractor. You don't want an over sized system. Post the equipment details if you are interested in getting comments.

We don't know whether there will be more air flow with heating vs. cooling so both should be checked. I suspect the furnaces are also over sized to accommodate the over sized condensers.

''They already did in the 1950's, "I Like Ike". Where were you?"

I was near Ike's birthplace and "Mr Sam's hometown still wearing short pants at the time but recall it well. I know we shouldn't discuss politics but surly this won't put a cob under anyone's tail. Lot's of split tickets were punched in that era. In N. Central Tx Dems were apt to put a "wooping" on you for slandering ol Ike and a Rep certainly would if you disparaged Mr Sam. Aaah if I could again experience the smell of those establishments where only men got hair cuts and discussions on anything from bird dogs to Ky sour mash could become "livly"but civil.