Test and improve poorly performing HVAC systems
Duct System Optimization & Residential Air Balancing
- Available either in-person or online live
- Can qualify for certification in Duct System Optimization Specialist and Residential Air Balancer plus NATE, BPI, and State CEU’s (where applicable)
(800) 633-7058
As low as $622
Duct System Optimization: Two-days in-person, or four 4-hour sessions over four days online. Residential Air Balancing: one-day in-person
certification course
Duct System Optimization & Residential Air Balancing
Learn how to deliver high quality, profitable duct system renovations that really work!
Plus, start offering residential air balancing services with an optional third day of training. Set yourself apart from competitors by knowing how to optimize a duct system so it delivers the heating and cooling the equipment was designed to provide. The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation of the existing duct system design, equipment sizing, followed by verification of real-time performance – not simulations.
Who should attend?
Service and maintenance technicians, owners and manager, installers, service and installation managers, salespeople and sales managers
What are the Prerequisites?
To qualify for the Residential Air Balancing training, student must hold a current NCI certification (or must be registered to complete a class and certification exam), in one either Duct System Optimization and/or Residential System Performance
Discover more about NCI’s Duct System Optimization & Residential Air Balancing Program:
Do you want to provide your customers the very best comfort and energy efficiency, as well as a safe and healthy indoor environment?
It’s a known fact that typical air distribution systems across North America lose, on average, 43% of an HVAC system’s efficiency. Your customers don’t have to live with these substandard systems. Now you can provide real solutions!
Unique HVAC Industry Certification
For the first time, the HVAC Industry has a certification that addresses the vital importance of ductwork in the overall performance of a mechanical system. By taking this class and passing the exam at the end of Day 2, you will earn the Duct System Optimization Specialist certification.
This is the only certification of its kind and once earned, will set you light years ahead of your competition. Add this to your company’s portfolio of performance-based NCI certifications and deliver true system performance to all your customers.
You Can Provide Certified Air Balancing Services
Enhance your company’s professional reputation with NCI’s exclusive nationally recognized Residential Air Balancing certification and establish yourself in your marketplace as the true air balancing expert. Increase revenue and profitability by offering professional in-house balancing services at margins far above the average service and equipment replacement margins. Establish yourself in your marketplace as a true air balancing expert, and the go-to professional to solve long-standing problems
What You Get
- 16 hours of live training over two-days, plus an optional eight hours on day three
- A printed workbook(s) that allows you to follow the class and perform written exercises
- A portable Field Reference Guide designed to help you perform field testing and diagnostics
- Numerous downloadable materials including NCI’s exclusive Test Procedures; Fan Performance and Duct Sizing Tables; Pre-balance checklist; Duct Traverse forms, charts, and procedures, and so much more – 23 downloads in all!
- By completing this class, you qualify for NCI’s Duct System Optimization Specialist (and/or Residential Air Balancer) certification exam
- Qualify for 16 (or 24 with the bundle) NCI Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for recertifying up to two (or three) existing NCI certifications (additional recertification fees apply).
Download a PDF About This Course:
Click here to download a free PDF all about NCI’s Duct System Optimization and Residential Air Balancing program to your device.
Read an Article Related to This Course:
Most things at which you succeed in life require lots of practice. This was true for me when it came to identifying problems with a duct system, attempting to convey the issues I found to the homeowner, then selling a solution that would benefit both my company and that customer … Continue reading
Duct System Optimization & Optional Residential Air Balancing Live, In-person Overview
Day One Agenda - Duct System Optimization
Introduction to Air Distribution Upgrade
- Overview of Air Distribution System Upgrades
- Test and Diagnose to Discover Upgrade Opportunities
- Use Static Pressure Budgets and Measure Fan Capacity
- How To Generate Customer Interest
- Create a Floor Plan and Duct Schematic
- Establish Airflow Requirements
- Measure Airflows and Pinpoint Deficiencies
Day Two Agenda - Duct System Optimization
Optimize the Duct System
- Fan, Coil, and Filter Selection
- Hands-on Fan, Coil, and Filter Sizing
- Duct Airflow Principles
- Upgrade the Air Distribution System
- Perform an Air Distribution Upgrade
- Grilles, Registers, and Diffuser Selection
- Step-by-step test-in/test-out procedures
- Class Review and Exam Preparation
The day concludes with NCI’s exclusive Duct System Optimization certification exam (optional)
(Optional) Day Three Agenda - Residential Air Balancing
Testing & Balancing Residential Systems
(Must have current Residential Air Balancing Certification or take the first 2 days of System Performance or Duct Optimization)
- History and purposes of balancing
- Measuring static pressure
- Using a balancing hood
- Performing an airflow traverse
- Preparing for a balancing project
- Setting fan airflow
- Air test and balance procedures
- Overcoming obstacles in the field
- Final testing and documentation
The day concludes with NCI’s exclusive Residential Air Balancing certification exam (optional)
Duct System Optimization Live, Online Overview
Day One Agenda (Four Hours Online, Live)
- Introduction and Webinar Logistics
- Overview of Air Distribution System Upgrades
- Test and Diagnose to Discover Upgrade Opportunities
- Use Static Pressure Budgets and Measure Fan Capacity
Day Two Agenda (Four Hours Online, Live)
- How To Generate Customer Interest
- Create a Floor Plan and Duct Schematic
- Establish Airflow Requirements
- Measure Airflows and Pinpoint Deficiencies
Day Three Agenda (Four Hours Online, Live)
- Fan, Coil, and Filter Selection
- Hands-on Fan, Coil, and Filter Sizing
- Duct Airflow Principles
- Upgrade the Air Distribution System
Day Four Agenda (Four Hours Online, Live)
- Perform an Air Distribution Upgrade
- Grilles, Registers, and Diffuser Selection
- Step-by-step test-in/test-out procedures
- Class Review and Exam Preparation
Residential Air Balancing Live, Online Overview
Once you’re trained in Duct System Optimization and/or Residential HVAC System Performance, you can provide Certified Air Balancing on your installations with this additional training and online exam. Eligibility will be confirmed.
Day One Agenda (Four Hours Online, Live)
- Introduction and Webinar Logistics
- History and Purposes of Balancing
- Airflow Traverse – Part 1
- Airflow Traverse – Part 2 – with hands-on demo
Day Two Agenda (Four Hours Online, Live)
- Preparing for System Balancing
- Air Test and Balance Procedures – with hands-on demo
- Overcoming Balancing Obstacles
- Final Testing and Documentation
Nonmember pricing:
$1,015
NCI Member pricing:
$964
Certification Fees:
Certification exams are offered on the last day of training. Duct System Optimization Specialist and/or Residential Air Balancer certification exam – $95 per exam.
NCI certifications are valid for two years. Recertification is achieved with 8 hours of NCI continuing education.
Recertification Fees:
With paid Duct System Optimization and Residential Air Balancing class and certification exam above: Add $95 per 8-hour qualifying recertification – maximum three recertifications.
Recertification Training Fees:
Recertification only: 8-hours of Duct System Optimization (training included – no certification exam): $465 per Recertification
NCI Training Bucks:
NCI Member earn $48 NCI Bucks!
NCI Member with Learning Excellence Program earn $145 NCI Bucks!
Nonmember pricing:
$655
NCI Member pricing:
$622
Certification Fees:
Certification exams are offered on the last day of training. Duct System Optimization Specialist certification exam – $95 per exam.
NCI certifications are valid for two years. Recertification is achieved with 8 hours of NCI continuing education.
Recertification Fees:
With paid Duct System Optimization and certification exam above: Add $95 per 8-hour qualifying recertification – maximum two recertifications.
Recertification Training Fees:
Recertification only: 8-hours of Duct System Optimization (training included – no certification exam): $465 per Recertification
NCI Training Bucks:
NCI Member earn $31 NCI Bucks!
NCI Member with Learning Excellence Program earn $93 NCI Bucks!
Nonmember pricing:
$545
NCI Member pricing:
$518
Certification Fees:
Certification exam – $95 per exam.
NCI certifications are valid for two years. Recertification is achieved with 8 hours of NCI continuing education.
Recertification Fees:
With paid Residential Air Balancing and certification exam above: Add $95 per 8-hour qualifying recertification – maximum one recertifications.
Recertification Training Fees:
Recertification only: 8-hours of Residential Air Balancing (training included – no certification exam): $465 per Recertification
NCI Training Bucks:
NCI Member earn $26 NCI Bucks!
NCI Member with Learning Excellence Program earn $78 NCI Bucks!
Course Qualifies for NATE, BPI, & Most State CEUs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a typical training day like?
Generally in-person training days start at 8 AM and ends at either 4:30 or 5. Lunch and workbook are included. There are breaks throughout the day.
Online, live events: This training is held in four hour chunks online. See specific events for times. You will be able to log in earlier to try to reduce problems. These events are all lead live by one of NCI’s experienced instructors. There are breaks every hour.
Can I take Residential Air Balancing by itself?
You must be currently certified in Duct System Optimization or Residential System Performance to enroll in Residential Air Balancing. If you are enrolled in Duct System Performance or Residential System Performance, you can enroll in Residential Air Balancing.
Does this class count towards renewing my NCI certifications?
Yes. This course for up to 24 hours. You can find all the details here on our Certification/Recertification page. Please contact us if you plan on also recertifying.
Does this class count for CEUs?
These classes are approved for NATE CEUs. Please see our page about CEU‘s for more information or ask us for more information about your specific situation.
What do I need to bring to the training?
Please bring pencils and a calculator, and be ready to learn. You will receive detailed instructions before the event.
How do I attend the online training?
You’ll need a laptop, desktop computer or large tablet with internet. You won’t be able to participate well on a phone. You will receive detailed instructions before the event.