One of the most important predictors of a building’s energy efficiency is its HVAC system. There are a number of ways to measure the performance of HVAC systems — energy efficiency ratings being one of the most common — but the airtightness of the equipment is obviously an important factor as well. Air that is not delivered to areas as specified in the building design is air that is not being used efficiently. With this in mind, ASHRAE Standard 193 was created to test the airtightness of HVAC equipment.

Purpose:
This standard prescribes a method of test to determine the airtightness of forced-air HVAC equipment prior to field installation.

Scope:
2.1 This standard applies to the following:
a. Equipment intended for installation in ducted systems, including furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, coil boxes, filter boxes, and associated components.
b. Equipment that moves less than 3000 cfm (1400 L/s) of air.

2.2 This standard does not apply to ducts, plenums, or other field-constructed components.