The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) has unveiled the fourth edition of its comprehensive HVAC Duct Systems Inspection Guide, marking a significant update to one of the industry’s most crucial reference materials.
Released on January 28, 2025, the 210-page manual provides detailed guidelines for inspecting commercial HVAC duct systems and ensures compliance with multiple industry standards, including the HVAC Duct Construction Standards for metal and flexible materials, Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standard, and Phenolic Duct Construction Standards.
“The importance of inspection cannot be overstated,” said SMACNA CEO Aaron Hilger. “This manual, in conjunction with the other industry standards, expertly protect the systems we install and, of course, the buildings’ occupants.”
The newly revised edition addresses several critical areas, including materials and reinforcement of duct systems, assembly procedures, and support structures. It also incorporates essential information from the Fire, Smoke and Radiation Damper Guide and the Grease Duct Construction Reinforcement Standards, providing comprehensive coverage of fire life safety dampers and Type I grease ducts.
Eli Howard, SMACNA Executive Director of Technical Services and Research, highlighted the manual’s educational value, noting that it serves as “a valuable study guide for the HVAC Duct Construction Standards and instrumental for learning inspection procedures overall.”
Key updates to the manual include new chapters focusing on:
- Timing and risks related to inspection
- Inspector qualifications
- Compliance requirements
- Quality control measures
- Detailed checklists for ductwork and fire dampers
The guide, available in both digital and print formats, continues SMACNA’s tradition of providing industry-leading standards that are recognized globally by construction professionals, code officials, and government agencies. The organization’s technical standards cover various aspects of the sheet metal and HVAC industry, from duct construction and indoor air quality to roofing and architectural sheet metal.
Industry professionals can access the new guide through SMACNA’s online bookstore in either print or PDF format. For additional information about SMACNA’s technical standards, interested parties can visit smacna.org.