Rheia for Code Officials
Simple Design. Easy Inspections.
Rheia air distribution systems make inspections for code officials as simple as the system they’re inspecting. We offer a library of reference material for code officials to ensure that a home review is as easy as possible. In addition, Rheia is the first manufacturer of air distribution components that are UL2043 and UL181C listed. In addition, Rheia ducts are listed to UL 181 the standard as required by the building codes. You can learn more about UL's rigorous testing protocol in this report published by the Insulation Institute. Rheia is raising the bar for the quality, safety, and performance of air distribution installations.
Benefits To Code Officials
- Inspections are quick and easy with uninsulated ducts and snap-fit connections located in the conditioned space
- Understand how Rheia meets code thanks to a library of comprehensive reference material
- Listed to UL2043 and UL181C standards that cover all aspects of performance, including flame spread, mold growth, air tightness, and more
- Exclusive manufacturer using new UL 181C standard designed specifically to address plastic duct connection systems used in residential construction.
Answers To Your Questions
Anything new triggers questions. We figured it would, so we’ve provided answers to the most common questions code officials may have about the Rheia system. Not seeing your question here? Try our Frequently Asked Questions section.
What is Rheia?
The Rheia air distribution system uses 3” or 4” ‘home runs’ from a central manifold to deliver air throughout the home. Each home run comprises UL 181-rated uninsulated flexible ducts with plastic connector components that meet all code requirements. The Rheia components snap-fit together to create near air-tight seals that do not require the use of additional tape or mastic.
How do smaller ducts deliver the right amount of air?
Compared to a conventional duct system, a Rheia system will deliver the same amount of air (per code-mandated Manual J calculations) to each room at a similar static pressure. Rheia runs multiple smaller ducts to each room rather than one or two larger ducts. For example, three 3” ducts can deliver about the same amount of air as one 6” or 7” duct.
Why is a ‘home run’ system better?
Home runs also have the advantage of not using wye branches. Wye branches and tee fittings add significant static pressure to the duct system and have unpredictable air pressure characteristics. The Rheia design process predicts the amount of air each duct will deliver, and Rheia’s Verify app balances the home to that prediction as is required by code.
How does Rheia work in different climates?
Rheia systems are approved for all climate types. In cold climates, the heating equipment is responsible for controlling minimum temperatures. In hot climates, the cooling equipment is responsible for controlling maximum temperatures. In humid climates, the cooling and optional dehumidifying equipment is responsible for humidity control. Properly sized equipment is the key for temperature and humidity control. The duct system is responsible for distributing the air throughout the home proportionally to the heat load. Rheia does this through the design and commissioning processes.
How is Rheia designed?
The Rheia Design process uses code-mandated Manual J to determine how much air is required for each room. Mechanical designers use the Rheia Design process to design a system that will deliver adequate air to each room without exceeding the static pressure limits of the heating and cooling equipment. 5-position balancing dampers built into each Rheia supply boot are used to ensure the correct amount of air is being delivered to each room. Those damper positions are estimated during the design process, and fine-tuned during the commissioning process called Rheia Verify.
How is a Rheia installation balanced?
Rheia Verify is an innovative airflow balancing process developed specifically for the Rheia air distribution system. It is a web based mobile phone app. Technicians use a flow hood to measure airflows at each supply diffuser and input those measurements into Rheia Verify. Rheia Verify compares those measurements to the Manual J room by room airflows and instructs the technician on how to adjust the balancing dampers. This process ensures each room receives airflow to the design intent balanced to meet ACCA Standard 5 recommendations.
How does Rheia affect the installed equipment?
Rheia will not change the heating and cooling equipment installed in the home. Manual J heat load calculations, and Manual S equipment selections are used to design a Rheia system. Ventilation, zoning and ERV/HRV systems are not affected by Rheia.
