I get what you’re saying about consistency, but man, it’s tough when you know your setup is actually safer or more efficient than what the code calls for. I ran into this exact thing last year—put in a super quiet, high-efficiency ERV that technically didn’t meet the CFM numbers on paper, but in practice it was pulling more stale air than my old noisy beast ever did. Inspector just shrugged and said, “If it’s not on the sticker, I can’t pass it.”
Still, yeah, it’s a pain when your build is actually better than what the code wants... but I guess that’s the tradeoff for consistency?
I get why they have to draw the line somewhere, but it feels like there should be a way to account for real-world performance, not just what’s on a spec sheet. Has anyone actually managed to get an inspector to look at actual airflow tests or data instead of just the manufacturer’s numbers? Or is that just wishful thinking?
Title: Struggling With Ventilation Inspection Requirements Lately
That’s the part that gets me too—if it works better, why can’t they just look at the numbers from a test? I actually asked my contractor about this when we did our bathroom fan upgrade. He said inspectors here only care about what’s printed on the label, not any airflow readings or third-party data. Makes me wonder if there’s a workaround, like getting a certified test done... but then, is it worth the extra cost? Just seems like a lot of hoops for something that already works.
He said inspectors here only care about what’s printed on the label, not any airflow readings or third-party data.
Yeah, that’s been my experience too. It’s like, “Sorry, your high-efficiency fan doesn’t count unless it has the magic sticker.” I get why they want a standard, but sometimes it feels like common sense gets lost. I’ve looked into certified testing—honestly, the price tag made me laugh. Not sure it’s worth it unless you’re really desperate to get something unusual approved.
Honestly, I’ve run into the same wall. You can have all the test data in the world, but if that sticker isn’t there, it’s like talking to a brick. From what I’ve seen, if you want to avoid extra costs, just stick to the approved list—even if it means giving up on something more efficient or unique. I tried pushing for an exception once... ended up wasting time and still had to swap out the fan. It’s frustrating, but at least you know what they’ll accept upfront.
