What You'll Learn

• What NCI focuses on and why airflow-centric diagnostics matter
• How the NCI Air Upgrade workflow in mQ implements NCI methodology
• Which NCI testing procedures are supported in measureQuick
• How NCI-trained technicians use mQ to document and verify their work
• Where NCI and mQ diagnostic approaches overlap
• How to access NCI training resources

What You'll Need

• Account: measureQuick Premier subscription
• App version: measureQuick v3.5 or later
• Prerequisite knowledge: NCI Air Upgrade workflow setup (A8)
• NCI membership: Active NCI membership with Air Upgrade credentials
• Equipment: Airflow measurement tool compatible with mQ (TrueFlow grid, powered flow hood, or equivalent); manometer for static pressure

What NCI Focuses On

NCI (National Comfort Institute) is a training and certification organization built around a single premise: airflow is the most overlooked factor in HVAC system performance. While much of the industry focuses on refrigerant charge and equipment specifications, NCI trains technicians to measure and verify what actually reaches the living space.

NCI's core programs cover:

• Airflow delivery - measuring total system airflow and comparing it to design requirements
• Duct performance - identifying leakage, restriction, and pressure imbalances in the duct system
• Comfort delivery - verifying that conditioned air reaches each room at the intended volume and temperature
• Static pressure diagnostics - measuring pressure drops across individual components to isolate restrictions

This airflow-first approach does not replace refrigerant diagnostics. It complements them. A system with perfect charge but 30% duct leakage still delivers poor comfort and high energy bills. NCI's methodology addresses the half of the equation that standard commissioning often misses.

The NCI Air Upgrade Workflow in mQ

measureQuick integrates with NCI through the Air Upgrade workflow (A8). This workflow adds NCI-specific measurements to the standard mQ diagnostic process, capturing airflow delivery and duct performance data alongside refrigerant, electrical, and combustion measurements.

When the NCI Air Upgrade is enabled, the mQ test workflow includes:

Total System Airflow

The workflow captures total airflow in CFM at the air handler or furnace. mQ supports multiple measurement methods: TrueFlow grids provide direct airflow measurement, powered flow hoods capture register-level data, and temperature-rise calculations provide an estimated value when direct measurement is not available.

NCI methodology requires measured (not estimated) airflow for Air Upgrade verification. mQ tracks the airflow source for each test, so you and your manager can confirm the measurement method used.

Airflow measurement section showing total CFM with TrueFlow source indicated

Static Pressure Diagnostics

NCI's approach to static pressure goes beyond a single TESP reading. The methodology calls for measuring pressure drops across individual components - filter, coil, duct supply, and duct return - to identify where restrictions exist. mQ captures TESP and supports documentation of component-level pressure measurements within the test record.

Understanding where the pressure drop occurs is the difference between "high static pressure" (a symptom) and "the return duct is undersized" (a diagnosis). NCI training builds this diagnostic skill; mQ provides the platform to document it.

Duct Leakage

Duct leakage testing quantifies how much conditioned air escapes before reaching the living space. NCI training covers duct leakage testing procedures and interpretation. mQ can document duct leakage results as part of the project record, connecting them to the rest of the system's diagnostic data.

Room-by-Room Comfort Delivery

The NCI Air Upgrade includes register-level airflow measurement to verify that each room receives its design airflow. This is the most granular level of airflow verification: not just "is the system moving enough air?" but "is each room getting its share?" mQ supports documenting these measurements within the NCI workflow.

How NCI-Trained Technicians Use mQ

NCI training gives technicians the knowledge to diagnose airflow problems. measureQuick gives them the platform to document, share, and act on those diagnoses. Here is how the two work together in daily practice:

Before the service call. If the system has previous mQ test data, the technician reviews it. Were there static pressure issues? Was airflow below target? Historical data provides context before the technician arrives on site.

During the diagnostic. The NCI-trained technician follows the Air Upgrade measurement sequence in mQ. The app guides them through total airflow, static pressure, and component-level measurements. Each reading is captured with its measurement source and timestamp.

Identifying the problem. NCI methodology teaches technicians to compare measured airflow against design requirements and to use static pressure readings to isolate restrictions. mQ displays these measurements alongside target values, making deviations immediately visible.

Recommending repairs. With documented measurements showing the duct system delivers only 320 CFM per ton instead of the required 400, the technician has objective evidence to support a duct modification recommendation. The mQ report makes this evidence shareable with the homeowner.

Verifying the fix. After duct repairs or modifications, the technician runs a second test. The test-in/test-out comparison in mQ documents the improvement: "Before: 320 CFM/ton, TESP 0.72 in. w.c. After: 395 CFM/ton, TESP 0.48 in. w.c." This is measurable proof of value.

Where NCI and mQ Diagnostic Approaches Overlap

NCI and measureQuick share a foundational principle: measure first, diagnose from data, verify the repair. Both reject the "guess and check" approach that dominates much of the HVAC service industry.

For NCI-trained technicians, measureQuick is a natural fit. The app automates much of the documentation that NCI methodology requires, and it adds refrigerant, electrical, and combustion diagnostics that extend beyond NCI's airflow focus.

Accessing NCI Training Resources

NCI offers training through multiple channels:

• NCI membership - provides access to online training modules, certification programs, and member discounts on measureQuick Premier subscriptions (see for NCI discount details)
• In-person training events - NCI runs regional hands-on training sessions throughout the year
• NCI certification programs - Air Balancing, Carbon Monoxide & Combustion, and Air Upgrade certifications
• NCI High-Performance HVAC Summit - annual conference with advanced training sessions

measureQuick Premier subscribers who are NCI members receive subscription discounts. NCI Basic members receive $25 off per month; NCI Learning Excellence members receive $50 off per month, making Premier free with that membership tier.

For NCI training schedules and membership details, visit nationalcomfortinstitute.com.

Tips & Common Issues

I completed NCI training but do not see the Air Upgrade workflow in mQ.

The NCI Air Upgrade must be enabled in your company account settings. See for setup instructions. Your account administrator (Manager or Owner role) needs to activate it.

Can I use mQ for NCI certification documentation?

mQ captures the measurements NCI certification programs require. Whether NCI accepts mQ reports as formal certification documentation depends on the specific program. Check with NCI directly for current documentation requirements.

Do I need the NCI Air Upgrade to measure airflow in mQ?

No. measureQuick captures airflow and static pressure measurements in its standard workflows. The NCI Air Upgrade adds the NCI-specific workflow structure, register-level measurement support, and NCI-formatted reporting. You can measure airflow without the NCI add-on; the add-on provides the structured NCI methodology.

How does NCI certification relate to NATE or ACCA QI?

NCI certifications focus on airflow and duct performance. NATE (L16) and HVAC Excellence (L17) cover broader diagnostic knowledge. ACCA QI (L18) certifies installation quality at the company level. These certifications are complementary: an NCI-certified technician working for an ACCA QI-certified contractor, with NATE credentials, represents a strong combination of validated skills.

Related Articles

Prerequisite:

• NCI Air Upgrade Setup - enabling and configuring the NCI workflow in mQ

Follow-up articles:

• ACCA QI Certification - company-level quality certification
• EPA 608 Certification - refrigerant handling compliance

Related in other domains:

• Understanding mQ Pricing - NCI member discounts on Premier subscriptions
• NATE Certification Support - individual technician certification
• CFM Per Ton - understanding airflow requirements
• Staff Training Program - structured team training with mQ

Need Help?

If you get stuck or this article does not answer your question:

• Check the Related Articles section above
• Contact measureQuick support: support@measurequick.com
• Visit nationalcomfortinstitute.com for NCI training and membership details