Attic Hvac Requirements
First off attic installations are among my least favorite applications from a serviceability system longevity and a laundry list of other items.
Attic hvac requirements. One of the main purposes of the 2016 energy code is to cut down on the amount of energy that home owners use on a regular basis. Well mainly it s a way to save space. Attic furnace passageway and service area electrical requirement. Sometimes air conditioned air will seep right through your ducts and become useless instead of heating and cooling your home.
The following are attic furnace installation requirements based on 2009 irc and 2009 imc the codes refer to it as appliances in attics. Attic hvac systems also require shorter ducts. California s energy code is designed to reduce wasteful and unnecessary energy consumption in newly constructed and existing buildings. There will be less duct leakage.
The california energy commission updates the building energy efficiency standards title 24 parts 6 and 11 every three years by working with stakeholders in a public and transparent process. Posted february 3 2017 by rick cowperthwaite. Attic ventilation works on the principle that heated air naturally rises primarily utilizing two types of vents. Attic hvac systems save space.
Here in florida it s just a bad idea due to the high humidity and temperature in a vented attic and the condensation issues that can and usually does occur on the equipment. So why put an hvac system up in the attic at all. The intended purpose was to allow warm air and moisture to escape. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.
2016 energy code changes. Here s why that is a good thing. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Attic furnace installation must comply with you local mechanical code or imc international mechanical code if such was adopted in your area.
All ducts are at risk for this type of leakage. Intake vents located at the lowest part of the roof under the eaves. Traditionally building codes have required attic ventilation. An outdoor unit which houses the fan condenser and compressor and an indoor unit which holds the evaporator and fan.
Attic and hvac requirements. The intent of this tip sheet is to provide a general understanding of the code requirements and does not address the subject in great detail. These are significant challenges. Vented attics can be effective as long as hvac ducts are not located in them and the ceiling deck is well air sealed and insulated.
Duct leakage causes a lot of problems including less. To continue locating hvac systems in the attic space. Insulation level are specified by r value. Residential attic hvac equipment july 1 2016 this tip sheet reflects code requirements of the 2015 international residential code irc.