Attic Hvac Requirements

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 requirements.

Insulation level are specified by r value. 2016 energy code changes. Attic hvac systems also require shorter ducts. 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.

California s energy code is designed to reduce wasteful and unnecessary energy consumption in newly constructed and existing buildings. Here s why that is a good thing. All ducts are at risk for this type of leakage. Well mainly it s a way to save space.

These are significant challenges. Posted february 3 2017 by rick cowperthwaite. Attic furnace passageway and service area electrical requirement. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

Attic ventilation works on the principle that heated air naturally rises primarily utilizing two types of vents. Attic furnace installation must comply with you local mechanical code or imc international mechanical code if such was adopted in your area. Traditionally building codes have required attic ventilation. The intended purpose was to allow warm air and moisture to escape.

First off attic installations are among my least favorite applications from a serviceability system longevity and a laundry list of other items. An outdoor unit which houses the fan condenser and compressor and an indoor unit which holds the evaporator and fan. So why put an hvac system up in the attic at all. 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.

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. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Most updated central air conditioned homes have a new air conditioner split system meaning the ac is broken up into parts. 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.

Sometimes air conditioned air will seep right through your ducts and become useless instead of heating and cooling your home. Attic hvac systems save space. To continue locating hvac systems in the attic space. Residential attic hvac equipment july 1 2016 this tip sheet reflects code requirements of the 2015 international residential code irc.

Duct leakage causes a lot of problems including less. 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. There will be less duct leakage. Attic furnace access passageway and platform.