Attic Hvac Requirements

Attic hvac systems save space.

Attic hvac requirements.

Posted february 3 2017 by rick cowperthwaite. California s energy code is designed to reduce wasteful and unnecessary energy consumption in newly constructed and existing buildings. Residential attic hvac equipment july 1 2016 this tip sheet reflects code requirements of the 2015 international residential code irc. Attic and hvac requirements.

Attic furnace passageway and service area electrical requirement. So why put an hvac system up in the attic at all. 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. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. An outdoor unit which houses the fan condenser and compressor and an indoor unit which holds the evaporator and fan. Duct leakage causes a lot of problems including less. 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.

There will be less duct leakage. All ducts are at risk for this type of leakage. 2016 energy code changes. Additional information can be obtained from your local.

The intended purpose was to allow warm air and moisture to escape. Here s why that is a good thing. 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. These are significant challenges.

First off attic installations are among my least favorite applications from a serviceability system longevity and a laundry list of other items. Intake vents located at the lowest part of the roof under the eaves. Attic hvac systems also require shorter ducts. Most updated central air conditioned homes have a new air conditioner split system meaning the ac is broken up into parts.

Traditionally building codes have required attic ventilation. Well mainly it s a way to save space. Attic furnace access passageway and platform. 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. Attic furnace installation must comply with you local mechanical code or imc international mechanical code if such was adopted in your area. Insulation level are specified by r value. The following are attic furnace installation requirements based on 2009 irc and 2009 imc the codes refer to it as appliances in attics.