Energy Codes

Steve_101

A local code enforcement officer is requiring that we insulate an existing ductwork system on a boiler repacement we are doing on a hydroair system. The customer doesn't want to/can't afford to, insulate the existing ductwork. If we don't do the ductwork he won't pass the work. Is he misinterpreting the code? I don't have a copy.

Dave Yates (PAH)

your permit

should be for the boiler only and doesn't include pre-existing conditions on other portions of the system unless you're altering/remodeling that portion as well. Exceptions would be for something that creates a known hazard by virtue of its existing installation. On the other hand, your customer may well be interested in the energy savings the insulation will bring.

The new state-wide code in PA has a few very large loopholes in it - a few glaring flaws really. If we are installing a heating or air conditioning appliance and don't alter its size (BTU wise) or fuel - we don't need a permit or an inspection! Same goes for plumbing fixtures if we don't alter their original location. Go figure.

On the other hand, if you do a heat loss/gain calc and determine the appliance BTU size needs altering, then you need to provide a Manual-J calc, pick up a permit and schedule an inspection.

Guess which method will be picked?!?

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Wayco Wayne_2

Rewarding laziness

and incompetance doesn't seem to be heading things in the right direction. Down here they make it so hard to get a gasfitters license that a lot of contractors go without and don't pull permits. I have to hire a plumber friend to pull my permits for furnace and boiler changouts since I'm HVAC. I'm pretty sure I could pass a gasfitters test since I've been teachng it in trade school for several decades now. Don't get me started. There oughta be a better way. WW

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