Proposed Modification to
the Florida Building Code
Modification #: TBD
Name: Jeff Sonne
Address: Florida Solar Energy
Center, 1679 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, FL 32922
E-mail: jeff@fsec.ucf.edu
Phone: 321-638-1406
Fax: 321-638-1439
Code: Florida
Building Code – Energy Conservation
Section #: 403.1
Text of Modification [additions underlined;
deletions stricken]:
401.2 Compliance. Projects shall comply with Sections
401, 402.4, 402.5, and 403.1.1, 403.1.3, 403.1.4, 403.2.2, 403.2.3, and
403.3 through 403.9 (referred to as the mandatory provisions) and either:
1. Sections 402.1 through 402.3, 403.1.2,
403.2.1 and 404.1 (prescriptive); or
2. Section 405 (performance).
403.1 Controls (Mandatory). At least one thermostat shall be
provided for each separate heating and cooling system.
403.1.1 Thermostat provision
(Mandatory). At least one thermostat shall be
provided for each separate heating and cooling system.
403.1.12 Programmable thermostat
(Prescriptive). Where
the primary heating system is a forced-air furnace, at least one thermostat per
dwelling unit shall be capable of controlling the heating and cooling system on
a daily schedule to maintain different temperature set points at different
times of the day. This thermostat shall include the capability to set back or
temporarily operate the system to maintain zone temperatures down to 55°F
(13°C) or up to 85°F (29°C). The thermostat shall initially be programmed with
a heating temperature set point no higher than 70°F (21°C) and a cooling
temperature set point no lower than 78°F (26°C).
403.1.23 Heat pump supplementary
heat (Mandatory). Heat
pumps having supplementary electric-resistance heat shall have controls
that, except during defrost, prevent supplemental heat operation when the heat
pump compressor can meet the heating load.
403.1.34 Humidity control
(Mandatory). Where
a humidistat is used for comfort dehumidification, it shall be capable of being
set to prevent the use of fossil fuel or electricity to reduce humidities below
60 percent.
Fiscal Impact Statement [Provide documentation of the costs and benefits of
the proposed modifications to the code for each of the following entities. Cost data should be accompanied by a list of
assumptions and supporting documentation.
Explain expected benefits.]:
A. Impact to local entity relative to
enforcement of code:
None, as this modification only clarifies the
intention of the code that programmable thermostats are required for
prescriptive but are optional for performance.
B. Impact to building and property owners
relative to cost of compliance with code:
None
C. Impact to industry relative to cost of
compliance with code:
None
Conflicts
within the updated code. Although Section 403.1, Controls, is labeled as
Mandatory, it is unclear whether all control requirements are. Table B-1.1.2(1)
allows standard or programmable thermostats for Section 405 (performance)
compliance. The proposed language would clarify that programmable thermostats
are required for prescriptive compliance by Section 402.1 (if the primary
heating system is a forced-air furnace), but they are not required for Section
405 (performance) compliance (whether the primary heating system is a
forced-air furnace or not). Changes are also proposed to Section 401.2 for
consistency with proposed Section 403.1 changes.
Please explain how the proposed modification meets the
following requirements:
1. Has
a reasonable and substantial connection with the health, safety, and welfare of
the general public:
Public is benefited since this modification clarifies
the intention of the code.
2. Strengthens
or improves the code, and provides equivalent or better products, methods, or
systems of construction:
This modification clarifies the intention of
the code that a builder has choices by the performance method regarding
programmable thermostats.
3. Does
not discriminate against materials, products, methods, or systems of
construction of demonstrated capabilities:
The proposed modification does not
discriminate against materials, products, methods, or systems of construction.
4. Does
not degrade the effectiveness of the code:
This modification
clarifies the intention of the code that a builder has choices by the
performance method regarding programmable thermostats.