Comments on the 2013 Update to the Florida Building Code to considered by the

Energy TAC

Meeting Date: August 6, 2013

 

Tracking ID

Florida Building Code, Energy Conservation

Proposed Changes

Comments

TAC Action

EN 1

Section 553.912, Florida Statutes

553.912 Air conditioners.— All air conditioners that are sold or installed in the state must shall meet the minimum efficiency ratings of the Florida Building Code-Energy Conservation Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction.  These efficiency ratings must shall be minimums and may be updated in the Florida Building Code-Energy Conservation Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction by the department in accordance with s. 553.901, following its determination that more cost-effective energy-saving equipment and techniques are available. It is the intent of the Legislature that all replacement air-conditioning systems in residential applications be installed using energy-saving, quality installation procedures, including, but not limited to, equipment sizing analysis and duct inspection. Notwithstanding this section, existing heating and cooling equipment in residential applications need not meet the minimum equipment efficiencies, including system sizing and duct sealing.

Section R101.4.7 is changed by HB 269 (passed by the 2013 Florida Legislature) to read as follows:

R101.4.7 Building systems and components. Thermal efficiency standards are set for the following building systems and components where new products are installed or replaced in existing buildings, and for which a permit must be obtained. New products shall meet the minimum efficiencies allowed by this code for the following systems and components:

          Heating, ventilating or air conditioning systems;

          Service water or pool heating systems;

          Lighting systems.

          Replacement Fenestration.

 

Exceptions:

1. Where part of a functional unit is repaired or replaced. For example, replacement of an entire HVAC system is not required because a new compressor or other part does not meet code when installed with an older system.

2.   If the unit being replaced is itself a functional unit, such as a condenser, it does not constitute a repair. Outdoor and indoor units that are not designed to be operated together must meet the U.S. Department of Energy certification requirements contained in Section R303.1.2. Matched systems are required; this match may be verified by any one of the following means:

a. AHRI data

b. Accredited laboratory

c. Manufacturer’s letter

d. Letter from registered P.E. State of Florida

3. Where existing components are utilized with a replacement system, such as air distribution system ducts or electrical wiring for lights, such components or controls need not meet code if meeting code would require that component’s replacement.

4. Replacement equipment that would require extensive revisions to other systems, equipment or elements of a building where such replacement is a like-for-like replacement, such as through-the-wall condensing units and PTACs, chillers, and cooling towers in confined spaces.

R101.4.7.1 Replacement HVAC equipment

R101.4.7.1.1 Duct sealing upon equipment replacement (Mandatory). At the time of the total replacement of HVAC evaporators and condensing units for residential buildings, all accessible (a minimum of 30 inches clearance) joints and seams in the air distribution system shall be inspected and sealed where needed using reinforced mastic or code approved equivalent and shall include a signed certification by the contractor that is attached to the air handler unit stipulating that this work has been accomplished.

Exceptions:
1. Ducts in conditioned space.
2. Joints or seams that are already sealed with fabric and mastic.
3. If system is tested and repaired as necessary.

R101.4.7.1.21 Replacement equipment sizing (Mandatory). An A/C contractor or licensed Florida PE shall submit a nationally recognized method based sizing calculation to the code official at the time of permit application for total replacement of the condensing and evaporator components of HVAC systems for residential buildings in accordance with Florida law and the provisions of Section R403.6.1.

R101.4.7.1 Existing equipment efficiencies. Existing cooling and heating equipment in residential applications need not meet the minimum equipment efficiencies of Section R303.1.2, including system sizing and duct sealing. except to preserve the original approval or listing of the equipment.

 

 

Glitch –

(e) Changes to or inconsistencies with federal or state law.  HB 269.

 

EN2

Section R103.1.1 is changed by HB 269 (passed by the 2013 Florida Legislature) to read as shown:

R103.1.1 Compliance certification.

R103.1.1.1 Code compliance demonstration.

R103.1.1.1.1 Residential. No license or registration is required to prepare the code compliance form for single-family residential dwellings, duplexes and townhouses.

R103.1.1.1.2 Commercial and multiple-family residential. Completion of procedures demonstrating compliance with this code for multiple-family residential building shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 481.229, Florida Statutes, or Section 471.003, Florida Statutes.

Exception: Where HVAC systems are nominal 15 tons per system or smaller, air conditioning or mechanical contractors licensed in accordance with Chapter 489, Florida Statutes, or State of Florida certified commercial building energy raters certified in accordance with Section 553.99, Florida Statutes or as authorized by Florida Statutes, may prepare the code compliance form.

R103.1.1.2 Code compliance certification. The building’s owner, the owner’s architect, or other authorized agent legally designated by the owner shall certify that the building is in compliance with the code, as per Section 553.907, Florida Statutes, prior to receiving the permit to begin construction or renovation.

 

Glitch –

(e) Changes to or inconsistencies with federal or state law. HB 269.

 

EN3

Section R403.2.2 is changed by HB 269 (passed by the 2013 Florida Legislature) to read as shown:

R403.2.2 Sealing (Mandatory). All ducts, air handlers, and filter boxes and building cavities that form the primary air containment passageways for air distribution systems shall be considered ducts or plenum chambers, shall be constructed and sealed in accordance with Section C403.2.7.2 of the Commercial Provisions of this code and shall be shown to meet duct tightness criteria below.

 

Duct tightness shall be verified by testing to Section 803 of the RESNET Standards by either an Class 1 BERS energy rater certified in accordance with Section 553.99, Florida Statutes, or as authorized by Florida Statutes to be “substantially leak free” by either of the following:

1.      Postconstruction test: Total leakage shall be less than or equal to 4 cfm (113.3 L/min) per 100 square feet (9.29 m2) of conditioned floor area when tested at a pressure differential of 0.1 inches w.g. (25 Pa) across the entire system, including the manufacturer’s air handler enclosure. All register boots shall be taped or otherwise sealed during the test.

2.      Rough-in test: Total leakage shall be less than or equal to 4 cfm (113.3 L/min) per 100 square feet (9.29 m2) of conditioned floor area when tested at a pressure differential of 0.1 inches w.g. (25 Pa) across the system, including the manufacturer’s air handler enclosure. All registers shall be taped or otherwise sealed during the test. If the air handler is not installed at the time of the test, total leakage shall be less than or equal to 3 cfm (85 L/min) per 100 square feet (9.29 m2) of conditioned floor area.

Exceptions:

1. The total leakage test is not required for ducts and air handlers located entirely within the building thermal envelope.

2. Duct testing is not mandatory for buildings complying by Section 405 of this code

 

 

 

 

 

EN4

Florida Statutes

553.907 Compliance.—Each local enforcement agency shall report to the department any information concerning compliance certifications and amendments at such intervals as the department designates by rule adopted in accordance with chapter 120.

SECTION R110

REPORTING

 R110.0 Reporting to entity representing the Florida Building Commission. A reporting form shall be submitted to the local building department by the owner or owner’s agent with the submittal certifying compliance with this code. Reporting forms shall be a copy of the front page of the form applicable for the code chapter under which compliance is demonstrated.

R110.1 Reporting schedule. It shall be the responsibility of the local building official to forward the reporting section of the proper form to the entity representing the Florida Building Commission on a quarterly basis as per the reporting schedule in Table 110.1.

 

TABLE R110.1

REPORTING SCHEDULE

 

                            Group I*              Group II*             Group III*          

Quarter 1             12/31                     1/31                    2/28      

Quarter 2             3/31                       4/30                    5/31      

Quarter 3             6/30                       7/31                    8/31      

Quarter 4             9/30                      10/31                 11/30    

*See Appendix A of this chapter for group designations.

 

 

 

General comment –

Cost to the state – 30K to archive and analyze the data.  There has been no demand or use for the data that would justify continuation of this provision. Reporting requirements for commercial compliance has been removed from the code.

Glitch – Conflicts within the updated code.

 

EN5

Section C103.1.1 is changed by HB 269 (passed by the 2013 Florida Legislature) to read as follows:

C103.1.1 Compliance certification.

C103.1.1.1 Code compliance demonstration. 

C103.1.1.1.1 Residential.  See Florida Building Code, Energy Conservation: Residential Provisions.

C103.1.1.1.2 Commercial and multiple-family residential. Completion of procedures demonstrating compliance with this code for multiple-family residential building shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 481.229, Florida Statutes, or Section 471.003, Florida Statutes.

Exception: Where HVAC systems are ≤ 15 tons per system, air conditioning or mechanical contractors licensed in accordance with Chapter 489, Florida Statutes, or State of Florida certified commercial building energy raters certified in accordance with Section 553.99, Florida Statutes, may prepare the code compliance form.

Design professionals responsible under Florida law for the design of lighting, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems and the building shell, shall certify compliance of those building systems with the code by signing and providing their professional registration number on the energy code form provided as part of the plans and specifications to the building department.

C103.1.1.2 Code compliance certification. The building’s owner, the owner’s architect, or other authorized agent legally designated by the owner shall certify that the building is in compliance with the code, as per Section 553.907, Florida Statutes, prior to receiving the permit to begin construction or renovation.

 

Glitch –

(e) Changes to or inconsistencies with federal or state law. HB 269.

 

EN6

APPENDIX A (both Commercial and Residential code provisions) is changed by SB 1514 and HB 209 (passed by the 2013 Florida Legislature) to read (in part) as shown:

 

BREVARD COUNTY                                                                                                         151000                                   II               

    EASTERN FLORIDA STATE BREVARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE                152700                                  II

 

LAKE COUNTY                                                                                                                  451000                                  III               

    LAKE SUMTER STATE COMMUNITY. COLLEGE                                             452600                                  III               

 

Glitch –

(e) Changes to or inconsistencies with federal or state law. HB 1514 and HB 209.