ATCH 2 - HVAC Quality Installation Specification qispec ACCA STD 5 QI-2010.pdf

DISCLAIMER AND LEGAL NOTICE

ANSI / ACCA 5 QI - 2010 (HVAC QI Specification)

This specification and all earlier working/review drafts of this specification are protected by copyright.

By making this document available for use and adoption by public authorities and others, ACCA does not waive any rights in copyright to this document. No part of this specification or earlier working/review drafts of this specification may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any technology without permission from ACCA. Address requests to reproduce, store, or transmit to:

Chris Hoelzel at the ACCA offices in Arlington, Virginia.

© 2010, Air Conditioning Contractors of America 2800 Shirlington Road, Suite 300 Arlington, VA 22206 www.acca.org

Adoption by Reference

Public authorities and others are encouraged to reference this document in laws, ordinances, regulations, administrative orders, or similar instruments. Any deletions, additions, and changes desired by the adopting authority must be noted separately. The term “adoption by reference” means the citing of title and publishing information only.

Disclaimer and Legal Notice

Diligence has been exercised in the production of this standard. The content is based on an industry consensus of recognized good practices. The guidance provided by this publication does not constitute a warranty, guarantee, or endorsement of any concept, observation, recommendation, procedure, process, formula, data-set, product, or service. ACCA, members of the Standards Development Committee, Review Committee, Standards Task Team, and the document reviewers do not warranty or guarantee that the information contained in this publication is free of errors, omissions, misinterpretations, or that it will not be modified or invalidated by additional scrutiny, analysis, or investigation. The entire risk associated with the use of the information provided by this standard is assumed by the user.

ACCA does not take any position with respect to the validity of any patent or copyrights asserted in connection with any items, processes, procedures, or apparatus which are mentioned in or are the subject of this document. ACCA disclaims liability of the infringement of any patent resulting from the use of or reliance on this document. Users of this document are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent or copyrights, and the risk of infringement of such rights, is entirely their own responsibility. Users of this document should consult applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. ACCA does not, by the publication of this document, intend to urge action that is not in compliance with applicable laws, and this document may not be construed as doing so. Nothing in this standard should be construed as providing legal advice, and the content is not a substitute for obtaining legal counsel from the reader’s own lawyer in the appropriate jurisdiction or state.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Page i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ACCA acknowledges the guidance and diligence provided by the diverse expertise embodied in the membership of the QI Specification Review Committee (2010):

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Richard Dean (Environmental Systems Associates, Inc; Columbia MD)

Ellis Guiles (TAG Mechanical Systems, Inc, Syracuse NY)

Stan Johnson (Stan’s Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc; Austin, TX)

Skip Snyder (Snyder Company, Inc; Upper Darby, PA)

Larry Taylor (Air Rite Air Conditioning; Fort Worth, TX)

Eric Woerner (Airtron, Inc; Miamisburg, OH)

Paul Kyllo (Southern California Edison; Irwindale, CA)

Buck Taylor (Roltay, Inc; Madison, CT)

Manny Cano (Lennox Industries; Lee’s Summit, MO)

Daniel L. Ellis (Climate Master, Inc; Oklahoma City, OK)

Gary E. Georgette (Carrier Corporation; Indianapolis, IN)

Raymond Granderson (Rheem Manufacturing; Fort Smith, AR)

Joe C. Leonard, Jr. (Allied Air Enterprises; Blackville, SC)

Chris Mann (Water Furnace International; Fort Wayne, IN)

Hung M. Pham (Emerson Climate Technologies; Sidney, OH)

Bill Spohn P.E. (TruTech Tools LTD; Gibsonia, PA)

Glenn C. Hourahan, P.E. (Air Conditioning Contractors of America; Arlington, VA)

Michael Lubliner (Washington State University Energy Program; Olympia WA)

Warren Lupson (Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute; Arlington VA)

Patrick L. Murphy (North American Technician Excellence; Arlington, VA)

Chris Granda (Grasteu Associates; Richmond, VT)

Harvey M. Sachs, Ph. D. (American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy; Washington, DC)

Frank Stanonik (Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute; Arlington VA)

John Taylor (Consortium for Energy Efficiency; Boston, MA)

Ted Leopkey (Environmental Protection Agency; Washington, DC)

Page ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ACCA gratefully acknowledges the direction, guidance and encouragement provided by the diverse expertise embodied in the membership of the QI Specification Development Committee (2007):

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Robert Feathers (B. F. Mechanical; Centerville, OH)

Gregory J. Goater (Isaac Heating and Air Conditioning; Rochester, NY)

Joe Presley (Tri-City Mechanical; Chandler, AZ)

Larry D. Sambrook (Indoor Air Quality Network; Stanton, VA)

Mitchell Slavensky (ACS Controls Corporation; McClellan, CA)

Skip Snyder (Snyder Company; Celebration, FL)

John Jones (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority; Albany, NY)

David P. Manoguerra (Pacific Gas and Electric Company; San Francisco, CA)

Christopher Neme (VEIC/NEEP; Burlington, VT)

R. Anthony Pierce (Southern California Edison; Irwindale, CA)

Michael G. Stephens (TXU Electric Delivery; Bullard, TX)

Buck Taylor (Massachusetts CoolSmart Program; North Easton, MA)

Gary E. Georgette (Carrier Corporation; Indianapolis, IN)

Raymond Granderson (Rheem Manufacturing; Fort Smith, AR)

Joe C. Leonard, Jr. (Allied Air Enterprises; Blackville, SC)

James W. Muncie (American Standard Corporation; Tyler, TX)

Hung M. Pham (Emerson Climate Technologies; Sidney, OH)

Glenn C. Hourahan, P.E. (Air Conditioning Contractors of America; Arlington, VA)

Patrick L. Murphy (North American Technician Excellence; Arlington, VA)

William J. Parlapiano, III, CIAQ (Building Performance Institute; Malta, NY)

Harvey M. Sachs, Ph. D. (American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy; Washington, DC)

Frank Stanonik (Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association; Arlington, VA)

John Taylor (Consortium for Energy Efficiency; Boston, MA)

Chandler von Schrader (Environmental Protection Agency / Energy Star; Washington, DC)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Page iii

ADDITIONAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This document has received helpful comments and input from numerous knowledgeable individuals.

These included:

Jerry Adams (TXU Electric Delivery; Dallas, TX)

Mark M. Anderson (Cortez Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc; Bradenton, FL)

Ron Bladen (Fairfax County Code Specialist II; Fairfax, VA)

Linda Cavalluzzi (Long Island Power Authority; Long Island, NY)

Christine Colditz (Laco Mechanical Services; Elk Grove Village, IL)

Wes Davis (Air Conditioning Contractors of America; Arlington, VA)

David Dugger (Shoffner Mechanical & Industrial; Knoxville, TN)

Janis Erickson (Sacramento Municipal Utility District; Sacramento, CA)

Glenn Friedman, P.E. (Taylor Engineering; Alameda, CA)

James E. Gilroy (PacifiCorp; Portland, OR)

Ellis G. Guiles, Jr. P.E. (TAG Mechanical Systems, Inc.; Syracuse, NY)

Sally Hamlin (US EPA, Stratospheric Protection Division; Washington. DC)

Jeff Hammond (Enertech Manufacturing, LLC; Greenville IL)

Quinn Hart, P.E. (Head Quarters Air Force Civil Engineers; Tyndall AFB, FL)

Larry Jeffus (Consultant to TXU Electric Delivery; Dallas TX)

Scott Jones (GeoSystems LLC (A subsidiary of Research Products Corp; Maple Grove, MN)

Lawrence Johnson (U.S. Air Force; Minot, ND)

Tom Kavounas (Albemarle Heating & Air; Charlottesville, VA)

Joseph Kounen (Building Performance Institute; Malta, NY)

Warren Lupson (Lupson & Associates; Silver Spring, MD)

Xiaobing Liu, Ph.D. (Oak Ridge National laboratory; Oak Ridge, TN)

Kevin B McCray (National Ground Water Association; Westerville, OH)

Michael McLaughlin (Southland Industries; Dulles, VA)

Lisa Meline, P.E. (Meline Engineering Corporation; Sacramento, CA)

Arthur T. Miller (Community College of Allegheny County; Pittsburgh, PA)

Wayne W. Mulholland (Tri County Mechanical; Azle, TX)

John Parker (retired: Alabama Power Company; Verbena, AL)

Donald Prather (Air Conditioning Contractors of America; Arlington, VA)

John Proctor (Proctor Engineering Group; San Rafael, CA)

Maggie Ramos (Long Island Power Authority, Long Island, NY)

Thomas A. Robertson (Baker Distributing Company; Jacksonville, FL)

Leslie Sandler (consultant; Fairfax Station, VA)

Dick Shaw (Air Conditioning Contractors of America; Arlington, VA)

Bruce Silverman (Airite Air Conditioning; Tampa, FL)

Page iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

William W. Smith (Elite Software; College Station, TX)

David Swett (HVAC Training Center; Omaha, NE)

Neil Sybert (San Diego Gas & Electric; San Diego, CA)

Surumi J. Thorpe-Hudacsko (Silver Spring, MD)

Peter M. Van Lancker (Rheem Air Conditioning; Fort Smith, AR)

Martin J. Weiland, P.E. (Alexandria, VA)

Richard F. Welguisz (Trane; Tyler, TX)

Richard Wirtz (Heating, Airconditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International; Columbus, OH)

Tom Yacobellis (Ductbusters Incorporated; Dunedin, FL)

FOREWORD Page v

FOREWORD

[This Foreword is not part of the standard. It is merely informative and does not contain requirements necessary for conformance to the standard.]

Market Awareness

A significant market opportunity for improving the quality of HVAC equipment installations and service involves raising the awareness of consumers and building owners / operators about the benefits provided by professional contractors following industry-recognized quality installation practices (e.g., correct equipment selection, installation, and commissioning). Building owners / operators and residential consumers need to be informed of the links between comfort, humidity levels, utility bills, and indoor air quality with a proper HVAC system design and installation. Once aware, consumers will better understand the value of a quality installation (QI) from their HVAC contractor. Consumers and building owners/operators who understand QI will also help position consumers and building owners / operators to consider the complete value-to-cost equation, not merely the “first price,” when making HVAC equipment purchasing decisions. Customers who select contractors that promote QI and high performance HVAC equipment enjoy enhanced comfort, reduced energy usage, improved occupant productivity, and enhanced occupant safety.

Industry Need

There is a need to establish a raised bar to improve the core competencies of contractors to ensure that quality installations occur. This is beneficial not only as a process improvement for HVAC businesses, but, more importantly, for fulfilling the needs of building owners/operators in quality installations – comfortable, safe, energy-efficient indoor environments. This Standard provides a universally accepted definition for quality installation across a broad spectrum of the HVAC industry (e.g., manufacturers, distributors, contractors, user groups, customers, utilities, efficiency advocates, trade associations professional societies, and, governmental agencies).

Full observance of the quality installation elements may increase the initial “first cost” to the residential or commercial building owner/operator. However, the increased “value” – resulting from improved energy efficiency, better comfort, enhanced IAQ, improved equipment reliability, longer equipment life, etc. – is expected to far exceed any added upfront price. Additionally, adherence to the elements in this specification provides intangible societal benefits in the form of reduced power grid energy demand that aids in reducing pollution and dependence on foreign oil.

Specification Intent

This specification is written with the intent that various HVAC industry stakeholders may use the criteria in diverse manners for new construction as well as replacement applications. Examples include:

Contractors – to demonstrate their commitment to quality HVAC installations in residential and commercial building applications Equipment manufacturers – to highlight and encourage quality contractor practices, resulting in better equipment performance and durability HVAC trainers – to assist in the ongoing development of appropriate course curricula and training programs Utilities – to integrate the recommendations into their incentive programs Building owners/operators – to identify quality contractor practices and to ensure that quality installations are received

Page vi INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

[This Introduction is not part of the standard. It is merely informative and does not contain requirements necessary for conformance to the standard.]

In this Standard, the QI elements focus on the actual installation and how well the system is selected and installed. Quality installation is more than just using high-efficiency products and systems. The correct design, proper installation, and final testing have a large impact on occupant satisfaction and energy savings. For this Standard, core areas that characterize a quality installation include:

Design Aspects:

• Ventilation

• Building heat gain/loss load calculations

• Proper equipment capacity selection

• Geothermal heat pumps ground heat exchanger

• Matched systems

Distribution Aspects:

• Duct leakage

• Airflow balance

• Hydronic balance

Equipment Installation Aspects:

• Airflow through indoor heat exchangers

• Water flow through heat exchangers

• Refrigerant charge

• Electrical requirements

• On-rate for fuel- fired equipment

• Combustion venting system

• System controls

System Documentation and Owner Education Aspects:

• Proper system documentation to the owner

• Owner/operator education

This Standard, focusing on new installation requirements, assumes that HVAC equipment and components are in new, factory clean condition. However, if the HVAC equipment is operated during construction phases, or otherwise allowed to deviate from normal cleanliness and/or maintenance parameters, then the newly-installed HVAC systems may not perform as expected even when proper installation procedures are observed. In these instances, it may first be necessary to perform system maintenance or to restore the equipment cleanliness and condition before functional testing and verification is undertaken. Users of this specification are encouraged to review the references in Appendix D pertaining to HVAC system maintenance and cleaning.

This Standard details a level of performance that, if satisfactorily achieved, serves as an indicator that sound industry practices were likely followed during the design and equipment installation phases. Users of this document are advised to consider additional good practices not provided in the body of this specification. An illustrative list of additional important good practices and considerations is presented in Appendix A. For convenience to the user, Appendix B contains generally-accepted industry definitions for a number of terms and acronyms used within the standard. Appendix C identifies business practices that contractors may find advantageous in positioning themselves to deliver quality installations on a consistent basis in the field. Finally, Appendix D highlights other references that may aid in the design, installation, servicing, maintenance, and cleaning of HVAC systems. Program Administrators and third-party verifiers are encouraged to also review ANSI/ACCA 9 QIvp (HVAC Quality Installation Verification Protocols). The QIvp Standard establishes minimum requirements for verifying that residential and light commercial HVAC systems meet the requirements of this QI Standard.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements........................................................................................................................................ i

Foreword ................................................................................................................................................... v

Introduction.................................................................................................................................................. vi

1.0 PURPOSE

2.0 SCOPE

2.1 Equipment Types

2.2 Equipment Systems / Components

3.0 DESIGN ASPECTS

3.1 Ventilation

3.2 Building Heat Gain / Loss Load Calculations

3.3 Proper Equipment Capacity Selection

3.4 Geothermal Heat Pumps Ground Heat Exchanger

3.5 Matched Systems

4.0 EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION ASPECTS

4.1 Airflow Through Indoor Heat Exchangers

4.2 Water Flow Through Indoor Heat Exchangers

4.3 Refrigerant Charge

4.4 Electrical Requirements

4.5 On-Rate for Fuel-Fired Equipment

4.6 Combustion Venting System

4.7 System Controls

5.0 DISTRIBUTION ASPECTS

5.1 Duct Leakage

5.2 Airflow Balance

5.3 Hydronic Balance

6.0 SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION AND OWNER EDUCATION ASPECTS

6.1 Proper System Documentation to the Owner

6.2 Owner/Operator Education

Appendices

Appendix A | Additional Elements for Quality Installations

Appendix B | Definitions

Appendix C | Quality Assured Contractor Elements

Appendix D | Pertinent HVAC Bibliography & Resources

PURPOSE & SCOPE Page 1

1.0 PURPOSE

This standard details the nationally recognized minimum criteria for the proper installation of HVAC systems in residential and commercial applications.

2.0 SCOPE

This standard applies to HVAC equipment/components being installed in residential and commercial buildings:

2.1 EQUIPMENT TYPES

2.1.1 Unitary air conditioners, air-source/water-source heat pumps, and geothermal heat pumps,

2.1.2 Furnaces (gas-fired, oil-fired, electric, and other)

2.1.3 Boilers (gas-fired, oil-fired, electric, and other).

EXCEPTIONS:

Due to differing design aspects and control/operation situations, built-up systems (i.e., chillers, custom or specialty-built penthouse units, etc.) are not included in this specification. Buildings employing built-up systems are generally designed by architects or professional engineers. Additionally, commercial buildings using built-up equipment are more likely to benefit from increased owner scrutiny via building commissioners, owner agents, etc.

2.2 EQUIPMENT SYSTEMS / COMPONENTS

2.2.1 Heating Systems / Components – Single Zone and Multizone

a) Heating-only equipment and heat pumps including air-source, water-source, and geothermal heat pumps.

b) Hot-water coil and/or fin-tube radiation, and/or unit heaters, and/or unit ventilators

c) Electric resistance coil and/or fin-tube radiation, and/or gas unit heaters, and/or unit ventilators

d) Hot air heating (fossil fuel or electric furnace, direct-fired and indirect-fired makeup air equipment)

e) Radiant heat equipment

2.2.2 Cooling Systems / Components – Single Zone and Multizone

a) Cooling-only equipment and heat pumps including air-source, water-source, and geothermal heat pumps.

b) Rooftop single zone, rooftop multi-zone (hot-deck/cold-deck)

c) Single-zone unitary (packaged terminal air conditioners/heat pumps, split-coil-ductless)

Page 2 DESIGN ASPECTS

3.0 DESIGN ASPECTS

This section focuses on the upfront design procedures/tasks1 undertaken before the equipment is actually installed.

3.1 VENTILATION

The contractor shall ensure that ventilation calculations are performed for every HVAC system installation/replacement.

3.1.1 REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall ensure:

Building ventilation requirements (outside air, exhaust air and building pressurization) are performed to recognized standards, codes, or requirements.2

3.1.2 ACCEPTABLE PROCEDURES

The contractor shall follow an appropriate methodology to perform building ventilation calculations.

3.1.3 ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTATION

The contractor shall include documentation in the installation file indicating that the ventilation calculations were addressed.3

3.2 BUILDING HEAT GAIN / LOSS LOAD CALCULATIONS

The contractor shall ensure that heat loss and heat gain load calculations are performed for every HVAC system installation/replacement.

3.2.1 REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall ensure:

a) For NEW CONSTRUCTION, or when adding new ducts to an existing structure, room-by-room heat gain/loss load calculations are completed or

b) For EXISTING CONSTRUCTION, without contractor modification of the existing duct system, block load heat gain/loss load calculations are completed.

1 Informative Note: During the HVAC system design process, duct sizing calculations need to meet subsequent QI requirements:

§4.1 & §4.2 Airflow & water flow Across Indoor Heat Exchangers §5.2 Airflow Balance

2 Mechanical ventilation connected to the HVAC system shall not allow the entering mixed-air temperature to be outside the temperature and humidity limits of the OEM heating and air conditioning equipment requirements.

3 The ventilation load is to be included in the overall heat gain/loss load calculations (§3.2)

DESIGN ASPECTS Page 3

NOTE 1. EXISTING BUILDING EXCEPTION:

Building heat gain / loss load calculations are not required if the original load calculations are on hand and accurately reflect the building’s current construction and use.

NOTE 2. LOAD CALCULATIONS:

Room-by-room load calculations may be undertaken if so chosen by the contractor.

3.2.2 ACCEPTABLE PROCEDURES

The contractor shall perform one of the following acceptable procedures for fulfilling the desired criteria:

a) Follow an appropriate methodology/procedure to perform building load calculations (e.g., ACCA Manual J®, ACCA Manual N®, ASHRAE Handbook Guidelines, DOE EnergyPlus™, or other approved equivalents per the authority having jurisdiction) or

b) Confirm that the calculations were performed by a qualified third party.

3.2.3 ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTATION

The contractor shall provide evidence of the following:

a) Load calculation worksheets included in the installation file or

b) Appropriate documentation in the installation file.

3.3 PROPER EQUIPMENT CAPACITY SELECTION

The contractor shall ensure that all equipment is properly sized and selected prior to being installed.

3.3.1 REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall ensure:

a) For CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONERS and HEAT PUMPS - the selected equipment will satisfy the building’s load requirements at design conditions

i. OEM product data demonstrates that latent requirements are addressed,4 and

ii. Total equipment capacity is between:

- 95% and 115% of total cooling requirements (for air conditioners and heat pumps) or

- 95% and 125% of total cooling requirements (for heat pumps with heating dominated requirements) or

- the next largest nominal piece of equipment, per OEM increment,5 that is available for either to satisfy the latent and sensible requirements.

4 It is acceptable to include supplemental dehumidification equipment with the HVAC system to meet excess latent loads.

Page 4 DESIGN ASPECTS

b) For gas-fired or oil-fired WARM AIR SYSTEMS and HEATING BOILERS - the heating capacity of the selected equipment will satisfy the heating requirement at design conditions

i. WARM AIR SYSTEMS - output capacity between 100% and 140% of calculated system load unless dictated by the cooling equipment selection

ii. HEATING BOILERS - equipment capacity between 100% and 115% of calculated system load, OR the next largest nominal piece of equipment that is available

3.3.2 ACCEPTABLE PROCEDURES

Using OEM performance information and industry-approved procedures (e.g., ACCA Manual S® for residential applications, ACCA Manual CS® for commercial applications, OEM guidelines, OEM equipment selection programs, or other approved equivalent per the authority having jurisdiction), the contractor is to confirm that the selected equipment satisfies/meets the load requirements at the system design conditions.

3.3.3 ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTATION

The contractor shall provide evidence of the following:

a) Equipment performance information in the installation file and

b) Written job documentation or checklist in installation file

3.4 GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP GROUND HEAT EXCHANGER

The contractor shall observe industry design practices for the proper design of the exterior ground heat exchanger.

3.4.1 REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall ensure:

Ground heat exchangers are designed to satisfy the HEATING AND COOLING load requirements of the building.

i. The ground interface heat exchanger fluid6 temperatures [extremes] and flow rates used as the basis for design equipment capacity are within the range specified in OEM guidelines and

ii. The ground heat exchange design methodology incorporates:

- building loads and total installed equipment capacity

- ground heat exchanger type, materials, and geometry

- soil thermal characteristics

- climatic characteristics of the project location

5 For Residential Applications: Single-speed systems generally have nominal size increments of ½ ton.

Multi-speed or multi-stage equipment may have nominal size increments of one ton. For Commercial Applications: The nominal size increases can be 1 – 5 tons.

6 Fluids may be water-or antifreeze solution for closed loop ground heat exchangers - or refrigerants in DX based ground heat exchangers. Verify fluid is allowed by local ground water authority or administrative authority.

DESIGN ASPECTS Page 5

3.4.2 ACCEPTABLE PROCEDURES

The contractor shall follow OEM guidance, recognized industry practices (ASHRAE, IGSHPA, NGWA), or procedures approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

3.4.3 ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTATION

The contractor shall include documentation in the installation file indicating that the ground heat exchanger design objectives were met using OEM, IGSHPA, NGWA ASHRAE, or procedures approved by authority having jurisdiction.

3.5 MATCHED SYSTEMS

The contractor shall ensure that all heating and cooling equipment are properly matched systems as identified by industry-recognized certification programs.

3.5.1 REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall ensure:

Matched systems in accordance with one of the following:

a) AHRI Product Certification directory/database (www.ahridirectory.org) or

b) CEE directory of AHRI-verified equipment (www.ceehvacdirectory.org) or

c) Selection of indoor coil and air handler to correctly match OEM performance data for matching indoor and outdoor components that meet §3.3 and §3.4 requirements.

3.5.2 ACCEPTABLE PROCEDURES

The contractor shall use one of the following acceptable procedures for fulfilling the desired criteria:

a) Confirmation of system matching compliance as compared to a recognized product certification database or

b) Confirmation of the matched system operational performance data to OEM documentation for all equipment being installed (i.e., air handling unit, indoor coil, outdoor condensing unit)

3.5.3 ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTATION

The contractor shall provide evidence of the following:

a) Copy of the AHRI or CEE-AHRI record/certificate, with appropriate reference number indicated for the matched system, in the installation file.

or

b) Copy of OEM-provided catalog data, indicating acceptable combination selection and performance data, in the installation file.

Page 6 EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION ASPECTS

4.0 EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION ASPECTS

This section focuses on the HVAC system installation.

4.1 AIRFLOW THROUGH INDOOR HEAT EXCHANGERS

The contractor shall verify that the airflow through the indoor blower unit, (e.g. furnace, fan coil, air handler) is within acceptable CFM ranges.

4.1.1 REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall ensure:

Measured airflow7 through the indoor heat exchanger (with all accessories and system components in place):

a) For cooling (e.g., refrigerant, water) and heat pump applications

i. Airflow through the unit, at fan design airflow under steady state condition is within 15% of the airflow required per the system design, and

ii. Airflow through the unit is within the CFM range listed in the OEM product data,8 and

iii. Measured external static pressure (ESP)9 is:

1) Within OEM-specified acceptable range, and

2) Not more than 25% or 0.10 iwc (which ever is greater) over the calculated ESP used to design the duct system. [Exception for existing buildings: measured ESP is not required for change-out applications if there has been no modification to the pre-existing ductwork.]

b) For gas-fired, oil-fired, or electric heat exchanger applications

i. Airflow, through the heat exchanger, at the selected fan speed under steady-state conditions is within 15% of the airflow required per the system design, and

ii. Airflow through the indoor heat exchanger is within the CFM range listed in the OEM product data, and

iii. Heat exchanger airflow requirements shall be considered separately from any combined and attached cooling coils sharing the same distribution duct system, and

iv. Measured external static pressure (ESP) is:

1) Within OEM-specified acceptable range, 7 When verifying design airflow at design fan speed, there is little distinction between a split capacitor fan motor (PSC) or a variable speed fan motor (e.g., brushless DC, electronically commutated motor; ECM).

See “Airflow” in Appendix B. Note: ECM fan motors are designed to modify their RPMs in order to provide a prescribed (programmed) air volume in response to static pressure conditions (actually torque on the output shaft). Hence, an ECM may use more or less power than a comparable PSC motor in the same application.

8 Airflow across the coil is typically between 350 to 450 CFM per ton. Adjustments may be needed between dry and wet coils.

9 Static pressure measurements require clean components: filters, coils, and fans for each indoor unit type

EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION ASPECTS Page 7 and

2) Not more than 25% or 0.10 iwc (which ever is greater) over the calculated ESP used to design the duct system. [Exception for existing buildings: measured ESP is not required for change-out applications if there has been no modification to the pre-existing ductwork.]

4.1.2 ACCEPTABLE PROCEDURES

The contractor shall use one of the following acceptable methods for fulfilling the design criteria:

a) OEM CFM/static pressure drop coil table method using a manometer and probe to determine the static pressure drop across a cooling coil, furnace, or fan coil unit and compare with OEM values or

b) Traversing using a manometer and probe, or an anemometer (e.g., hot wire, rotary style) or other methods per ACCA, AABC, ASHRAE, ASTM, NEBB, SMACNA, or TABB procedures or

c) Flow grid measurement method or

d) Pressure matching method10 or

e) The temperature rise method (for heating only: gas or oil furnace, electric resistance heat, geothermal and water source heat pump) to verify proper airflow through the heat exchanger or heater elements. [NOTE: It is not acceptable to use the temperature rise method to determine cooling airflow over the indoor coil.]

4.1.3 ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTATION

The contractor shall provide evidence of the following:

a) Documented field data and calculations recorded on start-up sheet or

b) Documented field data and calculations recorded on service records and

c) Written job documentation or checklist in the installation file

4.2 WATER FLOW THROUGH INDOOR HEAT EXCHANGERS

The contractor shall verify that the water flow11 through the refrigerant-to-water, water-to-water, or water-to-air heat exchanger are within acceptable ranges.

4.2.1 REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall ensure:

10 Use of a calibrated fan to match the supply plenum pressure and measurement of the system airflow through the active fan. Note: Methods for use with brushless DC or ECM blowers in accordance with the motor or OEM instructions.

11 Water may be treated or contain antifreeze.

Page 8 EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION ASPECTS

a) Water flow through the heat exchanger is within 10% of the water flow required per the system design.

and

b) Water flow through the heat exchanger is within the range listed in the OEM product data.

4.2.2 ACCEPTABLE PROCEDURES

The contractor shall test using one of the following acceptable methods for fulfilling the desired criteria:

a) The water pressure drop method or

b) The water temperature change method or

c) Any method approved and specifically stated by the OEM that can be used to determine the water flow rate

4.2.3 ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTATION

The contractor shall provide evidence of the following:

a) Documented field data and calculations recorded on start-up sheet or

b) Documented field data and calculations recorded on service records and

c) Written job documentation or checklist in the installation file

4.3 REFRIGERANT CHARGE

The contractor shall ensure that the HVAC system has the proper refrigerant charge.

4.3.1 REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall ensure:

a) For the SUPERHEAT method, system refrigerant charging per OEM data/instructions and within ± 5°F of the OEM-specified superheat value.

or

b) For SUBCOOLING method, system refrigerant charging per OEM data/instructions and within ± 3°F of the OEM-specified subcooling value or

c) Any method approved and specifically stated by the OEM that will ensure proper refrigerant charging of the system

NOTE 1. FLOW THROUGH THE HEAT EXCHANGER:

Proper airflows §4.1 and/or water flows §4.2 through the heat exchanger must be within acceptable OEM tolerances before the refrigerant charge can be measured and/or adjusted.

NOTE 2. MEASUREMENT PARAMETERS:

The system must be within the OEM’s temperature parameters at steady state conditions before system charge measurements are undertaken.

EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION ASPECTS Page 9

NOTE 3. REFRIGERANT CHARGE TOLERANCES:

Refrigerant charge tolerances noted (i.e., ± 5°F and/or ± 3°F of the OEM-recommended optimal refrigerant charge) are not additive to any OEM-specified tolerances.

4.3.2 ACCEPTABLE PROCEDURES

The contractor shall use one of the following acceptable procedures for completing the desired measurements after confirmation of required airflow (per §4.1) and/or water flow (per §4.2) through the indoor coil:

a) Superheat test done under outdoor ambient conditions, as specified by the OEM instructions (typically, 55°F drybulb temperature or higher) or

b) Subcooling test done under outdoor ambient conditions, as specified by the OEM instructions (typically, 60°F or higher) or

c) Any method approved and specifically documented by the OEM that will ensure proper refrigerant charging of the system.

NOTE: If outdoor conditions require a follow-up visit to finalize the charging process, this should be recorded at both the initial visit and the follow-up visit.

4.3.3 ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTATION

The contractor shall provide evidence of the following:

a) Documented field data AND operating conditions recorded on start-up sheet or

b) Documented field data AND operating conditions recorded on service records and

c) Written job documentation or checklist in the installation file

4.4 ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall ensure all electrical requirements are met as related to the installed equipment.

4.4.1 REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall ensure:

a) LINE and LOW VOLTAGES per equipment (single and three-phase) rating plate

- the percentage (or amount) below or above nameplate values are within OEM specifications and/or code requirements and

b) AMPERAGES per equipment (single and three-phase) rating plate - the percentage (or amount) below or above nameplate values are within OEM specifications and/or code requirements and

c) LINE and LOW-VOLTAGE wiring sizes per NEC (National Electric Code) or equivalent and

d) GROUNDING/BONDING per NEC or equivalent

Page 10 EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION ASPECTS

4.4.2 ACCEPTABLE PROCEDURES

The contractor shall test using the following acceptable procedures for fulfilling the design criteria:

a) Volt meter to measure the voltage and

b) Amp meter to measure the amperage and

c) Verify measurements with nameplate and over current protection criteria

4.4.3 ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTATION

The contractor shall provide evidence of the following:

a) Documents showing that selections are in compliance with OEM specifications and

b) Written job documentation or checklist in the installation file

4.5 ON-RATE FOR FUEL-FIRED EQUIPMENT

The contractor shall ensure the equipment combustion is “on-rate”, for gas-fired or oil-fired equipment, and is at the equipment nameplate value.

4.5.1 REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall ensure:

a) Gas-Fired Equipment:

The contractor shall ensure:

i. Firing rate within ± 5% of nameplate input for gas equipment (or per

OEM specifications) and

ii. Temperature rise within the nameplate limits

b) Oil-Fired Equipment:

The contractor shall ensure:

i. Correct nozzle flow rate and spray angle for correct firing rate per nameplate input, and

ii. Correct oil pump pressure for nozzle installed and at OEM’s specified values and

iii. Temperature rise per nameplate limits

4.5.2 ACCEPTABLE PROCEDURES

a) Gas-Fired Equipment:

The contractor shall test using one of the following acceptable procedures for fulfilling the desired criteria:

i. Clocking the meter or other fuel input measurement per OEM instructions, EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION ASPECTS Page 11

ii. Measuring the temperature rise at steady state conditions (with airflow first verified by §4.1) – furnaces only.

or

iii. Perform a combustion analysis per OEM installation or gas burner instructions.

b) Oil-Fired Equipment:

The contractor shall fulfill the following criteria:

i. Verify nozzle or alternate input nozzle per OEM installation and oil burner instructions.

and

ii. Verify oil pump pressure with a dial or electronic gauge designed for oil pressure measurement and

iii. Measure the temperature rise at steady-state conditions (with airflow first verified by §4.1) –furnaces only.

or

iv. Perform a combustion analysis per OEM installation and oil burner instructions.12

4.5.3 ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTATION

The contractor shall provide evidence of the following:

a) Documented field data recorded on start-up sheet and

b) Written job documentation or checklist in the installation file

4.6 COMBUSTION VENTING SYSTEM

The contractor shall ensure proper sizing, design, material selection and assembly of the combustion gas venting system.

4.6.1 REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall install the vent system to:

a) CATEGORY I vent system sized per OEM instructions and the National Fuel Gas Code (NFGC, NFPA 54) or

b) CATEGORY I vent system sized per OEM instructions and the International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) or

c) CATEGORY II, III and IV vent system sized per OEM instructions

d) CATEGORY II, III and IV vent system sized per required local code

12 Combustion analysis is necessary when setting up an oil burner. Additionally, new oil-fired equipment no longer standardizes the pump pressure at 100 psig. Hence, incorrect pump pressure may result in an incorrect input rate for the equipment.

Page 12 EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION ASPECTS

4.6.2 ACCEPTABLE PROCEDURES

The contractor shall use one of the following acceptable procedures for fulfilling the installation criteria:

a) Comparison of the actual installation to appropriate fuel gas venting tables for Category I vent systems or

b) Comparison of the actual installation to appropriate OEM instructions, and local codes for Category II, III and IV vent systems

4.6.3 ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTATION

The contractor shall provide evidence of the following:

a) Documented field data recorded on start-up sheet or

b) Documented field data recorded on service records and

c) Written job documentation or checklist in the installation file

4.7 SYSTEM CONTROLS

The contractor shall ensure proper selection and functioning of system operational and safety controls.

4.7.1 REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall ensure:

a) Operating controls and safety controls are compatible with the system type and application, and the selected controls are consistent with OEM recommendations and industry practices and

b) Operating controls and safety controls lead to proper sequencing of equipment functions, with all controls and safeties functioning per OEM or customer design specifications

NOTE OPERATING CONTROLS:

Examples of operating controls include: thermostats, humidistats, economizer controls, etc. Examples of safety controls include: temperature limit switch, airflow switch, condensate overflow switch, furnace limit switch, boiler limit switch, etc.

4.7.2 ACCEPTABLE PROCEDURES

The contractor shall use the following acceptable procedures for fulfilling the desired design criteria:

a) Confirmation of the control/safety selections made and

b) Supporting OEM literature related to the selections made

EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION ASPECTS Page 13

c) Verification of correct cycling/operational sequences of controls and safety devices/systems per system design and OEM specifications

4.7.3 ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTATION

The contractor shall provide evidence of the following:

a) Documents showing that controls/safeties selections are in compliance with OEM specifications and

b) Written job documentation or checklist in the installation file indicating that controls/safeties function properly

Page 14 DISTRIBUTION ASPECTS

5.0 DISTRIBUTION ASPECTS

This section focuses on heating and cooling delivery elements of the installed HVAC system.

5.1 DUCT LEAKAGE

The contractor shall ensure the ducts are sealed and that air leakage (CFM) is minimized.

5.1.1 REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall ensure:

a) For NEW CONSTRUCTION, test using any one of the three options:

i. Ducts located inside the thermal envelope have no more than 10% total duct leakage (airflow in CFM: duct pressure 25 Pascals), or

ii. Ducts located outside the thermal envelope have no more than 6% total duct leakage (airflow in CFM: duct pressure 25 Pascals), or

iii. Per local code or authority having jurisdiction

b) For EXISTING CONSTRUCTION, test using any one of the three options:

i. No more than 20% total duct leakage (airflow in CFM: duct pressure 25

Pascals) or

ii. 50% improvement on existing leakage rate or until 5.1.1.b.i. is achieved or

iii. Per local code or authority having jurisdiction

NOTE 1. DUCT LEAKAGE:

The total duct leakage allowable pertains to the percentage of CFM leakage as compared to the overall air handling fan flow (see §4.1) operating at design conditions. The airflow leakage allowable shall be based on the higher of the winter heating airflow or of the summer cooling airflow.

TOTAL duct leakage = SUPPLY duct leakage + RETURN duct leakage.

NOTE 2. DUCT SEALING:

For duct sealing, all duct sealing materials shall be rated to UL 181A or UL 181B specifications and shall be used in strict accordance with OEM instructions.

5.1.2 ACCEPTABLE PROCEDURES

The contractor shall test using one of the following acceptable procedures for fulfilling the desired criteria:

a) Duct pressurization tests13at 25 Pascal or

b) FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS, airflow comparison method14 or

13 Duct leakage is measured using a duct pressurization test through a calibrated fan or orifice. Duct registers are sealed, a fan is attached to one opening, the ducts are pressurized, and the amount of air flowing through the fan is quantified. A commonly known system is Duct Blaster®; there are several others as well.

14 Total room supply CFMs and return CFMs compared with blower capability (e.g., airflow measuring device method: Commonly referred to as Flow Hood™, Shortridge or Balometer™, Alnor), as per procedures specified by ACCA, AABC, ASHRAE, NEBB and TABB.

DISTRIBUTION ASPECTS Page 15

c) Hybrid blower door/airflow measuring device subtraction15 or

d) Duct pressurization test at referenced pressure standard by authority having jurisdiction.

5.1.3 ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTATION

The contractor shall provide evidence of the following:

a) Documented field data recorded on start up sheet or

b) Documented field data recorded on service records and

c) Written job documentation or checklist in the installation file

5.2 AIRFLOW BALANCE

The contractor shall ensure room airflows meet the design/application requirements.

5.2.1. REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall ensure:

a) For NEW CONSTRUCTION or addition of new ducts to an existing structure (with interior doors closed AND open) –

For Residential Buildings: The individual room airflows are within the greater of ± 20%, or 25 CFM of the design/application requirements for the supply and return ducts.

For Commercial Buildings: The individual room airflows are within the greater of ± 10%, or 25 CFM of the design/application requirements for the supply and return ducts.

or

b) For EXISTING CONSTRUCTION without contractor modification of existing ductwork: No additional ACCA QI requirements apply.

or

c) For NEW OR EXISTING CONSTRUCTION the airflow balance is per local code or authority having jurisdiction.

NOTE ON AIRFLOW THROUGH INDOOR HEAT EXCHANGERS:

Per §4.1, airflow through the heat exchanger must be within the OEM’s specified range for all furnace, fan coil, and air handler applications.

5.2.2 ACCEPTABLE PROCEDURES

The contractor shall test using one of the following acceptable devices for fulfilling the desired criteria:

a) Airflow measuring device (AMD)16 used per specifications from the AMD manufacturer or

15 A calibrated fan measures whole-building positive or negative pressure on the building, then duct leakage is measured by placing an airflow capture hood over the grilles and registers.

16 Commonly referred to as Shortridge flow hood™ or Alnor Balometer™.

Page 16 DISTRIBUTION ASPECTS

b) Duct traverse with Pitot tube and manometer per procedures specified by ACCA, AABC, ASHRAE, NEBB, SMACNA or TABB or

c) Measure the average airflow using an anemometer (hotwire or rotary) per specifications from the test equipment manufacturer.17

5.2.3 ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTATION

The contractor shall provide evidence of the following:

a) Documented field data recorded on start up sheet or test and balance form or

b) Documented field data recorded on service records and

c) Written job documentation or checklist in the installation file

5.3 HYDRONIC BALANCE

The contractor shall ensure water flows meet the design/application requirements.

5.3.1. REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall ensure:

a) For NEW CONSTRUCTION, or addition of new piping to an existing HVAC system, the water flow to individual room or zone heat exchangers are within

± 10% of the design/application GPM requirements.

or

b) For EXISTING CONSTRUCTION without contractor modification of existing piping: No additional ACCA QI requirements apply.

or

c) For NEW OR EXISTING CONSTRUCTION the room/zone hydronic balance is per local code or authority having jurisdiction.

NOTE ON WATER FLOW THROUGH HEAT EXCHANGER:

Per §4.2, water flow through the heat exchanger must be within the OEM’s specified range for all boilers, and water-to-water geothermal heat pump applications.

5.3.2 ACCEPTABLE PROCEDURES

The contractor shall use one of the following acceptable tests for fulfilling the desired criteria:

a) Manometer and probe used per instructions from the instrument manufacturer.

or

b) Ultrasonic/Doppler flow meter used per instructions from the instrument manufacturer.

17 The use of anemometers is acceptable if (1) grille “free areas” are known and if (2) the measurement tolerances for the instrument/device being used are considerable tighter than the airflow balance tolerances.

The grill “free area” is commonly known as the area-K (or Ak) and the values are provided by the grille/diffuser OEM.

DISTRIBUTION ASPECTS Page 17 or

c) Pressure gauge used per instructions from the instrument manufacturer or

d) Procedures specified by OEM

5.3.3 ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTATION

The contractor shall provide evidence of the following:

a) A copy of documented field data recorded on start up sheet or test and balance form or

b) Documented field data recorded on service records

c) Written job documentation or checklist in the installation file

Page 18 SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION AND OWNER EDUCATION ASPECTS

6.0 SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION AND OWNER EDUCATION ASPECTS

This section focuses on providing owners with job documentation, operation instructions, and education to assist them in properly operating and maintaining their systems.

6.1 PROPER SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION TO THE OWNER

The contractor shall provide records pertaining to the HVAC system installation as well as the operation and maintenance to be performed.

6.1.1 REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall ensure:

a) An installation file of required and relevant information is created and provided to the homeowner or the building owner/operator (or designated agent).

i) Required documentation: Information detailed in the Acceptable

Documentation18 of each applicable section.

and

ii) Relevant documentation: additional information applicable to the HVAC activity undertaken.19 and

b) Copies of documents from §6.1.1.a and a record of the model and serial numbers of all equipment installed are maintained at the contractor’s place of business.

6.1.2 ACCEPTABLE PROCEDURES

The contractor shall confirm that all the listed requirements are met.

6.1.3 ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTATION

The contractor shall provide evidence of the following:

a) Written job documentation or checklist in the installation file and

b) Signed documentation from the customer that the listed requirements were offered/met

18 Examples of required acceptable documentation include: ventilation calculations (§3.1), load calculations

(§3.2), OEM performance data (§3.3), AHRI certificates (§3.5), records of measurements (§4.1, §4.2, §4.3, §4.4, §4.5), documented field data (§4.6), written documentation of proper operation sequences (§4.7), duct leakage tests (§5.1), test and balance reports (§5.2, §5.3), and customer education (§6.2).

19 Examples of relevant documentation include: permits, as-built drawings (including the type, size, and location of all underground heat geothermal heat exchange piping), survey data, equipment submittals, maintenance and operating instructions, and equipment/contractor warranties.

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION AND OWNER EDUCATION ASPECTS Page 19

6.2 OWNER/OPERATOR EDUCATION

The contractor shall inform the customer on how to both operate and maintain the installed equipment and will promote system maintenance to aid in the continuing performance of the installed equipment.

6.2.1 REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall ensure:

a) Customers are instructed on system operation of installed equipment and

b) Customers are instructed on the maintenance requirements for the installed equipment and

c) Customers are instructed on warranty procedures and responsibilities and

d) Customers are provided with contact information for warranty, maintenance, and service…