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Section 403 Systems (Mandatory)

NYC Energy Code 2014 > 4 Residential Energy Efficiency > 403 Systems (Mandatory)

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403.1 Controls

At least one thermostat shall be provided for each separate heating and cooling system.

403.1.1 Programmable Thermostat

Each dwelling unit shall have at least one thermostat capable of automatically adjusting the space temperature set point of the largest heating or cooling zone and 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).

403.1.2 Heat Pump Supplementary Heat

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.

403.2 Ducts

403.2.1 Insulation

Supply ducts in attics shall be insulated to a minimum of R-8. All other ducts shall be insulated to a minimum of R-6.

Exception: Ducts or portions thereof located completely inside the building thermal envelope.

403.2.2 Sealing

All ducts, air handlers, filter boxes and building cavities used as ducts shall be sealed. Joints and seams shall comply with Section M1601.3.1 of the Residential Code of New York State, or, in New York City, the New York City Construction Codes. Duct tightness shall be verified by either of the following:

Post construction test: Leakage to outdoors shall be less than or equal to 8 cfm (226.5 L/min) per 100 ft² (9.29 m²) of conditioned floor area or a total leakage less than or equal to 12 cfm (12 L/min) per 100 ft² (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.
Rough-in test: Total leakage shall be less than or equal to 6 cfm (169.9 L/min) per 100 ft² (9.29 m²) of conditioned floor area when tested at a pressure differential of 0.1 inches w.g. (25 Pa) across the roughed in system, including the manufacturer's air handler enclosure. All register boots 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 4 cfm (113.3 L/min) per 100 ft² (9.29 m²) of conditioned floor area.

Exception: Duct tightness test is not required if the air handler and all ducts are located within conditioned space

The building duct and plenum system shall meet the requirements above as verified using instruments and procedures specified in ANSI/ASHRAE 152 and ASTM E1554 Test Method A. Tests at other test pressures are permitted to be used if they are converted to equivalent leakage at 25 pascals (Pa) of pressure, and such equivalence is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the code enforcement official. The test shall be conducted by a qualified person, who shall demonstrate competence to the satisfaction of the code enforcement official for the conduct of such tests. For the purpose of this section CFM₂₅ shall mean the leakage from all ducts and plenums in cubic feet per minute measured at 25 pascals of pressure in accordance with ANSI/ASHRAE 152 or ASTM E1554. Test results shall be provided to the code enforcement official and shall include:

Name and place of business of the tester;
Address of the building which was tested;
Conditioned floor area of dwelling, calculated in accordance with ANSI Z65, except that conditioned floor area shall include areas where the ceiling height is less than 5 feet (1524 mm);
Measurement of CFM₂₅; and
Certification of accuracy of test results and signature of tester.

403.2.3 Building Cavities

Building framing cavities shall not be used as supply ducts.

403.3 Mechanical System Piping Insulation

Mechanical system piping capable of carrying fluids above 105°F (41°C) or below 55°F (13°C) shall be insulated to a minimum of R-3.

403.4 Circulating Hot Water Systems

All circulating service hot water piping shall be insulated to at least R-2. Circulating hot water systems shall include an automatic or readily accessible manual switch that can turn off the hot water circulating pump when the system is not in use.

403.5 Mechanical Ventilation

Outdoor air intakes and exhausts shall have automatic or gravity dampers that close when the ventilation system is not operating.

403.6 Equipment Sizing

Heating and cooling equipment shall be sized in accordance with ACCA Manual J or similar section of the Residential Code of New York State.

403.7 Systems Serving Multiple Dwelling Units

Systems serving buildings containing three or more dwelling units shall comply with Sections C403 and C404 in lieu of Section 403.

403.8 Snow Melt System Controls

Snow- and ice-melting systems, supplied through energy service to the building, shall include automatic controls capable of shutting off the system when the pavement temperature is above 50°F (10°C), and no precipitation is falling and an automatic or manual control that will allow shutoff when the outdoor temperature is above 40°F (4°C).

403.9 Pools

Pools shall be provided with energy-conserving measures in accordance with Sections 403.9.1 through 403.9.3.

403.9.1 Pool Heaters

All pool heaters shall be equipped with a readily accessible on-off switch to allow shutting off the heater without adjusting the thermostat setting. Pool heaters fired by natural gas or LPG shall not have continuously burning pilot lights.

403.9.2 Time Switches

Time switches that can automatically turn off and on heaters and pumps according to a preset schedule shall be installed on swimming pool heaters and pumps.

Exceptions:

Where public health standards require 24-hour pump operation.
Where pumps are required to operate solar- and waste-heat-recovery pool-heating systems.

403.9.3 Pool Covers

Heated pools shall be equipped with a vapor-retardant pool cover on or at the water surface. Pools heated to more than 90°F (32°C) shall have a pool cover with a minimum insulation value of R-12.

Exception: Pools deriving over 60 percent of the energy for heating from site-recovered energy or solar energy source.