REGULATION & CODES
TO KNOW
U.S.E.E.G. LLC has noticed several code violations in its evaluations! When possible we try our very best to educate our customers, and fellow tradesmen, to keep these issues from recurring. Below you will find details on one of the most predominate violations we have encountered--
R-value of duct-work in an attic or garage.
Wicomico County Building Code: Chapters R12 - R24 MECHANICAL were replaced in 1989 to match the State of Maryland HVAC Code!
Annotated Code of Maryland Title 9 Chapter 15 states that Maryland HVAC codes must be in compliance with the International Mechanical Code (IMC) and the ACCA Manual "J" Residential Load Calculation!
THE IMC STATES: (IN REFERENCE TO FIBROUS DUCT)
603.5 FIBROUS DUCT MUST COMPLY WITH NAIMA STANDARDS.
FROM ACCA MANUAL J RESIDENTIAL LOAD CACLC
As shown in the chart above Salisbury, MD (The only city from Wicomico County listed in the Manual "J") has a heating degree day listing of 4220.
By the NAIMA chart shown below, Salisbury, MD falls under "CLIMATE ZONE II".
By following this chart for Zone II, any fibrous duct placed in an attic is regulated to be no less than R6!
FROM NAIMA FIBROUS DUCT STANDARDS
Many HVAC contractors are under the impression that R 4.2 is sufficient for both attic and crawl space (or basement) duct install. THEY ARE WRONG!
PLEASE! If you are having new duct-work installed, or have had it replaced since 1989, check with the installing contractor to make sure the duct-work meets this code requirement! If for any reason your current, or previous, HVAC contractor is unavailable, or unwilling, to come out and/or check your records call U.S.E.E.G. for a FREE in home consultation.
Improperly installed and under insulated duct work could be costing you in energy consumption as well as shortening the longevity of your heating and cooling system.
License
MARYLAND HVAC/R LAW STATES:
9A–301.
- Except as otherwise provided in this title, an individual shall be licensed by the Board before the individual provides or assists in providing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services in the State.
9A–501.
- Except as otherwise provided in this title, an individual may not provide, attempt to provide, or offer to provide heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services unless issued a master license by the Board.
- Except as otherwise provided in this title, an individual may not assist, attempt to assist, or offer to assist in providing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services unless issued a master restricted license by the Board.
- Except as otherwise provided in this title, an individual may not exclusively maintain or repair heating systems, cooling systems, refrigeration systems, ventilation systems, or hydronic systems in the State unless issued a limited license by the Board.
