Furnace & Air-Conditioner - Residential

Applicable Codes:
2024 International Residential Code
2024 International Fuel Gas Code
2024 International Mechanical Code
2023 National Electrical Code

Please submit the following information:

For Furnace replacement/installation:

1. Brand, efficiency, and BTUs for the proposed furnace.
2. A schematic drawing of the room that the proposed furnace will be located in that indicates the following:
   • The dimensions of the room.
   • The location of the furnace.
   • Distance from the furnace to walls and combustible material.
   • Any electrical features (outlets, switches, service panel, etc.).
3. Manufacturer installation specifications for the proposed furnace.
4. A combustion air calculation worksheet (if it is a gas-fired, non-high-efficiency appliance).
5. If the furnace conversion will be replacing a standard efficiency furnace with a high efficiency furnace, please provide details for the adjustments to the existing B-Vent (capping, liner size, if still serving any other gas appliances, etc.).

For Air Conditioner replacement/installation:

1. A site plan indicating the proposed location of the new air conditioner unit.
2. Specifications regarding any electrical service panel breaker adjustments that must be made (often the existing service breaker is oversized for new air conditioners and must be replaced with a properly sized breaker listed for use in the service panel).

Significant Code Requirements

1. Carbon Monoxide Alarms - For all furnace installations, the residence must have Carbon Monoxide Alarms installed per code. There must be an alarm installed outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. The power source for the alarms can either be hardwired or a 10-year battery.
2. Access - Please provide proper access to all appliances. Appliances shall be accessible for inspection, service, repair, and replacement without removing permanent construction.
3. Attic Access - Attics containing appliances requiring access shall be provided with an opening and a clear and unobstructed passageway large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance, but not less than 30 inches (762 mm) high and 22 inches (559 mm) wide when measured along the centerline of the passageway from the opening to the appliance. The passageway shall have continuous solid flooring in accordance with Chapter 5, not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide. A level service space at least 30 inches (762mm) deep and 30 inches (762mm) wide shall be present along all sides of the appliance where access is required. Heating Appliances (Furnace) shall be accessible for inspection, service, repair, and replacement without removing permanent construction. Thirty inches of working space shall be provided in front of the control side to service an appliance.
4. Venting - The furnace venting distance must comply with the specifications set forth in the product listing and installation requirements. 2018 IRC M1307.1 For new installations, vents for the High-Efficiency furnaces will be located per manufacturer specifications (specifically, exterior proximity to adjacent walls and openings as well as the length of vent run).
5. Manufacturer Installation Instructions - Equipment and appliances shall be installed as required by the terms of their approval, in accordance with the conditions of listing, the manufacturer’s instructions, and all provisions of the building code.
6. Shutoff valves - Shutoff valves must be located in places so as to provide access for operation and shall be protected from damage.
7. Thermostat - When 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 and must be programmable and capable of controlling the heating and cooling system on a daily schedule to maintain the different temperature set points at different times of the day.
8. Sizing Equipment - Heating and cooling equipment must be sized based on building loads calculated in accordance with ACCA Manual J or other approved heating and cooling calculation methods. A copy of the Manual J calculations shall be made available upon request by the inspector.
9. Combustion Air - Combustion air is required for any standard efficiency fuel-burning appliances within the scope of the project. Outside combustion air shall be supplied through two openings or ducts. One opening shall be within 12” of the ceiling, the other within 12” of the bottom of the enclosure. The same opening or duct to the outdoors shall not serve both combustion air openings. 2018 IRC G2407.6 Each combustion air opening shall have a free area of at least 1 square inch per 4000 BTUs of the total input rating of all of the appliances in the space.
10. Sealing - All ducts, air handlers, filter boxes, and building cavities used as ducts shall be sealed if they are replaced when the mechanical equipment is being replaced. (IECC)
11. Pipe Insulation - Any new mechanical piping shall be insulated to a minimum of R-3.
12. Electrical Disconnect - The air-conditioner condenser located on the outside of your residence requires a means of disconnecting the power supply in the immediate vicinity.

Inspections

The inspections listed here are required for all types of HVAC projects. Some inspections may not apply to your installation, while additional inspections may be needed based on the scope of work for your project. A complete list of your required inspections will be listed on the Plan Approval Notice that will be attached to the approved plans.