RESIDENTIAL HVAC

• Design versus actual field condition inspections:
  • Correlate Manual “J” and line drawing layout to actual composition of environment envelope. Insulation r-value, window characteristics, infiltration, grade level, chinking, and caulking will be considered.
  • Determine if duct size, length, and routing method (i.e. # elbows) meets the Manual J. c.f.m. (cubic feet per. minute) requirement for all rooms in the home. If necessary, use an air duct calculator.
  • Match the Manual J and Line Drawing requirements to the actual environment.
  Supply and return boots placed to best suit the homes design and line drawing.
• Thermostat is on interior wall and in close proximity to a return.
• Interior and exterior mechanical equipment are placed as described.
• Ductwork inspections:
  • If basement is to be un-finished only the boots need to be installed. Run-outs/branch ducts will be examined at final inspection. If boots are to be installed with run-outs, provide adequate protection against debris and damage by covering the boot opening.
  • Wall cavities and chases serving as returns ducts have the following items completed at close in for approval.
    1. Wall brackets must be installed.
    2. First and subsequent floors are not in the same chase.
    3. Holes must be cut in the floor or wall assemblies.
    4. Chase must be properly sealed so that no outside air can enter return cavity.

Note: Returns cannot be taken from more than one floor via joist or wall cavities.

• • All trunk line duct are supported every 10 ft.
  • Supply run outs are air tight with three screws equally spaced.
  • Flex and other factory made ducts are supported in accordance with manufacturer instructions. (i.e. web strapping).
  • Flexible Air connectors (non insulated duct) are less than 14 ft.
  • All branch duct/run-outs are securely fastened with welds, mastics or tapes.
  • Provisions are made to prevent the accumulation of condensation on the exterior of any ducts in non-conditioned space.
  • Flexible and Class 1 ducts shall not pass through any walls, floors, ceilings or fire rated assemblies.
  • Underground ducts are water tight, sized and installed properly.
  • Flexible Air connectors (non insulated duct) are less than 14 ft.
  • All branch duct/run-outs are securely fastened with welds, mastics or tapes.
  • Provisions are made to prevent the accumulation of condensation on the exterior of any ducts in non-conditioned space.
  • Flexible and Class 1 ducts shall not pass through any walls, floors, ceilings or fire rated assemblies.
  • Underground ducts are water tight, sized and installed properly.
  • Kitchen stove vents and bathroom vents are installed and vented properly.
  • All pre-fab flues including all fuel, b-vent, and single wall, are proper size. All clearance from combustibles are adhered to and proper height is maintained above the roof.
• Attic system inspections: (If the Manual J calls for a two zone system and the equipment is located on the top floor, i.e., closet or an attic, the following must be checked)
  • Copper line set run through floors to outdoor condenser are insulated and protected with nail plates.
  • Drain pan under equipment installed over finished space must be min. 1½" depth and not less than 3" larger than the units width and length.
  • Primary drain is proper size, has trap if required, and slope of ¼" per foot to discharge. Secondary drain is independent of primary to discharge in an approved drain or attic soffit, or overflow float switch is installed in low voltage circuit.
  • Control wiring to thermostat and outdoor unit is protected and placement of the thermostat is in accordance with the line drawing.
  • Attic access is adequately sized per Howard County Code.
  • A walkway plank of at least 36" is provided on the service side of the attic unit.
  • Attic has sufficient lighting and a service receptacle.

HVACR Final Inspections

• Design versus actual field condition inspection:
  • Check that equipment specified in Manual J matches that installed.
  • Match line drawing to field installation assuring location of all floor supply registers.
  • Set the thermostat and check for positive air flow from all supply registers and negative air flow from all return grilles.
  • Check all supply and return grill with a velocity meter as required to determine if it meets the requirements of the manual J room analysis.
  • Determine if manufacturers specifications for all HVAC equipment are located on site as required by law.
  • Check thermostat for proper installation, i.e., level and draft stopped.
• Ductwork inspections:
  • Check basement for supply registers and return air grilles and if present ensure basement is insulated.
  • Check return filter access for approved convenient location that is readily removable.
  • Check supply air boots for construction debris and drywall dust.
  • Check for excessive air leakage in all duct work.
  • Supply run-outs must be air tight with three (3) screws equally spaced in each joint.
  • Ducts going from conditioned to non-conditioned space are insulated. The insulation must be vapor tight and installed on entire duct including boots.
• Humidifier Inspections:
  • Unit is level and mounted on proper pressure zone of the duct system.
  • Humidifier drains discharges water per Howard County Code.
  • Stop and Waste or equivalent valve is used to shut-off water supply.
  • Bypass humidifiers has a damper installed in the bypass duct assembly.
  • Humidstat is installed on the return duct upstream of the humidifier.
• Outdoor unit inspections:
  • Unit is positioned as to allow maximum condenser air inlet and exhaust per manufacturer installation instructions.
  • Unit is the proper distance from flue/exhaust terminations to prevent damage.
  • Disconnect within site of the unit and fused per the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
  • Slab is adequately sized to provide support and protection of the entire footprint.
  • Heat pumps are installed at least 6" above grade.
  • Condensers are above grade and level.
  • Proper btu (British thermal unit)/tonnage is installed per Manual J requirements.
• Evaporator coil inspections:
  • Coil is installed on a coil pan above the furnace burners and has slope to the condensate drain.
  • Coil housing box (plenum) is insulated .to prevent condensation.
  • All points of penetration thru the coil box are sealed with duct sealant.
• Attic system inspections:
  • Check for condensate drainage to proper area(s) and trapping if required.
  • Equipment installed over finished living space is adequately protected by use of overflow/float switches and safety pans.
  • Ensure that equipment in attics are supplied with a light, receptacle, and accessible switch.
  • Determine if equipment is provided with approved access, walkways, and clearances.

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