March 15 2012 Code Enforcement Update

March 15 2012 Code Enforcement Update

At Energy Load Calc we have been closely monitoring the state’s progress in the daunting task of enforcing new energy and building codes.  The EnergyGauge calculations for residential new construction appear to be closely monitored across the state and are being enforced to the full description of the code.  The same cannot be said for the sizing calculations required for residential replacement.  It has not been uniform and it may not be for some time.  While most municipalities seem to accept a single page summary sheet that includes the Manual S (bottom right corner for Wrightsoft), we have seen some counties take a different approach:

Marion County:  Reported that they no longer accept the Rheem Design star and in addition to the summary sheet need the manual S compliance report which details the manufacturer’s actual performance data.

Broward County: Reported that they no longer accept Rheem Design star

Lee County: Reported required manual S compliance report with actual manufacturer’s performance ratings

Sumter: Contradicting reports of required room by room calculations, Rheem design star, required drawings.  We believe to be caused by two different permitting offices

We have seen all municipalities require the manual D including the drawings when replacing the duct work on an existing install.

If anyone has reports that contradict these or has additional information they would like to submit, please let us know via comment

This material written by Energy Load Calc

One good marketing method for HVAC contractors

As I am researching various cities for air conditioning contractors across the United States, I am seeing over and over a strong opportunity that is rarely fully taken advantage of and often is missed completely.  The interesting thing is many of these contractors have completed the difficult “part 1” of this marketing campaign.  I am talking about customer surveys or reviews.  The most appropriate place to then post these reviews is on Google.  It is not difficult to see that when doing Google searches, Google places/maps pages are ranked at the top.  They also have clickable links to your reviews.  The larger the city, the more Google places pages will be displayed.  Organic search engine results can be completely drowned out of the first page.  This is important because many people still do not understand completely how Google works.  I come across many that aren’t aware they are clicking on a “pay per click” add on the top banner.  With as much as hurry as people are in today combined with how well Google searches, people don’t usually get to page 2.  If a consumer sees “many” reviews in comparison to the competition and they are mostly positive, their search may very well end there.

Reviews can be obtained a number of ways; you will need to determine what works best for your company.    A couple of methods that could be easily installed are below:

1. Ask the customer to fill out a review as the installation is completed and check lists are signed.  Obtain signed permission to post review on-line

2. Send a follow up email with a link and instructions on how to write a Google review

In either case, something should be offered to the homeowner.  This could be a discount on future maintenance agreement, discount on work performed, $5 Visa gift cards, etc.

This material written by Energy Load Calc

  

Manual J Load calculations

The new Florida building code which became enforceable March 15, 2012 is as follow....

101.4.7.1.2 Replacement equipment sizing (MANDATORY)
An AC contractor or licensed Florida PE shall submit a nationally recognized method based sizing calculation to the code official at the time of permit application for total replacement of the condensing and evaporator components of HVAC systems in accordance with Florida law and the provisions of Section 403.6.1 or Section S03.2.1, as applicable. 

http://sumtercountyfl.gov/index.aspx?nid=126 

http://www.cityofbonitaspringscd.org/ 

In order to pass inspection, a air conditioning or heating load calculation must be posted to the air handler when replacing a residential system.  A new requirement also states a manual D calculation for duct replacing to be submitted in order to pass inspection.

For information on code requirements or load calculations for either residential or commercial please contact us toll free @ (855) 562-3225