Minutes

The meeting was convened by Chair Dale Greiner at 10:05 a.m. A quorum was achieved with eight voting members present.

Voting Members Present:

Steve Bassett, Bob Cochell, Jan Geyselaers, Dale Greiner, Don Kitner and Roger Sanders.

Meeting Objective:

Review and make recommendations to the Commission on resolution of DEC request DCA06-DEC-176.

Actions Taken:

The agenda and minutes of the July 10, 2006, meeting were approved before a quorum was achieved.

Consideration of DEC request DCA06-DEC-176 by Jeff Alloway, President of U.S. Air Conditioning ensued. In regard to the provisions of section 13-101.6, Mr. Alloway's representative, Gina, requested clarifications as to whether 1) changing the air handler unit of a split system located in New Port Richey in the Park Lake Estates subdivision constitutes a repair or a replacement and, 2) if it constitutes a replacement, does the combined efficiency of the outdoor/indoor unit have to meet the minimum efficiency listed for that type of equipment in Table 13-607.1.ABC.3.2A?

Discussion of the issue included the following points. Section 13-101.6 requires new products being installed or replaced in existing buildings for which a permit must be obtained to meet the minimum efficiencies allowed for that system on Form 600C for residential buildings, with exceptions. Exception 1 reads: “Where part of a functional unit is repaired or replaced. For example, replacement of an entire HVAC system is not required because a new compressor or other part does not meet code when installed with an older system.” Further, Section 302.1 of the Existing Building code defines “Repairs” to include the patching or restoration of materials, elements, equipment or fixtures for the purpose of maintaining such materials elements, equipment or fixtures in good or sound condition, while Section 303.1 describes “Level 1 Alterations” to include the removal and replacement or the covering of existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures using new materials, elements, equipment or fixtures that serve the same purpose. Also extensively discussed was whether unmatched equipment would actually perform adequately. Compatible replacement parts may not be available.

On a seconded motion from Sanders, the TAC unanimously approved the following recommendation on Question 1:

To the question, “When changing the air handler unit only of the split system located in New Port Richey in the Park Lake Estates subdivision, does it constitute as a repair or a replacement?”, the answer is that it constitutes a REPLACEMENT because a major component is replaced that would change the performance of the system.

On a seconded motion from Geyselaer, the TAC unanimously approved the following recommendation on Question 2:

To the question, “If it constitutes a replacement, does the combined efficiency of the outdoor/indoor unit have to meet the minimum efficiency listed for that type of equipment in Table 13-607.1.ABC.3.2A?”, the answer is NO, Section 509.1 of the FBC- Existing Building , requires existing mechanical systems undergoing alteration to comply with Section 301.11 of the FBC-Mechanical , which requires defective material or parts to be replaced or repaired in such manner so as to preserve the original approval or listing of the equipment.

Adjourn:

The TAC meeting was adjourned at 10:45 a.m.