Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine March 2020

News Magazine March 2020

Arkansas’ First and Only HVACRNewsMagazine

Zoom

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Into the Arkansas HVACR Licensing Board Meeting See your Board in Action While taking a coffee break page 17

Page 22

Page 6

ByArkansans

For Arkansans

Table of Contents

Chapter Meeting Schedule

PG 4

Editorial & Opinion Code Changes : Are You On Board

PG 6

Business

PG 13

Stepping On The Bosses Toes

State, national, chapter news Spring Into Summer Zoom, Zoom Into the License Board Meetings

PG 16

PG 17

PG 19

Electric Race Cars?

PG 22

International Energy Conservation Code : Take Another Look

PG 33

Five Reasons for Background Checks

Rebate Programs & Incentives

PG 40

Tech News Bryan Orr

PG 42

Refrigerant Equipment Diagnosis Methods

Saint Patty’s Day

March 17

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chapter meetings

Central Chapter 4 th Tuesday 6:00 Meal : 6:30 Program Location: Whole Hog 2516 Cantrell Road Little Rock, AR 72202

February 25 March 24 April 28

Fort Smith Chaper 1 st Tuesday

January 7 February 4 March 3

5:30 Meal : 6:00 Program Location : Golden Corral 1801 S. Waldron Road Fort Smith

April 7 May 5

Hot Springs Chapter 1 st Thursday 6:00 Meal : 6:30 Program Location: Smokin’ in Style BBQ 2278 Albert Pike Hot Springs North Central Chapter 4 th Thursday 6:00 Meal : 6:30 Program Location : Western Sizzlin’ 905 Hwy 62 – 65 North Harrison

February 11 March 10 April 14

February 27 March 26 April 23

chapter meetings

North East Chapter 3 rd Tuesday

6:00 Meal : 6:30 Program Location : Western Sizzlin’ 2405 East Highland Jonesboro 870/ 336 - 4417

February 18 March 17 April 21

North West Chapter 2 nd Thursday

6:00 Meal : 6:30 Program Location: Golden Corral 2605 Pleasant Crossing Drive Rogers 479/986-9201 South Central/ Camden 1 st Thursday 6:00 Meal : 6:30 Program Location: Ouachita Partners for Economic Development 625 Adams Avenue Camden 870/ 836 - 9354

February 13 March 12 April 9

February 6 March 5 April 2

South West / Texarkana 3 rd Thursday

February 20 March 19 April 16 Call for meeting Location

6:00 Meal : 6:30 Program Location: Rotates between restaurants. Call for a meeting location. 501/487-8655

to 30%. The construction industry and the HVAC industry has been unknowingly putting a siphon into the pockets of unsuspecting homeowners-draining their budgets for unnecessarily high utility bills. The construction industry and the HVAC industry has been unknowingly putting a siphon into the pockets of unsuspecting homeowners-draining their budgets for unnecessarily high utility bills. All this push for ever increasing Energy Code standards for ductwork is our fault. We created the situation. My concern is, “Has the correction gone too far?” First, Duct Testing. With the Energy Code implemented in 2015, the HVAC All this push for ever increasing Energy Code standards for duct- work is our fault. We created the situation. industry was required to use mastic or mastic tape on the joints. My question is, “ If you screw the joints together and use mastic or mastic tape, how’s it gonna’ leak?” Yes, it leaks terribly at the furnace and air handler and there are some ways we can help alleviate that. So why does it still leak so badly that we now need

Codes Changes Are You on Board I have to be totally transparent about my history and feelings regarding some of the proposed Energy Code changes. R8 on all supply duct is a non-issue to me. R8 on supply duct in the attic is already code. We were scheduled to implement that in January of 2016 but the Home Builder’s Association was adamantly against it. At that time my position was “Do what you want--j ust make up your mind.” We had distributors that were getting stuck handling R6 and R8 with the potential of getting hung with the R8. I just wanted our government folks to quit playing politics, make up their mind, and let our industry get back to business. The result was that the Governor intervened and R8 went away. With so much condensation due to really low air temps and most of the duct wrap being compressed, the industry and consumers have a serious problem. Maybe R8 will help take care of it. Duct blasting and blower door testing is where I am conflicted. I was introduced to those in the mid- 90s. Wow! What an eye opener. “Who would have thunk it?” Houses leaked like sieves and duct was leaking at an average rate of 20%

b. Houses built in the county will not have any additional protection against a sorry duct job. These houses and homeowners suffer and / or benefit from th e “buyer beware” mentality. A philosophy that some in our legislature thinks is just fine. Duct leakage testing has real potential to help eliminate big duct leakage which will keep money in homeowner’s pockets; but, it is at a cost. Excuse the grammar but “Ain’t Nuttin’ Free”. A duct blaster will cost the contractor around $3,000 and doing a self-certification duct leakage test will take about 1 ½ man hours per system. (That is if the testers really know what they are doing and the installers sealed the supplies for testing as the duct was being installed. If not, it could take up to 3 man hours per system.) “Ya’ gotta’ factor that in the job.” If you hire a third party, estimates are from $150 to $300 depending on the number of systems and how much the contractor does to make the job ready for testing. Next month we’ll talk about the difference between self-certification and third party testing. Let me just give you a heads up. I’ll fight for the right to self - certify. It’s all I can do not to go into that issue now but we’ll cover it next month.

a duct leakage test? There are three reasons for the leakage. 1.We still have installers that don’t use mastic or mastic tape. Some don’t use any tape. Again, our industry is creating this call for leakage testing because too many in our industry are still not following code. 2. Inspectors are not catching the bad jobs . They are trying but it isn’t that easy. They want to work with us in the process by allowing insulation to be installed before the rough in. That is great for an installer and we appreciate it. On the other hand, the duct is covered and it isn’t easy to find the problems. Thus, some jobs slip through the cracks. 3. Homes built in the county outside the boundaries of code authority are never checked. It is a free for all. No amount of code will change this until counties begin code inspection. First, will a duct leakage test solve the problem? a. A test will almost assuredly solve the problem in municipalities where code inspection exists. I have heard of the rare example where duct slipped together so tightly that even without tape it did not leak. That is certainly the exception and as gravity pulls down on the duct, it will begin to pull apart and leak.

Second, Blower Door Testing Again, by way of total transparency--I love blower door testing. You’ll never believe where and how much leakage there is in a house built before the Energy Code was adopted in Arkansas. Back in the 90s when I had my little business, we did lots of blower door tests and caulked and sealed houses. Each home was like a new experience or an affirmation of the sorry condition of most houses — big ones, little one, new ones, old ones. Today, that is not the case. Back then, people would ask, “Can you get a house too tight?” My reply was, “Haven’t seen one yet!” BUT THAT WAS BACK THEN. Today is different. A recent study demonstrated that houses are becoming REALLY too tight. Houses are frequently from 30% to 75% tighter than ASHRAE recommends. Today, no one says that houses leak like sieves unless Houses are frequently 30% to 75% tighter than ASHRAE recommends. they are talking about older stock. Today, everyone says, “Houses are too tight.” Today’s philosophy is, “Get them as tight as you can and ventilate.” Not sure I agree with taking it that far but it is none-the-

less the philosophy of well intentioned, smart people. How does this apply to our industry? Well, our code already requires mechanical ventilation for all new residential construction. It is required in the whole state but many municipalities are not enforcing it; however, enforcement seems to be on the way. So, if houses are too tight and the HVAC system has required mechanical ventilation, why the blower door. The only advantage I see is that it might allow us to reduce the volume of ventilation. For example, ASHRAE 62.2019, Table 4- 1a states that a 1,500 to 2,000 sq. ft. home with two bedrooms needs 90cfm of mechanical ventilation. If the HVAC contractor installs 90 cfm and the houses tests at a natural leakage rate of 35 cfm, then the mechanical ventilation could be cut back to 55 cfm by adjusting the damper. That is worth something. How much, I don’t know. It is 13.75% of a ton. What does it cost to operate 13.75% of a ton? Depends on the SEER and HSPF of the Heat Pump or the SEER and AFUE of the AC & Gas Furnace. Her e’s my deal, if we are required to do duct leakage tests, the Association will help train our folks to do the tests. If blower door tests are required for new construction,

the Association will help train our folks to do that work as an add on to their business. As long as it is required of every home, the cost will get passed along to the homeowner and it should be of little effect to our industry; however, that is a very self- serving attitude. The real question is, “Is it is a good value for the homeow ner”. Homes are crazy expensive and few in the construction and HVAC industry are getting rich. Blower Door and Duct Leakage Testing are great ideas; but, should they be required? Hard for me to say because I am conflicted having been in the industry and having seen their benefit. Frankly, when I buy a house, I don’t like the mortgage company requiring an inspection. I think I’m smart enough to not need one. On the other hand, does that make me smart or just egotistical and stubborn? I was in an appliance store yesterday and overheard the salesperson telling the customer that if the kitchen vent exceeded 400 cfm, code required make-up air. You could see that the customer was somewhere between disbelieving and resentful. Folks don’t like being told what to do, es pecially if they don’t understand the reasoning behind it. It was a “ What? ” “ I never heard of that before !$#@&* ” . This new code is

going to require good stuff for homeowners; but at a cost. We have an education problem / opportunity ahead of us. Where do you come down on it? Better make up your mind and express your position because the train is getting ready to leave the station.

The Energy Code Train Is Leaving The Station

Are You On Board?

P. O. Box 1296, Little Rock, AR 72203 www.arhvacr.org : news@arhvacr.org 501-487-8655

http://www.edssupply.com/arkansas

Business

rocking, we came into a season where I was out in the field less. We had hired more people, and I was able to focus more on specific aspects of the business, without being constantly connected to every petty detail. Naturally, I was able to distance myself and tune into themore “macro” vision of the company. This was a good thing, but it was startling to see how quickly I saw glimpses of my old bosses playing out in how I treated my employees. Here are 4 areas that can easily go sour when you are disconnected from your employees. #1 – The Nasty, Knee-Jerk Emailer Hate mail, threatening emails, and complaints are never a fun reality of doing business. A tendency we may have as a leader is to immediately react towards which team member was involved in this negative experience for a customer. Upon receiving it, I may want to forward the email to all employees so that they can see that somebody isn’t doing their job right. Who is to blame? Instead , take some time to figure out the specific complaint/situation. After doing some tracking, you may be able to be more specific in which team member was involved. Then pull them aside and point out what you appreciate about the action they took with a (sometimes very unstable or irrational) customer, and point out your thoughts on another viable option of handling it. It now becomes a learning experience instead of a bash fest.

Stepping on the Bosses Toes or

Even a Boss Needs Advise

4 WAYS TO TELL IF YOU ARE BECOMING “THAT BOSS” As a leader it’s healthy to take a step back and see if you’ve become “That Boss ” . You know, the one that nobody wants to work for who doesn’t have a shred of self-awareness. I worked at a large corporation for 5+ years and it was easy to tell which managers valued employees. It was also easy to tell which ones had their ego all wrapped up in their jobs and allowed it to ooze forth every time youwere in their presence. When I started out as an owner, I made a personal resolve to not be “That Boss.” Lo and behold, that is easier said than done. After the first few years of doing whatever it took to get our business

Business

#2 – Blame Passer Often because we’re the name behind the company, when others make real mistakes and cause our company to look bad, we are the ones who get blamed. I may want to immediately pass the blame to somebody else: A co-owner, a team member, the government, etc. Here’s the thing. You have to take responsibility for error or perceived error in your business. Value others and realize that being a leader means owning responsibility and allowing room for human error. Swallow your pride and move on, striving to be better. #3- The Prima Donna Don’t become too fancy for menial tasks. If you’ve come to a point that you’ve hired help to take on jobs that have given you freedom to focus in other areas, great. But don’t be too high and mighty to do the Yeoman’s work. Be willing to dive in now and then with the others and show that you are not above their work. You appreciate what they do. Sometimes there may be a temporary need to answer phones, run a service call, etc. Fill the need. It’s am azing how much more respect I’ll get when I get back out into the field and work alongside a tech. I also like seeing that I can still relate to the tasks

that really are what make up much of the business.

#4 – The “Back in My Day” Reminiscer

If I am in a meeting with the team on Fridays and they start to throw in a complaint or hardship, I immediately want to bring up the past and all the sacrifices I made, and how if they think it’s hard now, they should’ve been around in the day when I was in their shoes. Here’s the thing. They don’t really care about what you went through. You don’t need to compare. You can listen if you want, but again, if it’s just an emotional response to something not ideal, it’s really not an issue and you can let it go. Eventually they, too, will have to let it go. Don’t always be on the defense. Remember how powerful an encouraging word is. When you get a positive review, share the report with your team! I remember how great it was when a boss gave me genuine praise for a job well done. It inspired me to strive even more to be that guy. By valuing others, you will naturally gain respect and will be less likely to be “That Boss.” Our goal in leadership should be: “Create other leaders by having a heart for others”— Bryan Orr

https://www.hvacrschool.com/4-ways-to-tell-if-you-are-becoming-that- boss/?utm_source=TechTips&utm_campaign=af287b3f26- RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_608fe06f1d-af287b3f26-64230413

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Spring into

Last Chapter Meetings

Season

For the

Summer

Chapter

Meeting Location

March

April 4/28

3/24

We’re wrapping up the spring 2020 Association Chapter meetings, getting ready for a hot and successful summer. It has been a great spring with more participation than ever. We’ve had an opportunity to meet the new HVACR Licensing Program Director, Lindsay Moore, and the Chief Inspector, Tony Woodard. We’ve also had the greatest variety of distributor / manufacturer participation. CenterPoint sponsored meetings for all 5 chapters in their service territory. It is a testament to their commitment to the industry as well as their belief in the Association. Six chapters still have their March meetings and all eight will wrap up with the April round. Actually, Fort Smith has a May picnic — some of the best BBQ ever--cooked by the loyal Associates from AOG and co-sponsored by OG&E. We take off till next October when we’ll resume another year. We’re planning a partnership of code training with the Licensing Program and 9 ACCA Quality Install classes. Take advantage of this last month of Chapter meetings. We’ll also update you on the latest developments with the proposed 2018 Energy Code adoption process. Bring a competitor and make a friend.

CenterPoint

Ed's Supply

Central

Little Rock Hot Springs Fort Smith

Whole Hog

4th Tuesday

Rober Knott

TBD

2516 Cantrell Rd

3/10

4/14

Dap

State Licensing

Lindsay Moore Tony Woodard

Hot Springs

2nd Tuesday

Nick Goforth

Smokin' N Style

2278 Albert Pike

3/3

4/7

Great Meeting

State Licensing Mitsubishi

Lindsay Moore Tony Woodard Tony Floyd 3/26 4/23

Fort Smith

1st Tuesday

Wester Sizzlin

5200 Towson Ave

Solar Carroll Electric

Mitsubishi

Mtn. Home Harrison

Western Sizzlin' 905 US 62 Harrison

Tony Floyd (Mtn Home)

Joey Magnin (Harrison)

4th Thursday

North Central

1502 Hwy 62 E

Western Sizzlin'

Mountain Home

3/17

4/21

Ed's Supply State Licensing

Lindsay Moore Tony Woodard

Northeast

Jonesboro

3rd Tuesday

Front Page Café 2117 E Parker

TBD

Chapter

Meeting Location

March

April

3/12

4/9

Mitsubishi

York / JCI

Rogers

Golden Corral 2605 W Pleasant

Northwest

Tony Floyd

Bret Ward

2nd Thursday

Crossing Drive

3/5

4/2

Ed's Supply Great Meeting

TBD

Rd

Camden Texarkana

Ouachita Electric Cooperative

1st Thursday

South Central

Fresh Air

TBD

700 Bradley Ferry

3/19

4/16

State Licensing Mitsubishi

Lindsay Moore Tony Woodard Tony Floyd

Texarkana

SW AR Electric Cooperative

3rd Thursday

2904 E. 9th Street

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Zoom

Zoom

Into the Arkansas HVACR

Licensing Board Meeting It ’ s a new day at the HVACR Licensing Board Meeting. You can attend the monthly meetings via Zoom, a meeting app that allows you to listen into and see a meeting from your computer or cell phone. In the next few months, there will be lots of conversation about code adoption. Some of the meetings conduct hearings into alleged misconduct in the industry. Our new leadership is determined to stop code infractions and folks working without a license. All the meetings discuss issues that affect your business. If there is no hearing, the meetings will be over in about an hour. If there are hearings, it can take a couple of hours. Either way, you can pop in during the coffee break and leave when you need to get back to work. Very educational. The March meeting is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., March 11. You do not need any special software. Each month the meeting ID changes but you can get on the notification list by contacting:

Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: MARCH 11 th HVAC Board Meeting Time: Mar 11, 2020 09:30 AM Central Time Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/477853370 Meeting ID: 477 853 370 Dial by your location and enter the ID meeting number

+1 646 876 9923 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Meeting ID: 477 853 370

When you click on the meeting link, you get the following message.

If you have other questions, go to https://support.zoom.us/hc/en- us/articles/201362193-Joining-a-Meeting It is a YouTube on how to zoom into a meeting.

Lisa Collins HVAC Section Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing

Little Rock, AR 72205-2190 Lisa.Collins@arkansas.gov

Don’t use hand-held phones while driving a CMV.

It’s the law. A CMV can be as small as a 3/4 T Truck and a Tandum Axle Trailer

©Copyright Employers Mutual Casualty Company 2017. All rights reserved. Image ©2012 iStockphoto.com. RI6359

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Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). Examples include the Department’s Behind -The- Meter-Storage (BTMS) initiative, which links EERE’s Vehicle, Solar, and Building Technologies Offices in coordination with the Office of Electricity to help manage electric grid integration with the charging needs for vehicles

Department of Energy Announces Collaboration with the

International Motor Sports Association

DAYTONA, FL - Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) announced a collaboration to encourage the development of advanced fuels and efficient technologies in motorsports. This collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was announced at the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Series, hosted by IMSA in Daytona, FL. This MOU continues a history of collaboration between DOE and IMSA, as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and SAE International. This combined effort, known as the Green Racing program, aims to demonstrate the value of promoting clean, fast and efficient vehicle technologies in motorsports competition, translating to improved vehicle performance, reduced greenhouse gases, reduced exhaust pollutants, and improved fuel economy. Through the Green Racing Program, DOE plans to contribute and showcase technologies that were developed by its

of the future. Although the collaboration focuses on the vehicles on the racetrack, this is an opportunity for these cutting edge transportation technologies to take center stage, preparing to soon meet the needs of millions of vehicles driven by the fans themselves. More information on DOE’s sustainable transportation efforts are available here. Article Reprinted from the US Office Of Energy Efficiency and Renewal Energy January 24, 2020 issue https://www.energy.gov/eere/articles/department- energy-announces-collaboration-international- motor-sports-association

Electric Race Cars

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5601 Old Greenwood Rd Suite 1 Fort Smith, AR 72903 479-259-9960

10600 Colonel Glenn Rd Suite 600 Little Rock, AR 72204 501-478-2030

487 Agnes Tontitown, AR 72770 479-717-7820

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Think of it as an investment in yourself and your future. Stay cool (or warm) my friends, Jason Obrzut Industry Author and Content Developer

Article Furnished by Howard Weiss, Esco Group

National HVACR Educators and Trainers Conference

You are invited to join us March 23-25, 2020 at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada for the National HVACR Educators and Trainers Conference. This conference provides you a rare chance to participate in an event created specifically for HVACR instructors.

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Take Another Look

The January 2020 article, Energy Code ICC 2018 Possible Changes to Arkansas Code, is reprinted beginning on the next page. As we move forward to adoption, you have an opportunity to provide input. Sub-committees have been formed:

“Performance Path and Testing”

“Mechanical Systems”

“Structure & Insulation

Tim Quetsch, engineer and facilitator for the project, is very open to input. His contact email is energyinfo@adeq.state.ar.us Also you will find excellent information with links at https://www.adeq.state. ar.us/energy/incentives/ building.aspx This is your opportunity, YOU SOOZE — YOU LOOSE.

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amendment form follows this article or can be found on the Landing Page or at this link, Arkansas Amendment Form.doc Blower Door Testing Whole house blower door testing will be required. A third party tester is an option and will be determined by the code official. A city or code authority would make that decision via local ordinance. Of course, this is also something the State could mandate as part of the adoption process. A whole house blower door requirement puts the HVAC person in a position of having their work tested at final. Not a problem if the duct was tested at rough-in and passed unless someone damaged the duct during the finishing process. Every contractor would appreciate the opportunity to repair a problem; however, when between floors, it can be very expensive. The question is, who pays for the repair if the duct passed at rough-in and failed at final? Was the rough-in duct test flawed or was the duct damaged between rough-in and final? R402.4.1.2 Testing. The building or dwelling unit shall be tested and verified as having an air leakage rate not exceeding five air changes per hour in Climate Zones 1 and 2, and three air changes per hour in Climate Zones 3 through 8. Testing shall be conducted in accordance with RESNET/ICC 380, ASTM E 779 or ASTM E 1827 and reported at a pressure of 0.2 inch w.g. (50 Pascals). Where required by the code official , testing shall be conducted by an approved third party. …

Energy Code ICC 2018 Possible Changes to Arkansas Code The Arkansas Energy Office is conducting open meetings and inviting persons that have signed up as “ Stake H olders” . Any person wanting to be involved can be placed on a contact list. Contact Tim Quetsch, Energy Office at energyinfo@adeq.state.ar.us The next “Stake Holder” meeting is January 29 th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., 5301 Northshore Drive, North Little Rock, Arkansas Commission Room. The following is a partial list of issues that will affect the residential HVAC industry. Persons having an interest in the International Energy Code should purchase a copy from ICC. The link to the IECC is https://shop.iccsafe.org/2018-international-energy- conservation-coder.html The Arkansas Energy Office has also made the 2009 as well as the 2018 available at their landing page, https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/energy/incentives/bu ilding.aspx Readers should also note that the 2018 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code, may be adopted in total or with amendments. If there are specific items that you want modified or eliminated, you should attend the meetings and make your opinion known. You can also send email or letters to Tim Quetsch, Arkansas Energy Office, 5301 Northshore Drive North Little Rock 72113. A copy of the

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Programmable Thermostat Required This section probably does not change much as virtually all new construction is already using some version of a programmable thermostat. IECC Code Provision R403.1.1 Programmable thermostat. The thermostat controlling the primary heating or cooling system of the dwelling unit shall be capable of controlling the heating and cooling system on a daily schedule to maintain different temperature setpoints at different times of the day.

R-8 Duct Insulation The 2018 IECC would require R-8 duct insulation on all duct >=3” in diameter and located in the attic. This was a defining issue in 2015 but due to condensation problems, many have already moved toward R-8. insulated to an R -value of not less than R-8 for ducts 3 inches (76 mm) in diameter and larger and not less than R-6 for ducts smaller than 3 inches (76 mm) in diameter. Supply and return ducts in other portions of the building shall be insulated to not less than R-6 for ducts 3 inches (76 mm) in diameter and not less than R-4.2 for ducts smaller than 3 inches (76 mm) in diameter. Sealed Air Handler Every installer knows how much air leaks through the air handler. The IECC will reduce the allowable amount to 2% of the total design airflow rate. A 3 ton unit @ 400 cfm/ton could then leak 24cfm or about the same amount as a 3.4” round pipe at a friction of 0.1. As you ca n see, this isn’t an egregious requirement for the manufacturers. In fact, one could say, “Where is the improvement?” R403.3.1 Insulation (Prescriptive). Supply and return ducts in attics shall be IECC Code Provision R403.3.2.1 Sealed air handler. Air handlers shall have a manufacturer’s designation for an air leakage of not greater than 2 percent of the design airflow rate when tested in accordance with ASHRAE 193.

HP Supplementary Heat Control This was a big issue in 2014. Now most HP thermostats have it built in.

IECC Code Provision R403.1.2 Heat pump supplementary heat (Mandatory).

Duct Sealing 20 18 IECC references the International Mechanical Code which the HVACR Program is presently preparing to update. Interested persons should contact the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing at 501-682-9188. Heat pumps having supplementary electric-resistance heat shall have controls that, except during defrost, prevent supplemental heat operation when the heat pump compressor can meet the heating load. R403.3.2 Sealing (Mandatory). Ducts, air handlers and filter boxes shall be sealed. Joints and seams shall comply with either the International Mechanical Code or International Residential Code , as applicable.

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Duct Testing / Duct Blaster Test

training. The Association was approved and provided training to over 100 trainees. Other recognized providers are RESNET and BPI. The 2018 IECC does not require third party testing but that is an option available to the state as well as cities and code authorities. HVAC companies must attend and participate in these “Stakeholder” meetings as well as their city council meetings if they want the option of self- certification. It should be noted that there are advantages for both self-certification as well as third party. Allowable Duct Leakage The allowable duct leakage is reduced in the 2018 IECC. One could argue that if the duct is installed with mastic or mastic tape according to code, why would it leak? Also, while the code R403.3.4 Duct leakage (Prescriptive). The total leakage of the ducts, where measured in accordance with Section R403.3.3, shall be as follows: 1.Rough-in test: The total leakage shall be less than or equal to 4 cubic feet per minute (113.3 L/min) per 100 square feet (9.29 m 2 ) of conditioned floor area where the air handler is installed at the time of the test. Where the air handler is not installed at the time of the test, the total leakage shall be less than or equal to 3 cubic feet per minute (85 L/min) per 100 square feet (9.29 m 2 ) of conditioned floor area. 2.Postconstruction test: Total leakage shall be less than or equal to 4 cubic feet per minute (113.3 L/min) per 100 square feet (9.29 m 2 ) of conditioned floor area.

Duct Testing has been on the horizon for over a year even in areas where blower door whole housing testing was not required. Little Rock began requiring duct testing September, 2018. Fortunately, they allowed self- certification as long as the person testing had completed a recognized A written report of the results of the test shall be signed by the party conducting the test and provided to the code official . R403.3.3 Duct testing (Mandatory). Ducts shall be pressure tested to determine air leakage by one of the following methods: 1.Rough-in test: Total leakage shall be measured with a pressure differential of 0.1 inch w.g. (25 Pa) across the system, including the manufacturer’s air handler enclosure if installed at the time of the test. Registers shall be taped or otherwise sealed during the test. 2.Postconstruction test: Total leakage shall be measured with a pressure differential of 0.1 inch w.g. (25 Pa) across the entire system, including the manufacturer’s air handler enclosure. Registers shall be taped or otherwise sealed during the test. Exceptions: 1.A duct air-leakage test shall not be required where the ducts and air handlers are located entirely within the building thermal envelope . 2.A duct air-leakage test shall not be required for ducts serving heat or energy recovery ventilators that are not integrated with ducts serving heating or cooling systems.

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provides a rough in or at final test option, there is a big question as to which the HVAC dealer should select. If my numbers are right, there is a penalty for running the test when the air handler is in place due to the code allowing 2% leakage for the air handler. Check it out and tell me what you find. Building Cavities Though a common practice in the past, this does not represent a change to what we have been doing since 2015. Duct Buried in Insulation For almost two decades, some have championed ducts in attics being suspended. That was the plan for the Arkansas 2014 code but the Energy Office allowed ducts to be on or between ceiling joists as an additional option. The option to “lay” or suspend was a result of the Association providing data that proved there would be less loss or gain in the duct if it were on the ceiling with attic insulation surrounding it. The 2018 IECC minimum insulation is a function of meeting the insulation requirement of the conditioned space. Of course the duct is still required to have a minimum of R-8 per 403.3.1 and meet the vapor barrier standard. R403.3.5 Building cavities (Mandatory). Building framing cavities shall not be used as ducts or plenums.

R403.3.6 Ducts buried within ceiling insulation.

Pipe Insulation Refrigerant as well as condensate lines must have R-3 or greater. R403.4 Mechanical system piping insulation (Mandatory). Mechanical system piping capable of carrying fluids greater than 105°F (41°C) or less than 55°F (13°C) shall be insulated to an R -value of not less than R-3. Where supply and return air ducts are partially or completely buried in ceiling insulation, such ducts shall comply with all of the following: 1.The supply and return ducts shall have an insulation R -value not less than R-8. 2.At all points along each duct, the sum of the ceiling insulation R -value against and above the top of the duct, and against and below the bottom of the duct, shall be not less than R-19, excluding the R -value of the duct insulation. 3.In Climate Zones 1A, 2A and 3A, the supply ducts shall be completely buried within ceiling insulation, insulated to an R -value of not less than R-13 and in compliance with the vapor retarder requirements of Section 604.11 of the International Mechanical Code or Section M1601.4.6 of the International Residential Code , as applicable. Exception: Sections of the supply duct that are less than 3 feet (914 mm) from the supply outlet shall not be required to comply with these requirements.

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Pipe Insulation Protection Everyone has seen exposed insulated refrigerant lines run up the outside of a wall into the attic to the evaporator. 403.4.1 would now require that they be protected from weather. I am not sure how it applies to lines in the attic that are exposed to sunlight via “whirly birds”. We know how the sun destroyed vinyl backed duct insulation in the past so it will be interesting to see how code authorities interpret this issue. R403.4.1 Protection of piping insulation. Piping insulation exposed to weather shall be protected from damage, including that caused by sunlight, moisture, equipment maintenance and wind. The protection shall provide shielding from solar radiation that can cause degradation of the material. Adhesive tape shall be prohibited. Ducts in Conditioned Space Having read this section many times, I am not sure how it has any substantive benefit or harm to our industry. It provides a definition of conditioned space but it doesn’t appear to provide much if any options to the designer. Code Protects the Consumer Provides a Level Playing Field

Mechanical Ventilation Mechanical ventilation has become a huge part of our industry’s concern. The IECC references the Mechanical Code and it is recommended that questions be addressed to Mechanical Code Inspectors. 2.3.The ceiling insulation R -value installed against and above the insulated duct is greater than or equal to the proposed ceiling insulation R -value, less the R -value of the insulation on the duct. R403.3.7 Ducts located in conditioned space. For ducts to be considered as inside a conditioned space, such ducts shall comply with either of the following: 1.The duct system shall be located completely within the continuous air barrier and within the building thermal envelope. 2.The ducts shall be buried within ceiling insulation in accordance with Section R403.3.6 and all of the following conditions shall exist: 2.1.The air handler is located completely within the continuous air barrier and within the building thermal envelope. 2.2.The duct leakage, as measured either by a rough-in test of the ducts or a post- construction total system leakage test to outside the building thermal envelope in accordance with Section R403.3.4, is less than or equal to 1.5 cubic feet per minute (42.5 L/min) per 100 square feet (9.29 m 2 ) of conditioned floor area served by the duct system.

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Equipment Sizing 2018 IECC requires systems to be sized by Manual J load calculation and S equipment sizing. Manual S will take us to a better understanding of equipment matching and Sensible Heat Ratio. R403.7 Equipment sizing and efficiency rating (Mandatory). Heating and cooling equipment shall be sized in accordance with ACCA Manual S based on building loads calculated in accordance with ACCA Manual J or other approved heating and cooling calculation methodologies. New or replacement heating and cooling The intricacies of each of these codes varies from simple to a bit more complicated; THEREFORE, it is imperative that each person take advantage of the “Stakeholder” meetings. If attending is impossible, one should submit their opinions to the Arkansas Energy Office. You can mail or email. It would be best to use the following Arkansas Amendment Form.doc equipment shall have an efficiency rating equal to or greater than the minimum required by federal law for the geographic location where the equipment is installed.

Whole-house Mechanical Ventilation Whole house ventilation has become the responsibility of the HVAC contractor. It is an area that we are struggling to comply with. There is significant debate and many have defaulted to Energy Recovery Ventilation systems. Of course, that is an expensive add on. When ventilation systems use the furnace or air handler blower to move air, the blower must be an ECM. If the ventilation system has its own blower it must comply with code efficiency standards. R403.6 Mechanical ventilation (Mandatory). The building shall be provided with ventilation that complies with the requirements of the International Residential Code or International Mechanical Code , as applicable, or with other approved means of ventilation. Outdoor air intakes and exhausts shall have automatic or gravity dampers that close when the ventilation system is not operating. R403.6.1 Whole-house mechanical ventilation system fan efficacy. Fans used to provide whole-house mechanical ventilation shall meet the efficacy requirements of Table R403.6.1. Exception: Where an air handler that is integral to tested and listed HVAC equipment is used to provide whole-house mechanical ventilation, the air handler shall be powered by an electronically commutated motor.

Just click on the blue link above, compete the form, and submit to energyinfo@adeq.state.ar.us

REFRIGERANT UPDATE ACCA

REFRIGERANT PHASEOUT R- 22 ( a hydrochlorofluorocarbon; HCFC) is still being phased out under the Montreal Protocol Treaty, but efforts are already underway to phase out hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, like R 410 A. R- 22 was phased out because it is an ozone depleting substance. R 410 A is going to be phased out because it has a high global warming potential (GWP).

NATIONAL EFFORTS The HVACR Industry, including the national contractor association – the Air Conditioning Contractors of America – are seeking a national phaseout schedule instead of a state- by-state approach. These efforts are being addressed with Members of Congress; who must give the EPA clear authority to address the phase-down schedules. Currently, the EPA does not believe it has the authority to regulate refrigerants that have high global warming potentials because Section 608 of the Clean Air Act is for ozone depleting substances. This could lead to the open-sale of refrigerants to consumers.

STATE EFFORTS Without a federal mandate, many states will implement their own phase-down schedules; creating a patchwork of refrigerant regulations and different types of refrigerants available in each state. California has already adopted a phaseout schedule, and New York, Washington, Maryland, Illinois, and a number of other states are following suit, but they have different schedules.

CONTRACTOR CONCERNS The replacements to HFCs will likely include a mix of flammable and mildly flammable refrigerants (designated as A 3 / A 2 / and A 2 L by ASHRAE Standard 34 ), and ACCA is working to address a number of concerns, including: Will contractors/technicians be required to have HAZMAT certifications to transport these products and will they be required to stop at rail crossings? How will we guarantee that contractors and technicians are trained on the safe use and handling of flammable refrigerants? How will consumers be certain that their system was properly charged and not compromised with mixed refrigerants?

ACCA EFFORTS ACCA has begun the development of a flammable refrigerant educational program to address the training concerns. There are still too many unanswered questions about the use of the next generation of refrigerants; how they are to be safely applied in the field, what sensors/controls may be required, maximum quantities of refrigerant that may be used in a conditioned space, etc. A hasty state-by-state approach to phasing out HFC refrigerants is dangerous for contractors, technicians, consumers, and every building that contains an air conditioning system. By giving the EPA the authority to implement the HFC phaseout, there is more certainty that there will be uniformity in the phase-out schedules, training, transportation issues, the codes process, and the other areas of concern to the HVACR industry.

An important way to distinguish your company from all the other “me too” HVAC dealers is to have the best employees that can be trusted in the homes of your clients / customers. More important than cool air or warm air is the peace of mind in knowing that one’s belongings and family are safe. A tech that has passed a background check and has a company photo ID demonstrates professionalism and trustworthiness to the client / customer. Employee background checks are also important for the dealer. The dealer can manage their liability and their insurance costs by making sure that their employees have passed a background check, a drug screening test, and a driving record search. A member of the Arkansas HVACR Association can have that peace of mind by using the endorsed service, CourtHouse Concepts. Their prices are affordable and their reputation is great. Association members that are already using CoutHouse Concepts have given them a glowing recommendation. Be sure to identify yourself as a member of the Association to get a 10% discount.

Here are some plan option:

Expanded Criminal Plan $25.00

Independent Drug Testing $40

Motor Vehicle Report $19.95

*Social Security Trace – match SS# to applicant and lists addresses *Nationwide Criminal History—500 million criminal records *Nationwide Sex Offender Search *Nationwide Courthouse Check—7 yr. County Criminal History--Court Fees are additional if applicable

Amphetamines Barbiturates Benzodiazepines - Cocaine - Ecstasy - Marijuana - Methadone - Methamphetamine - Opiates – Phencyclidine

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t.hickman@courthouseconcepts.com www.courthouseconcepts.com

Arkansas HVACR Association, P. O. Box 1296, Little Rock, AR 72203, 501-487-8655 : tomhunt@arhvacr.org ; www.arhvacr.org

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3. DRUG USE

Top 5 Reasons for Background Checks Most of the time, numbers speak more clearly than words. As we start a new decade, the field of background screening continues to expand and new trends emerge. However, in spite of trends we believe it’s a good time to review the fundamental reasons why employment screening is still extremely vital – from a statistical perspective. a. 53% of all job applications contain inaccurate information. b. 34% of all application forms contain outright lies about experience, education, and ability to perform essential functions on the job. c. 11% of job applicants misrepresented why they left a former employer. a. $50 billion in cash and inventory stolen yearly by employees. b. 33% of all business bankruptcies are attributed to employee theft. c. 75% of American employees have stolen at least one item from their employer. 2. EMPLOYEE THEFT 1. FALSE INFORMATION

a. More than 75% of substance abusers are employed. b. Drug abusers cost 2x as much in medical and worker comp claims as drug-free workers. c. Substance abusers change jobs as frequently as 3 times a year. d. Substance abusers are at least 33% less productive a. In 2018, ICE audits surged to 6,848 U.S.- based businesses, compared with 1,360 in 2017 b. ICE's worksite enforcement actions resulted in $97.6 million in fines and forfeitures in 2017. c. The Trump administration wants to see a 400% increase in work site operations. a. The average settlement of a negligent hiring lawsuit is nearly $1 million. b. Employers have lost more than 79% of negligent hiring cases.

4. I-9 AUDITS & PENALTIES

5. NEGLIGENT HIRING

Article supplied by Paul Hickman, CourtHouse Concepts, p.hickman@courthouseconcepts.com 877-750-3660

d. Only 16% of the crimes are reported to the police.

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already satisfied with your present company? Don’t change. The Association would never ask you to do anything that is against your best interest; however, if their quote is less and you get a 10% discount, “WHY WOULD YOU NOT CHANGE?” Your changing to EMC helps the entire industry because of the financial help EMC gives the Association. How is that true? Let me be very presumptuous and say that the Arkansas HVACR Association offers benefits to its members that are unavailable elsewhere at an affordable price. 1. The Association works tirelessly on legislative and regulation issues. 2. The Association has saved the industry thousands of dollars that most will never know about. It is usually behind the scenes. Just one example. Those that attended the Manual J classes this fall were part of a $22,250 cumulative savings. 3. The Association offers training and informative sessions in each of the eight chapters during their five meetings. Three especially important examples are a. “So Called” Drop In Refrigerants b. Mechanical Ventilation c. DOT licensing surprise requirements Not to say that the others were unimportant but these really stand out. Again, these were made possible in part by EMC Insurance. So, I am not embarrassed to ask you to give EMC a shot at your business. What have you got to lose?

Why you owe it to yourself and the industry

OK! It is obvious that the Arkansas HVACR Association promotes EMC insurance. Truth is, there is something in it for us. EMC pays the Association an advertising/marketing fee that is important to the finances of the Association. BUT THAT ISN’T THE ONLY REASON! First, EMC came recommended by several HVACR companies in the Ft. Smith chapter. Why? Here are three reasons: 1. EMC is very competitive 2. EMC offers Association members a 10% discount in addition to their competitive rates 3. EMC has a record of quick and fair claims service. Second, the fee paid by EMC to the Association allows us to keep our membership dues low, only $200 per year. Most other Associations begin at $400 and go to over a thousand. Third, we sincerely believe that every HVACR contractor in Arkansas owes it to themselves to get a quote prior to their next renewal. Notice, I did not say buy from EMC. They still have to compete for your business with pricing and service. It costs noting to get a quote and the benefits can be substantial. What if they come in higher and you are