When we install HVAC equipment in people’s homes, there is a code that covers how much
service area there needs to be in front of the equipment. That’s what we are talking
about today on Code Corner. INTRO
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Now I’m not here to pretend I know or could even interpret all the codes correctly. In
this series of videos, I’m simply trying to open a conversation about codes we cite
on the job every day out there without even knowing it.
But where is that code in the book? That’s what this project is all about. Ultimately,
these videos are for my technicians at Fox Family but if they help you, then that’s
great! And good for you for even caring about the building codes enough to watch this video.
It means you care about your work too! So let’s take a look at what the codes say
about Required Service Area in front of the HVAC equipment and adherence to the code when
doing an HVAC change-out. Have you ever been in front of a furnace in
the attic, and noticed you don’t have enough space to work? Imagine you need to pull the
heat exchanger from the furnace, and change it with a new one. If there’s not enough
room in front of that furnace, the technician wont be able to remove and replace parts as
needed. And trust me, this accessibility issue is a major problem, because if we can’t
get that blower motor out, a more invasive procedure needs to be carried out to extract
the part which will cost the homeowner more money at that time in the future.
So, this has already happened to people a long, long time ago, and they learned from
it; And they wrote it in a book so that future techs won’t make the same mistakes they
did. Now, imagine you’re trying to perform a
regular maintenance, but can’t get the access panel off the AC because a giant lattice structure
has been solidly built around it. The homeowner doesn’t want to LOOK at this horrid AC in
the back yard, so they cover it up. Well, the builder of the lattice structure
at the AC, and the installer of the platform or non-existent platform at the air handler
in the attic didn’t install this system properly.
CMC 304.4.3 says a level working platform not less than 30 inches by 30 inches has to
be provided in front of the service side of the appliance.
IMC 306.1 says the same thing The exception to this rule is that a working
platform doesn't need to be provided when the furnace is capable of being serviced from
the required access opening. In this case, that furnace can’t be over 12” from the
attic access either because some techs might not be able to reach components inside the
furnace casing. Now, you guys know I like to encourage you
to read the installation manual while you’re installing the equipment, right? I personally
like to look through it the night before my next install. That way I know what I’m saying
if something comes up during the install with my co-workers. Usually the manual has more
restrictive guidelines when installing HVAC equipment. The city and county code inspectors
everywhere defer to the installation manual so many times, because the manufacturer have
stricter requirements for the installation. In the IMC, in 102.1 Conflicts in Code, it
says if the code book and the installation manual conflict with each other, to follow
the more stringent requirement. Now, the installation manual for our equipment
in the attic says the clearance in front of the furnace and coil in the attic is required
to be at least 24 inches. If the county inspector adheres to the IMC or CMC, and it says 30
inches in front of the appliance, but the installation manual says we can go 24 inches
in front of the unit, which is the correct answer?
In this instance the mechanical code is still more stringent on its requirements, so when
I hear people say we only need 24” in front of the furnace, I know it will probably fly,
but the inspector could call us on it and ask for a 30” service area in front of the
unit. And you need to know that. The service platform is supposed to be constructed
from “solid flooring”. Many techs around here use 5/8” plywood. I wouldn’t use
3/8” or ½” plywood, because it’s pretty flimsy for bigger guys, and over time can
splinter and break. Nobody likes to sit on a flimsy service platform that was supposed
be built “solidly.” Instead get the 5/8” thick plywood. Its only a few more dollars
and will be secure for any technician who has to crawl across it.
Is it okay if the service platform is uneven? Like a step up or down? I don’t think anybody
is gonna give you a hard time if the decking for the service area is 4 inches higher at
one point than the other. The point is to be able to pull parts from the unit without
any obstructions, like a wall or truss, and have a spot to put your tools and anything
else you might need for the job. So if that step is going to interfere with the changing
of any part of that system, it’s not built to code.
Outside at the AC, just make sure you have a 30 x 30 area in front of your access panel.
This way future techs will be able to get in there and make the necessary repairs to
get the customer up and going again. And if you your homeowner is going to build
that lattice structure around the AC, ask them to build it so it can be slid out and
then back when the AC tech moves on. Don’t let them pour concrete piles so its securely
never gonna move again. That inhibits technicians from doing their job safely. There’s nothing
more frustrating than having to start taking down the lattice panels around an AC one screw
at a time, just so you can get in there and clean the AC so it will work properly again.
See I think as installer, we a have responsibility to consider that the next tech who comes to
service this equipment might not be 5 foot 8, and 165 lbs. There are short techs and
tall techs, narrow techs and wide techs. That’s what this series of videos is about.
It’s not to say that I know all the codes, and can interpret them perfectly. Code Corner
is about Fox Family Heating and Air wanting to install equipment correctly, so we can
pass the inspection that comes with pulling a
permit for the job. Remember, any time we alter the electrical,
mechanical, plumbing and gas lines, we need to pull a permit and follow the codes and
the installation manual. And then we need to have a third party, unattached
inspector come by, and just make sure we installed it correctly. It’s not a bad thing! We just
look at it as an extra set of eyes on our work to make sure the family who resides in
that house, and uses that system we installed, is safe forevermore!
But let’s talk about that in another video! I have several other topics I want to open
a conversation about when it comes to HVAC and the building codes. And I really hope
nobody is taking offense on these topics. I just want to elevate the HVAC world and
make us all better technicians so we can go out and take care of our customers safely.
Let me know if you’ve have had any weird platforms or service areas so tight you couldn’t
service the AC! I’m sure you all have some great stories.
If this is your first time watching our channel, please click subscribe down here on the bottom
right, and if you click that little bell right next to it, you’ll be notified of all our
videos as soon as they come out. Don’t forget to get your official Fox Family
merch available on Teespring.com down below this video. If you’ve ever wanted Fox Family
swag, here’s your chance to grab the same stuff we wear on the job out in the field!
Thanks so much for watching and we’ll see you on the next video.