09 Heating, A/C & Ventilation

Introduction

This list of selections serves as a supplement to the Construction Documents (CD’s). Some of the selections below may be difficult to find or omitted on the CD’s. Check the CD’s for consistency with this list. Clarify with your contractor which document takes precedence for any inconsistencies.

Heating

The three most common options for delivering heat throughout a house are the following: (1) natural gas powered furnace pushes hot air through ducts; (2) natural gas powered boiler with hot water tubes radiating through the floor; the main drawback of this heating system is it requires a separate system to deliver air conditioning. (3) electricity powered air source heat pump pushes hot air through ducts. Another type of heat pump is a ground source heat pump, also call geothermal, which is less common than the air source heat pump because it is much more expensive to install. The geothermal heat pump is more efficient and sustainable than the electricity powered air source heat pump.

Select Manufacturer and model # of furnace _____________________________

Select Manufacturer and model # of boiler_______________________________

Select Manufacturer and model # of heat pump __________________________

Air Conditioning

There are two common air conditioning systems: (1) Central air conditioner delivers cool air via ducts; (2) Ductless mini-split air conditioners in which each room or zone has its own air handler, thus it is easier to meet the varying comfort needs of each room.

Select Manufacturer and model # of air conditioner __________________________

Diffusers

Select color of floor / wall / ceiling diffusers

__ White                     __ Brown                     __ Other color: ___________

Whole House Ventilation

Most building codes require a whole house mechanical ventilation system for new houses. There are a variety of types of these systems including: (1) exhaust (2) supply (3) balanced (4)

energy recovery ventilator (ERV) and (5) heat recovery ventilator (HRV). At minimum, the code requires this system to provide outdoor air at a consistent rate. Your heating contractor should be able to provide pricing and explain which system is best for your house and your climate. Both the ERV and HRV are common in the north-east U.S. where winters are very cold.

Select whole house ventilation system, manufacturer and model #__________________

Bathroom Ventilation

Bathrooms and small compartments for a toilet only, require either an operable window or an exhaust fan. Check your construction drawings to make sure at least one is included. If you elect to install an exhaust fan, you will need to determine its capacity, typically measured in cubic feet per minute.

Select Manufacturer, model # & capacity exhaust fan ___________________

Appliance Ventilation

Several common appliances in the house are required to be exhausted in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the building code. In many cases, there is a minimum distance between the termination of an exhaust duct and a window opening or property line. Provide all appliance selections and specifications to the contractor so that the necessary exhaust systems can be installed as early as possible in the construction process.

Range hood

Range hoods are popular upgrades from the lesser expensive but popular option of a microwave above the range. The exhaust capacity of a microwave is relatively low compared to a range hood. Range hoods come in a wide variety of sizes with varying exhaust capabilities. The size and length of the exhaust duct from the range hood to the exterior may vary from one model to another.

Fireplace

The exhaust requirements for fireplaces vary considerably. The exterior termination of the exhaust duct may have a minimum and maximum height relative to the fireplace box. First determine whether the fireplace box will rest on the subfloor or will be raised up.

Clothes dryer vent

Rigid metal ducts should exhaust moist air to the exterior. Flexible ribbed vents used in the past should no longer be used.