This mornings inspection, somebody cut three roof trusses above the garage to install an Air Handler to condition the garage which also serves as a garage for vehicles of course…:lol:
Supply and Return ducts throughout the ceiling naturally…:lol:
In florida it is now against the building code to intall only one part of the system. If you replace the air handler, you must also replace the condenser unit.
When the system is completely isolated from the living quarters, installing an HVAC system to service a garage is perfectly “legal” (from a building-code standpoint) and acceptable.
Sacrificing the structural integrity of the garage, however, is a completely different matter
As I read it (the article, not the Code), it is not against codes unless the mechanical contractor can not show compatibility.
If you loose a compressor and want to change out the whole outdoor unit , it is OK if the equipment is compatible.
Changing an old unit with a SEER below current national standards could never be done as the new will never match the old.
Also, equipment Mfg.'s may void warranty if the unit is not matched.
Lets understand the whole thing before we start passing the word that it is “NEVER” allowed.
I have been calling out mismatched equipment for years. I don’t need a code or law to do so.
Also, it should be noted that HI’s do not perform system evaluation IAW our standards of practice. So if this is getting over your head, don’t worry about it. You are not responsible for the condition.
