Heating $ Cooling by code

Started by Steve_B, September 14, 2012, 01:13:52 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Steve_B



Maybe I am missing it by definition.... but is a wood burning stove code worthy for a house being the 20 x 30 plan?

Does a house have to have AC to meet code as well?

It's all about the kiddies I tell you...

MushCreek

I believe that code calls for a heating system capable of maintaining 68 degrees, and I believe a wood stove is acceptable. I don't think A/C is required.
Jay

I'm not poor- I'm financially underpowered.


Redoverfarm

Quote from: Steve_B on September 14, 2012, 01:13:52 AM

Maybe I am missing it by definition.... but is a wood burning stove code worthy for a house being the 20 x 30 plan?

Does a house have to have AC to meet code as well?

Steve I am not sure about code but a lot of insurance companies do not except wood as a primary heat source. 

Squirl

I have read in a few codes that the heat source must be automatic (with a thermostat).   Probably why insurance companies require it too.  Go away for the weekend and a cold snap freezes the pipes, it is big $$$ on their part.  I have known many people to get by the requirement by installing baseboard electric and just keeping them shut off.

Also in most jurisdictions I am in, ventless propane heaters are not allowed to be considered a primary heat source.

Erin

QuoteSteve I am not sure about code but a lot of insurance companies do not except wood as a primary heat source.
I think they accept wood as a primary heat source, but you need to also have a secondary.  Like Squirl mentioned, electric baseboards seem to be the easy way around that.  It made our insurance co. (State Farm) happy, anyway, when I asked about this.
To ventless propane, I would strongly caution anyone against using those things anyway!  I've seen entirely too much damage caused by them.  (Mold/mildew)
The wise woman builds her own house... Proverbs 14:1


MountainDon

The basic requirement in the IRC (R303.8) is that if winter temperatures fall below some level that is determined by a chart then a heating system is required that can maintain a minimum of 68 F in habitable spaces. No mention of automatic or heat source.  It does go on to state in the next section that if the building is not a primary residence and is not occupied for more than 90 days a year there is no heating requirement.

BUT states can make changes to this. So once again the truly correct answer is; It Depends. Check on the local version of the regulations.  One person may read section R303.8 and interpret it to mean that wood is fine, that there is no need for the heating to work automatically. That's me. Another will read it and decide that the system must be "modern" and automatic and thus require electric or gas fueled heat. That is the view of some inspectors. Insurance companies will definitely demand an automatic heat if there is any plumbing in the building and if there is any danger of freezing.

A/C is only a convenience and is treated as an option.

The IRC also has specific requirements for all the different types of heating sources. I haven't looked at them for a very long time so have not much of an idea what they state.
Just because something has been done and has not failed, doesn't mean it is good design.

MountainDon

Also, don't expect the local inspector to be absolutely correct in his/her knoweledge or to be interpretting the code correctly. It's up to you to know what code you should be using and what it states. An inspector is human and as such can and do make errors or may have an agenda of their own. Know the rules and be diplomatic when challenging them.
Just because something has been done and has not failed, doesn't mean it is good design.