Air-to-Air Split System

Detail ID 5.0108.1
Topic
Forced Air
Subtopic
Equipment Installation
Desired Outcome

Safe, compliant, efficient, and effective system installation in which sequence of operation is correct

SF Single Family Site-Built Housing
MH Manufactured Housing
MF Multifamily Housing

Specifications

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Perform residential load calculation in accordance with the current version of ANSI/ACCA Manual J (Residential Load Calculation) or equivalent using interior design temperatures of 75 degrees for cooling and 70 degrees for heating

Perform commercial load calculation in accordance with the current version of ANSI/ACCA Manual N (Commercial Load Calculation) or equivalent using interior design temperatures of 75 degrees for cooling and 70 degrees for heating

Room by room load calculations will be performed when installing a new duct system or in retro-commissioning projects

Calculated loads based on post-retrofit dwelling characteristics

Equipment design load calculated correctly for post-retrofit dwelling

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Select residential equipment in accordance with the current version of ANSI/ACCA Manual S (Residential Equipment Selection) or equivalent

Select commercial equipment in accordance with the current version of ANSI/ACCA Manual CS (Commercial Applications, Systems and Equipment) or equivalent

Select cooling equipment capable of meeting the sensible and latent load of the building that is not sized more than 115% of total load or next available size

Select heating equipment of the lowest capacity required to meet the design heating load and provide the air volume required by any air conditioning equipment installed

Select system that is ENERGY STAR® certified or equivalent

Select outdoor units that are corrosion-protected for marine climate zones

Select efficient equipment capable of meeting the design loads

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Locate unit to provide clearance on all sides and top according to manufacturer specifications and service access according to applicable code

Locate outdoor unit to facilitate air-flow and service access

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Situate outdoor unit on a non-wicking equipment pad

Ensure unit is level, stable, and elevated a minimum of 6" above the ground

Stable outdoor unit that is protected from corrosion

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Install outdoor unit according to manufacturer specifications and applicable building code (e.g., IRC, IMC, IBC) and ANSI/ACCA Standard 5 (HVAC Quality Installation Standard)

Safe and compliant installation

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Locate unit in a dry location and within conditioned space (when feasible) that provides adequate service access according to manufacturer specifications and applicable code

Protect unit from corrosion and thermal loss and facilitate service access

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Install outdoor unit according to manufacturer specifications and applicable building code (e.g., IRC, IMC, IBC) and ANSI/ACCA Standard 5 (HVAC Quality Installation Standard)

Install fuel delivery to the unit according to SWS Subtopic "Fuel Delivery"

Safe, accessible, stable, and properly installed indoor unit with safe and durable fuel supply

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Ensure unit is level, stable, secured to ductwork, properly braced to prevent movement (seismic bracing), and elevated as required by applicable building code

Safe, stable, and durably supported indoor unit

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Support equipment on a fireproof platform that is elevated above the insulation level or suspend with threaded rod in accordance with local codes and manufacturer specifications

Install vibration pads/isolators according to manufacturer specifications

Equipment is safe, stable, level, and does not transmit vibration or reduce attic insulation level

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Support equipment on a nonwicking, fireproof material or suspend with threaded rod in accordance with local codes and manufacturer specifications

Install vibration pads/isolators according to manufacturer specifications

Equipment is safe, stable, level, and does not transmit vibration or corrode

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Support equipment on a durable, fireproof platform capable of supporting the weight of the equipment

Install vibration pads/isolators according to manufacturer specifications

Equipment is safe, stable, level, and does not transmit vibration or corrode

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Support equipment on ductwork capable of supporting the weight of the equipment

Equipment is safe, stable, and level

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Install equipment connections (e.g., electrical service, condensate drains, ductwork, fuel, venting, refrigerant lines) to allow for necessary service and repair access to all portions of the equipment

Connections do not interfere with operation and service of equipment

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Locate all intakes/terminations in compliance with manufacturer specifications and applicable building code

System intakes/terminations that are operational, safe, and compliant

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Install a secondary drain pan with a float switch interlocked to the cooling system power under all units that exist in or above conditioned space

Pipe condensate to a properly sized sanitary drain or the outdoors and provide with traps as specified by the manufacturer and applicable building code

When there is potential for condensation or freezing of the drain line, insulate condensate drain lines to a minimum of R-4 with insulation that contains a Class II or greater vapor retarder

Prevent water damage and drain condensate through functional drains to an approved location

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Install electrical wiring according to NFPA 70, and

Provide an electrical disconnect within site of the unit

Install all high voltage wiring inside of protective conduit and approved junction boxes, no wiring connections (high or low voltage) will occur outside of appropriate junction box

Safe and compliant electrical wiring installation

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Install refrigerant piping according to SWS detail "Refrigerant Lines"

Install refrigerant charge according to SWS detail "Refrigerant Charge"

Safe, and effective refrigerant installation

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Install smoke detectors inside the supply duct plenum of systems that move more than 2,500 cubic feet per minute (CFM) in accordance with the applicable building code

Operational fire warning system in place

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Seal air handler and adjoining ductwork in accordance with SWS Subtopic "Duct Sealing"

If air handler is installed in a building cavity (i.e., closet), seal the cavity to eliminate any return air leaks from adjoining chases

Air handler leakage less than 1% of system airflow

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Provide occupants/owners with user's manual, warranty information, installation instructions, and installer contact information

Provide occupants and service technicians with instructions

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Equipment Installation