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Iowa LIHEAP Policy and Procedures Manual Appendix H – Heating System Installation Standards

Effective 09/01/2023

Page | 104

● If the combustion air is taken from the bottom 6” clearance must be provided below the unit. ● Whenever possible the return drop must allow for the filter to be changed by the client from the living side of the ceiling in a safe and easy manner. The client must sign-off if the filter cannot be changed from the living area. ● All furnaces installed in the attic areas must be installed according to local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.

Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners Electric service must be adequate to handle the needs of the unit. ● Replacement heat pumps and air conditioners should be sized properly. ● All air-source heat pumps with electric auxiliary must be served by a control system – thermostat(s) – to minimize the operation of the electric heaters. ● The heat pump must also include a properly functioning outdoor lockout thermostat. ● The outdoor lockout thermostat must lock out the auxiliary heat (usually electric resistance) when the outdoor temperature is greater than the heat pump balance point (usually 25°F to 40°F, depending on the climate). ● This also serves to lock out the heat pump at the lower temperatures. ● Heat pumps must be a minimum 15 SEER and 8.0 HSPF. ● All new units shall carry a minimum one-year (1) warranty on workmanship. ● Each customer shall receive the manufacturer's product warranty information, clear maintenance instructions, and a phone number of who to contact for warranty problems. ● All furnaces must have a filter rack outside the cabinet with a cover and shall have no open returns in the combustion area. ● Contractors must remove and dispose of equipment being replaced. ● Measure air flow across the indoor coil. Airflow across this coil should be 400 CFM per ton for a wet coil (condensation on coil) and 425 CFM per ton for a dry coil (no condensation on coil), plus or minus 50 CFM. ● Check for correct amount of refrigerant. Follow the manufacturer’s specification for refrigerant charge. The airflow across the indoor coil should be adjusted and verified before the refrigerant charge is checked. ● The efficiency for new heat pumps is designated as Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) for cooling performance and Heating System Performance Factor (HSPF) for heating performance. New heat pumps have SEERs ranging from 15.0 to over 18.0 and HSPFs from 8.0 to over 10.0. ● For split heat pump systems with an indoor and outdoor coil, the system efficiency varies with the match of these coils. The manufacturer should be consulted to determine the combined efficiencies. ● Clients will be provided maintenance and upkeep instructions for new heat pump.

Electric Baseboard ● Replacement baseboard heaters must be hard wired on dedicated circuits with individual thermostatic wall control in each room. ● Electric service must be adequate to handle the needs of the units.

Older style shut off valves (see photo below) must be replaced when replacing appliances.

Energy Inspector All furnace work shall be performed by a qualified, furnace technician, or trained agency personnel. Load calculation will be performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Furnace repair shall be performed in conformance with ANSI Z223.1-1999 (same as NFPA 54-2009) including Appendix H and shall be done in accordance with program spending limits. All furnace work must be in compliance with:

International Residential Code (IRC)

The Uniform Mechanical Code

National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA)

Local Codes adopted by the authority having jurisdiction (where they exist)

The Furnace Manufacturer’s Specifications (must be left in the home)