News U Can Use

 An accompliation of news articles over the past week that are of importance and/or Interest to the HVAC Contractor

From Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation 

From Texas Register

From ASHRAE Free Weekly Newsletter

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

April 10, 2012 - TDLR has posted the below on their Website

Beginning on May 1, 2012, TDLR will issue “Gold Cards” for Air Conditioning Contractors. We’re doing this in response to requests from licensees and industry professionals, so they can be more easily identified when interacting with local government officials and supply shop employees. The Gold Cards will contain the same information as our regular white cards.

 All new and renewal licenses for these programs will receive the new Gold Card but if you would like to order a Gold Card before your renewal, they will be available for $25 by mail beginning May 1, 2012. The white cards are still valid during the transition through May 1, 2013.

 For more information, contact TDLR at 800-803-9202, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it "> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

License Holders - Effective September 1, 2011

• Per TDLR Notice of August 16, 2011 - All non-exempt electrical work must be installed in accordance with the 2011 Edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC).
• Per TDLR Notice of August 8, 2011 - The one year time limit to renew an expired license without retesting has been extended to eighteen (18) months. Additionally it is possible to renew an expired license of up to thirty-six months without retesting with approval of TDLR's executive director.

Technicians -  Effective November 1, 2012

Eligibility to take HVAC License Exam

  Requirements

• Must be 18 years old.
• Four years experience within past 6 years verified by a licensed contractor.
• Four (4) year degree in air conditioning engineering/technology equals 2 years experience.
• Two (2) year associated degree equals one (1) year.
• One (1) year certification equals 6 months.
• 2000 hours of an approved Apprentice program equals one (1) year.
• Equivalent ut of state experience/license.
• Verified military HVACR experience.
• Practical experience in HVACR employed by a electric/gas entity.
• Licensed Engineer.
  

 License Holders and Technicians Effective April, 1, 2011

 Administrative Code 75 Rule Amendments

The applicable edition (2009) edition of the Uniform Mechanical Code or the applicable editions (2009) of the International Mechanical Code and the International Fuel Gas Code as adopted under §75.110 have been adopted, or the International Residential Code as applicable.

Below are the Top Ten Air Conditioning Installation Violations in Texas

1. Failed to obtain a permit
2. Did not perform a Manual J load calculation
3. Did no perform a Manual D duct design
4. Failed to install per the manufacturer's installation instructions
5. Failed to properly install the duct system
6. Failed to properly seal all joints and seams
7. Condensate drain line not properly trapped
8. Vent pipe improperly installed, touching combustibles
9. Flexible gas line entering the gas furnace
10. Equipment not accessible, no service platform or solid continuous 24" walkway

Note: All of the above are violations of city codes, all mechanical codes and the residential code.

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Texas Register

Title 34, Part 1, Chapter 19, Subchapter E, Rule §19.53 Issued 06/04/2010

(a) Single-family residential construction. Effective January 1, 2012, the energy efficiency provisions o the International Residential Code as they existed on May 1, 2009, are adopted as the energy code in this state for all single-family residential construction as it is defined in Health and Safety Code, §388.002 (12).

(b) All other residential, commercial, and industrial construction. Effective April 1, 2011 the International Energy Conservation Code as it existed on May 1, 2009, is adopted as the energy code for use in this state for all residential, commercial, and industrial construction that is not single-family residential construction under subsection (a) of this section.

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ASHRAE Free Weekly Newsletter

Wednesday Oct. 26, 2011 edition

As a result of a final determination by DOE, states are required to certify by Oct. 18, 2012 their commercial code (with respect to energy efficiency) has been reviewed and updated so as to comply with or exceed provisions of Standard 90.1-2010

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