Trade News

Texas

 City of Houston

City of Galveston

City of Pasadena

From the Texas Register 06/04/2010

(a) Single-family residential construction. - Effective January 1, 2012, the energy efficiency provisions (Chapter 11) of the International Residential Code as they existted on May 1, 2009 are adopted as the energy code in this state for 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 us in this state for all residential, commercial, and industrial construction that is not single-family residential construction under subsection (a) (above) of this section.

From the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

• Effective September 1, 2011 - any non-exempt electrical work must be in compliance with the 2011 edition of the Natural Electrical Code.
• Effective September 1, 2011 -  the one year time limit to renew an expired license without retesting is extended up to 18 months, additionally an expired license may be renewed up to 36 months after expiration with approval of the Executive Director of TDLR.
• Effective September 1, 2011 - the standard for the practice of air conditioning and refrigeration in areas where no code has been adopted is; the 2009 editions of the Uniform Mechanical Code and the 2009 editions of the International Mechanical Code/Intenational Fuel Gas Code and the International Residential Code.

Top Ten Air Conditioning installation Violations in Texas

• Failed to obtain a permit
• Did not peerform a Manual J load calculation.
• Did not perform a Manual D Duct Design.
• Failed to install per the manufacturer's installation instructions.
• Failed to properly install the duct system.
• Failed to properly seal all joints and seams (of the air distribution system).
• Condensate drain line not properly trapped.
• Vent pipe improperly installed, touching combustibles.
• Flexible gas line entering the gas furnace.
• Equipment not accessible, no service platform or solid continuous 24" walkway.

1/20/2012 New information from TDLR

I was asked yesterday by a student if the department information was required on a website. Although I was sure the answer was yes I had a conservation with one of my sources at TDLR. The response was "yes" it is required if the website is utilized to promote your company. Additionally it was my understanding that the state will began more enforcement on this during the current year.

As the information has recently changed please see the below text that must be on your website if it is used to promote your company.

Regulated by" The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, P.O. Box 12157, Austin, Texas 78711, 1-800-803-9202, 512-463-6599, www.license.state.tx.us"

Please note the requirement for the web address was just recently added.

CITY OF HOUSTON, TEXAS

1/27/2012 New Information from Richard, Chief Mechanical Inspector, Houston, Texas

I was copied on an email from Richard Varana to Ms. Amanda Jones, ACCA-GH, with directions to distribute the following information.

Section 403.2.1 IECC Residential Energy Code requires that all supply air ducts in attics shall be insulated to a minimum of R8. All other ducts shall be insulated to a minimum of R6.

Exception: Ducts or portion thereof located completely inside the building thermal envelope.

With that being said it will be my position to allow the use of R6 insulated grille boxes in attics for renovation and new construction projects.

Please feel free to distribute this information to all interested parties.

 IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT

2/26/2012 New code adoptions and amendments for City of Houston

I recently attended an ACCA-GH show and attended a class given by Richard Varana. All the information that he provided can be found at their website (it has recently changed and has a new URL)

The information received is on this website on the City of Houston Codes and Amendments page, or you may find additonal information at the below listed website

http://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/code-enforcement/publications.html/#houston.

There are many changes concerning both commercial and residential HVAC systems. It would wise for all contractors working in Houston to go and read these amendments. They will certainly have an affect on your ability to receive Green Tags on your jobs.

CITY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS

1/30/2012

Source: Berry Smith, Mechanical Inspector

City of Galveston also allows the use of R6 insulated register boxes within the City of Galveston.

 City of Pasadena, Texas

1/30/2012

Source: Victor Gomez, Building Official

CIty of Pasadena allows use of R6 Insulated Boxes