The purpose of these procedures is to verify that residential space cooling systems and heat pumps have the required components to achieve the energy efficiency claimed in the compliance documents. The procedures apply when a Fault Indicator Display (FID) is specified for split system equipment, or when an HPF, SEER or EER higher than the default is claimed. For dwelling units with multiple systems, the procedures shall be applied to each system separately.
The installer shall certify on the Certificate of Installation that the components required for compliance have been installed.
The FID verification procedure shall consist of visual inspection to confirm that the FID is installed on the system, and that the manufacturer has certified to the Energy Commission that the FID model meets the applicable requirements of Reference Joint Appendix JA6. 'In 'addition, the space conditioning system shall comply with the procedures specified in Sections RA3.4.2.1, RA3.4.2.2, or RA3.4.2.3.
RA3.4.2.1 Verification of installation of a FID with "self diagnostic reporting" functionality when outdoor air temperature is less than 55F
The space conditioning system installer shall use the weigh-in charging procedure in Section RA3.2.3.1 to comply with refrigerant charge requirements. HERS verification compliance for the refrigerant charge requirement shall be satisfied by visual inspection to confirm the system has a FID installed, and confirming the installed FID "self diagnostic reporting function" indicates FID sensors and internal processes are operating within the FID device's specified design parameters.
RA3.4.2.2 Verification of Installation of a FID that does not have "self diagnostic reporting" functionality when outdoor air temperature is less than 55F
The space conditioning system installer shall use the weigh-in charging procedure in Section RA3.2.3.1 to comply with the refrigerant charge requirements, and HERS verification compliance for the refrigerant charge requirement shall be delayed until a time when the outdoor air temperature is equal to or greater than 55F, at which time the procedure in RA3.4.2.3 shall be performed.
RA3.4.2.3 Verification of Installation of a FID when the outdoor air temperature is equal to or greater than 55F
When the outdoor air temperature is warmer than 55F, the space conditioning system installer shall use either the standard charge verification procedure specified in RA3.2.2, the weigh-in charging procedure specified in RA3.2.3.1, or an approved alternative procedure as specified in RA1,to comply with the refrigerant charge verification requirement. HERS verification compliance for the refrigerant charge requirement shall be validation of the FID installation when the outdoor air temperature is warm enough for the installed FID to perform a valid refrigerant charge test according to the FID manufacturer specification. The HERS Rater verification shall consist of operating the air conditioner in cooling mode for at least 15 minutes and performing a visual inspection to verify the FID reports the system is operating within acceptable parameters, or otherwise reports a system fault. If the FID reports that there is a system fault, the system does not comply with the refrigerant charge verification requirement.
When a system rating specification includes a time delay relay, the installation of the time delay relay shall be verified.
The procedure shall be:
(a) Turn the thermostat down until the compressor and indoor fan are both running.
(b) Turn the thermostat up so the compressor stops running.
(c) Verify that the indoor fan continues to run for at least 30 seconds.
This section defines procedures for field verification of installed HVAC systems.
RA3.4.4.1 Rated Space Conditioning System Equipment Verification Procedure
When installation of specific matched system equipment is necessary for compliance with requirements for higher than minimum values for system HSPF, SEER or EER, the installed system equipment shall be verified according to the procedure specified in this section. The verification shall utilize certified rating data from the AHRI Directory of Certified Product Performance at http://www.ahridirectory.org or another directory of certified product performance ratings approved by the Energy Commission for determining compliance.
The procedure shall consist of visual verification of installation of the following system equipment components and confirmation that the installed equipment is rated to achieve the required HSPF, SEER or EER rating:
(a) The manufacturer name and the model number of the outdoor unit or package unit.
(b) The manufacturer name and the model number of the inside coil if applicable.
(c) The name of the product directory used to certify the system performance.
(d) The certification number of the installed system if certification numbers for listed products are published by the product directory.
(e) The HSPF, SEER or EER value published by the product directory.
(f) The manufacturer name and the model of the furnace or air handler when a specific furnace or air handler is necessary to achieve the SEER or EER rating.
(g) The specified metering device when a specific refrigerant metering device (such as a TXV or an EXV) is necessary to achieve the high efficiency rating.
(h) When a system rating specification includes a time delay relay, the installation of the time delay relay shall be verified according to the procedure in Section 3.4.3.
RA3.4.4.2 Rated Heat Pump Capacity Verification Procedure
When heat pump systems are installed, and verification of the installed heat pump system capacity is required, the installed heat pump equipment shall be verified according to the procedure specified in this section. The verification shall utilize certified rating data from the AHRI Directory of Certified Product Performance at http://www.ahridirectory.org or another directory of certified product performance ratings approved by the Energy Commission for determining compliance (product directory).
The procedure shall consist of visual verification of the model numbers of the installed system equipment and confirmation that the installed equipment is rated to provide the required heating capacity:
(a) Record the manufacturer name and the model number of the outdoor unit or package unit.
(b) Record the manufacturer name and the model number of the inside coil if applicable.
(c) Record the name of the product directory used to certify the system performance.
(d) Record the certification number of the installed system if certification numbers for listed products are published by the product directory.
(e) Record the system's rated heating capacity at 47 degrees F published by the product directory.
(f) Record the system's rated heating capacity at 17 degrees F if the value is published by the product directory.
If the installed system rated heating capacities at 47 degrees F and 17 degrees F are equal to or greater than the values specified on the Certificate of Compliance, the system complies. If the product directory does not publish capacity ratings at 17F, then compliance with capacity at 17F is not required.