Author: jcika@iccsafe.org

DOE SEER2/EER2 Efficiency Requirements

2023 DOE HVAC Efficiency Requirements

What you need to know!

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) enacted new energy efficiency requirements for residential and commercial air conditioners and heat pumps that went into effect on January 1, 2023. These new regulations affect code compliance for mechanical equipment regardless of the state or local code edition that has been adopted because federal appliance standards preempt state and local construction codes.

"NEW" Residential Efficiency Requirements and Test Standards

The efficiency changes for residential products can be confusing.

  • The minimum efficiency requirements and test procedures for residential equipment have been updated and improved; the new test procedures include higher external static pressures, and are intended to be more representative of real life usage.
  • DOE does not allow sell-through of residential split and packaged A/C systems in the southeast and southwest (sell-through of HP systems is permitted). “Sell-through” is the selling and installation of products meeting the old efficiency requirements as long as the products were manufactured before the effective date of the new efficiency requirements.
  • DOE’s requirements for residential products apply differently in specific regions of the United States (DOE addresses 3 regions, north, southwest, and southeast). Compliance in the north is based on date of manufacture, while compliance in the two southern regions is based on date of installation for air conditioning products and date of manufacture for heat pump products.

2023 Regional Efficiencies for Residential Systems

Minimum Efficiency Requirements by Region

"NEW" Commercial Efficiency Requirements

The efficiency changes for commercial products are fairly straightforward.

  • Commercial air conditioning and heat pump products ≥65,000 Btu/h and <760,000 Btu/h are affected.
  • The efficiency requirements are the same geographically (unlike for residential products which vary by region).
  • The commercial product IEER and COP rating metrics and testing procedures do not change.
  • Product "sell-through" based on the “Date of Manufacture” is allowed for all commercial products.

2023 Efficiencies for Commercial Systems

Minimum Efficiency Requirements

  1 Manufactured before January 1, 2023.

 

Learn more about the 2023 DOE HVAC efficiency changes

Read this background on the
New HVAC efficiency requirements

Download ICC's Guidance Document on
the New HVAC efficiency requirements

Other Resources

Talk to an Expert

 

For more information, contact Jim Cika, Director of PMG Technical Resources
at jcika@iccsafe.org.

 

Why the IFGC

Why the IFGC?

Why should a state, city or jurisdiction adopt the International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)?

The IFGC is the most widely adopted fuel gas code across the United States. The IFGC is currently adopted in 42 states across the U.S. and is also adopted in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. Approximately 275 million people, or 82% of the US population, live in areas that have adopted the IFGC.

The IFGC is also used in Pakistan and other countries around the world.

The IFGC is a vital part of a complete building safety system, providing an integral component necessary to provide an acceptable level of safety and to protect life and property from the potential dangers associated with the storage, distribution and usage of fuel
gases and the byproducts of combustion of such fuels.

The IFGC is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials and new fuel gas system and appliance designs.  For example:

  • The IFGC provides coverage on the installation of gaseous hydrogen systems, while correlating with Chapters 53 and 58 of the International Fire Code.
  • The IFGC provides guidance for compressed natural gas motor vehicle fuel dispensing facilities while correlating with the IFC.
  • The IFGC allows Schedule 10 steel pipe to be used for fuel gas service when joints are made using press-connect fittings, flanges, brazing or welding.
  • The IFGC does not allow fuel gas piping to penetrate foundation walls when the piping is installed below grade. This prevents escaping gas from an underground leak from traveling through a foundation wall, and collecting within a structure.

The I-Codes, when adopted as a family of codes, correlating as they do, provide a consistent system of regulations that designers, builders, and regulators can rely on,
across city, county, or state lines.

It is for this reason that FEMA’s “Consensus-based Codes, Specifications and Standards for Public Assistance Policy” requires that as a condition of grant funding, the I-Codes be incorporated into the design and construction for repair and replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. FEMA requires construction not only meet the latest editions of the IBC, IPC, IMC, IECC, and IFC, but also the IFGC.

The adoption of building codes, including the fuel gas code, is not just about the codes. Technical support, in the form of expert advice, code opinions, and technical resources are some of the most sought-after services following adoption of a code.

The Code Council’s expert technical staff provides advice, code opinions, and resources to our more than 60,000 members as a complimentary benefit.

We have several resources, including commentaries and study companions, to support our members and industry professionals in achieving a better understanding of the code and implementing inspection programs.

Numerous training resources are available on the IFGC including face to face training and webinars which are led by qualified instructors and fuel gas industry leaders.

The Code Council also has a world class digital platform where codes, industry standards and resources can be accessed from one’s computer, tablet, or phone.

The IFGC is developed through a governmental consensus process

that involves many interest groups including public safety officials, plumbing contractors, manufacturers, standards development organizations, academia, consumers and many more;

cannot be influenced by vested financial interests;

and is conducted every three years.

Click here for more information on the process or
one of the links below to see an infographic of the process.

(Click to download a jpg or pdf)

Why the IMC

Why the IMC?

Why should a state, city or jurisdiction adopt the International Mechanical Code (IMC)?

The IMC is the most widely adopted mechanical code across the United States. The IMC is currently adopted in 47 states across the U.S. and is also adopted in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Approximately 293 million people, or 88% of the US population, live in areas that have adopted the IMC.

The IMC is also used in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and other countries around the world.

Why is the IMC the most resilient mechanical code around?

In today's rapidly evolving world, the need to create and maintain a resilient built environment becomes increasingly important. The IMC stands out as the most resilient mechanical code available, with provisions addressing areas such as fire, flood/water intrusion, mold and mildew, indoor air quality and more.

Download

The IMC is a vital part of a complete building safety system, providing an integral component necessary to stay current with the latest building technologies while providing an acceptable level of safety to protect life and property from the potential dangers associated with the installation and operation of mechanical systems.

The IMC includes numerous design and installation options that provide flexibility for design professionals and builders. For example:

  • The IMC allows common exhaust systems for domestic kitchens and dryers and provides provisions that reduce air leakage and result in space conditioning energy savings.
  • The IMC provides a mechanical ventilation credit recognizing the better performance of whole-building dilution ventilation systems that are distributed, mixed and balanced.
  • The IMC allows the use of intake/exhaust combination terminations, which reduce building penetrations and air leakage resulting in space conditioning energy savings.
  • The IMC allows the use of annual permits in cases where a series of alterations will be made to an already approved mechanical system. This allows industrial facilities to make routine equipment changes in a timely manner.

The I-Codes, when adopted as a family of codes, correlating as they do, provide a consistent system of regulations that designers, builders, and regulators can rely on,
across city, county, or state lines.

It is for this reason that FEMA’s “Consensus-based Codes, Specifications and Standards for Public Assistance Policy” requires that as a condition of grant funding, the I-Codes be incorporated into the design and construction for repair and replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. FEMA requires construction not only meet the latest editions of the IBC, IPC, IFGC, IECC, and IFC, but also the IMC.

The adoption of building codes, including the mechanical code, is not just about the codes. Technical support, in the form of expert advice, code opinions, and technical resources are some of the most sought-after services following adoption of a code.

The Code Council’s expert technical staff provides advice, code opinions, and resources to our more than 60,000 members as a complimentary benefit.

We have several resources, including commentaries and study companions, to support our members and industry professionals in achieving a better understanding of the code and implementing inspection programs.

Numerous training resources are available on the IMC including face to face training and webinars which are led by qualified instructors and HVAC industry leaders.

The Code Council also has a world class digital platform where codes, industry standards and resources can be accessed from one’s computer, tablet, or phone.

The IMC is developed through a governmental consensus process

that involves many interest groups including public safety officials, plumbing contractors, manufacturers, standards development organizations, academia, consumers and many more;

cannot be influenced by vested financial interests;

and is conducted every three years.

Click here for more information on the process or
one of the links below to see an infographic of the process.

(Click to download a jpg or pdf)

PMG State Specific Training

PMG State Specific Training

The PMG Technical Team (PMG Team) supports ICC Learning through the development of various state specific training programs to supplement their broader training efforts across the US and internationally.

Click below to see the ICC Learning state specific course offerings and to register for upcoming courses.

State Specific Training
for Massachusetts

View Course Offering

PMG Articles

PMG Articles, Podcasts, and Videos

The PMG Technical Resources Team (PMG Team) develops technical resources and documents to assist in understanding the technical requirements of the PMG codes and related standards.

Following is a collection of informative articles, podcasts and videos on important PMG issues and topics published by the PMG Team.

Articles

International Plumbing Code®:

Providing Options for
Designers of Modern Public Restrooms

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From its inception in 2000, the IPC has prioritized privacy for occupants of public restrooms. Updates and additions have been made to subsequent editions of the code to improve upon privacy and safety concerns inside of public restrooms. This article highlights the changes that have been made to the various editions of the codes, which have come to offer a toolbox of practical and safe solutions for the design of the modern public restroom.

Cross-Connection Control

A Critical Line of Defense Against
Potable Water Contamination

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We take cross-connection control for granted, but it is critical for safe, clean drinking water. Most of us can go to a faucet, water bottle filler, or drinking fountain and get a drink of potable water. This is due largely to the fact that cross-connection control is an inherit plumbing design and installation component. Cross-connection control consists of various methods, assemblies, and devices, that when installed and maintained properly, safeguard our potable water.

Private Sewage Disposal:

Flushing Out the Facts

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Private sewage disposal systems are underground wastewater treatment structures, commonly used in rural areas without centralized sewer systems. They use a combination of nature and proven technologies to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains and laundry. This article dives into the proper use and maintenance of  private sewage disposal systems.

Code Changes on A2L refrigerants

Based on changes approved
During the 2021 Group A code cycle

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The U.S. EPA issued a rule in 2021 mandating the phasedown of HFC refrigerant production and use over the next 15 years. The EPA adopted a final rule accepting six refrigerant alternatives for use in residential and light commercial air conditioning equipment – all are classified as A2L refrigerants. This article provides a brief history of the transition to A2L refrigerants and provides an overview of the related code changes in the 2024 IMC, IBC, and IFC that will permit the use of A2L refrigerants for human comfort.

Rainwater harvesting systems:

Protecting our water resources
for the long run

Download

Rainwater harvesting systems have been used throughout the world to provide precious water resources to areas where water is scarce. The CSA B805-18/ICC 805-2018 — Rainwater Harvesting Systems standard applies to the design, materials, installation and operation of rainwater harvesting systems for potable and non-potable applications. This article provides an overview of the standard and how it can be used as an alternative compliance path to Chapter 13 of the International Plumbing Code.

Podcasts

                            

Listen to Podcast

In this episode of HPAC Engineering's 'HPCA On The Air" we cover the recent EPA refrigerant standards update, with ICC's Jim Cika. Here, he previews major code changes upcoming on A2L refrigerants that will impact the HVAC industry sooner than many in the industry may realize.

Listen to Podcast

In this episode of the "ICC Pulse Podcast", we dive in to discussing water reuse. We challenge you to explore how water reuse can be a safe, innovative way to help save the world’s water supply. We speak with a few experts on breaking the stigma of water reuse and how reusing water is possible in our homes and businesses.

 

Videos

Backflow Basics Series

Introduction

Watch
Backflow Basics Series

Lavatory Faucets and Sinks

Watch
Backflow Basics Series

Kitchen Sinks, Faucets

and Dishwashers

Watch
Backflow Basics Series

Bathtubs and Showers

Watch
Backflow Basics Series

Hose Bibs

Watch
Parallel Water Distribution

with Rich Anderson

ICC Director, PMG Resources

Watch

PMG Videos

PMG Videos

PMG Videos

As part of its goal to serve the needs of plumbing, mechanical and fuel gas officials, the ICC PMG Membership Council is providing links to videos published by third parties that may be of interest to visitors to this website*. Watch more videos on the PMG playlist.

* These videos are made available for general informational purposes only. ICC and its related entities (a) make no promises, representations, or warranties about the accuracy or completeness of the information presented, and (b) do not endorse or recommend any product or service referenced in these videos. The links are provided merely to offer users of this website easy access to already available information. Products identified in these videos as having an ICC Evaluation Service report or listing have been tested in accordance with ICC-ES procedures to comply with applicable codes and standards.

Viega MegaPress Systems: Manufacturer Installation Overview

Viega ProPress Systems: Manufacturer Installation Overview

Watch on Youtube

Viega MegaPress fittings are available for use in plumbing systems for domestic water and facility water distribution, HVAC systems for hydronic piping, and fuel gas systems for gas distribution.

The Viega MegaPress systems provide a fast, secure method to join copper tube, carbon steel pipe, and stainless steel pipe without flame or high temperatures. Depending on your need, Viega has a solution solution for you.

Viega’s MegaPress fittings have been evaluated for various applications and have the following ICC ES PMG listings:

MegaPressG: ICC-ES PMG 1036
(fuel gas distribution)

MegaPress/MegaPress FKM: ICC-ES PMG 1124
(hydronic piping)

MegaPress 316/MegaPress 304 FKM: ICC-ES PMG 1451
(water distribution piping and hydronic piping)

 

 

For more information please visit www.viega.us.

Watch on Youtube

Viega ProPress fittings are available for use in plumbing systems for domestic water and facility water distribution and HVAC systems for hydronic piping.

The Viega ProPress systems provide a fast, secure method to join copper and copper alloy pipe and stainless steel pipe without flame or high temperatures. Depending on your need, Viega has a solution solution for you.

Viega’s ProPress fittings have been evaluated for various applications and have the following ICC ES PMG listings:

ProPress: ICC-ES PMG 1037
(copper water distribution and hydronic piping systems)

ProPress 316: ICC-ES PMG 1125
(stainless steel water distribution and hydronic piping systems)

 

 

Viega PureFlow Plumbing Systems: Installation Overview

American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA)

Watch on Youtube

Viega PureFlow Plumbing systems offer low-lead PEX tubing solutions that save energy and reduce water waste. Viega's revolutionary ManaBloc parallel water distribution system decreases the wait time for hot water at the faucet and Viega's PEX Press fittings and PEX Crimp fittings are easy to install. Viega’s Pex Press system have been evaluated and has an ICC ES PMG listing PMG 1038 and is compliant with the following Codes:

  • 2021, 2018, 2015, 2012 and 2009 International Plumbing Codes (IPC)
  • 2021, 2018, 2015, 2012 and 2009 International Residential Code (IRC)

For more information you can visit www.viega.us.

Watch on Youtube

The American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA) and the International Code Council (ICC) are organizations with a common interest in protecting drinking water from contamination through cross-connections.

 

G3: Global Guideline for Practical Public Toilet Design - Part 1

G3: Global Guideline for Practical Public Toilet Design - Part 2

Watch on Youtube

The International Code Council and the World Toilet Organization unveil the new G3: Global Guideline for Practical Public Toilet Design.

In response to a growing need to increase the design and efficiency of public toilets and committed to its mission of providing the highest quality in building safety products, the ICC Board of Directors approved the development of this Guideline through a special committee formed by global industry leaders and ICC technical experts. This Guideline is intended to provide a minimum level of quality to safeguard health, property, and public welfare by providing minimal provisions to control the design, construction, installation, quality of materials, location, operation and maintenance, and use, of public toilets.

For more information, contact PMGResourceCenter@iccsafe.org or call 888-422-7233 x-4pmg or (562)699-0541 x-4764

Watch on Youtube

The International Code Council and the World Toilet Organization unveil the new G3: Global Guideline for Practical Public Toilet Design.

In response to a growing need to increase the design and efficiency of public toilets and committed to its mission of providing the highest quality in building safety products, the ICC Board of Directors approved the development of this Guideline through a special committee formed by global industry leaders and ICC technical experts. This Guideline is intended to provide a minimum level of quality to safeguard health, property, and public welfare by providing minimal provisions to control the design, construction, installation, quality of materials, location, operation and maintenance, and use, of public toilets.

For more information, contact PMGResourceCenter@iccsafe.org or call 888-422-7233 x-4pmg or (562)699-0541 x-4764

Studor Air Admittance Valves Revolutionizing the Plumbing Industry

Watch on Youtube

Studor air admittance valve’s (AAVs) are used as a method for venting traps for fixtures and waste receptors. AAVs reduce the amount of vent piping required to terminate outdoors. An AAV is designed to open to admit air into the venting and drainage system when negative pressures (less than atmospheric pressure) occur in the vent system. An AAV closes by gravity to seal the vent terminal when the vent system pressure is equal to atmospheric pressure. At vent system pressures greater than atmospheric pressure, an AAV remains closed and seals tighter under greater pressure by the nature of the design. The closed AAV prevents any vapor in the vent system from entering the building. 

AAVs are required to conform to one of three ASSE standards. Stack-type air AAVs shall conform to ASSE 1050. Individual and branch-type AAVs shall conform to ASSE 1051. AAVs shall not be installed in non-neutralized special waste systems as described in Chapter 8 of the International Plumbing Code (IPC) except where such valves are in compliance with ASSE 1049, are constructed of materials approved in accordance with Section 702.5 of the IPC and are tested for chemical resistance in accordance with ASTM F 1412. Air admittance valves shall not be located in spaces utilized as supply or return air plenums. Air admittance valves without an engineered design shall not be utilized to vent sumps or tanks of any type.

The Studor Mini-Vent®, Maxivent®, Redi Vent®, Tec-Vent® must be installed in accordance with the manufacture’s installation instructions and the conditions noted in the ICC-ES PMG Product Certificate PMG-1025.

PMG CodeNotes (en Español)

PMG CodeNotes (en Español)

CodeNotes

Con el objetivo de atender las necesidades de los oficiales a cargo de los códigos de instalaciones hidrosanitarias, mecánicas, y de gas combustible, el Consejo de Miembros Oficiales del ICC PMG (ICC PMG Official Membership Council) se ha dado a la tarea de proveer documentos informativos de apoyo a los códigos como son los CodeNotes. Los temas  que se incluyen son aparatos de contraflujo y protección del suministro de agua, tamaño la tubería de gas basándose en los códigos de gas combustible (IFGC 2009) y residencial (IRC 2009), y en las uniones de sistemas de tuberías de acero inoxidable corrugado para gas. Haga click abajo para ver los documentos de forma gratuita como cortesía del ICC PMG Official Membership Council.

Válvulas de Contraflujo y Protección del Suministro de Agua: IPC® e IRC® 2015

Conexión Equipotencial de Tubos Corrugados de Acero Inoxidable (CSST) para Sistemas de Tuberías de Gas

Descargar

Este CodeNotes 2015 le ayudará a comprender la importancia de proteger el suministro de agua potable, identificar las posibles amenazas y determinar las válvulas de contraflujo adecuadas. La Tabla 608.1 del IPC/Tabla 2902.3.1 del IRC (Aplicación para Válvulas de Contraflujo) has sido provista para ayudar al usuario a seleccionar un método o dispositivo adecuado para la aplicación.

Conexión Equipotencial de Tubos Corrugados de Acero Inoxidable (CSST) para Sistemas de Tuberías de Gas

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Analiza las revisiones de las ediciones 2015 del Código Internacional de Instalaciones de Gas Combustible y del Código Internacional Residencial para los requerimientos para la protección eléctrica de tubos corrugados de acero inoxidable mediante de una conexión equipotencial extra.

2015 ISPSC® Permisos & Lineamientos de los Planos Para Piscinas Residenciales y Spas

2015 ISPSC® Requisitos de Entrada/Salida de Piscina Residencial Permanente Integrada en el Suelo

2015 ISPSC® Permisos & Lineamientos de los Planos Para Piscinas Residenciales y Spas

Descargar

El documento CodeNotes™ 2015 ISPSC® Permisos & Lineamientos de los Planos Para Piscinas Residenciales y Spas provee una guía para jurisdicciones locales y estatales para la entrega de planos de piscinas residenciales y spas. La intención es proveer más claridad a la instalación de piscinas residenciales y spas.

2015 ISPSC® Requisitos de Entrada/Salida de Piscina Residencial Permanente Integrada en el Suelo

Descargar

Este documento CodeNotes™ provee una revisión de los requisitos de entrada/salida del Código Internacional de Piscinas y Spas 2015 [2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code® (ISPSC®)] ya que pertenecen a las piscinas residenciales permanentes integradas en el suelo.

Límites de Velocidad en el Código Internacional de Piscinas y Spas 2015
[2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code® (ISPSC®)]

Límites de Velocidad en el Código Internacional de Piscinas y Spas 2015 [2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code® (ISPSC®)]

Descargar

Este documento CodeNotes provee una revisión de los límites de velocidad indicados en el Código Internacional del Piscinas y Spas 2015 [2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code® (ISPSC®)]. La velocidad se usa para ayudar a los diseñadores a seleccionar el tamaño mínimo del tubo para el diseño del índice de flujo para una aplicación específica. Sistemas diseñados inapropiadamente causan que los sistemas sean altamente ineficaces creando alta presión, ruido excesivo, vibración, y reduce potencialmente la vida de los equipos.

Pandemic Task Force

Board Task Force on Pandemics

Preparing Our Buildings & Communities for Disease-Related Threats

Many jurisdictions have already developed guidelines and policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The International Code Council has been tracking these efforts and provides a compilation of resources for the building industry at www.iccsafe.org/coronavirus-response-center.

Due to the complex and non-uniform approaches implemented globally, it is imperative that all aspects of the built environment be thoroughly analyzed to develop a comprehensive response. Recognizing this critical threat to both new and existing construction, the Code Council and the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) have established a new task force on pandemics to help our communities respond to COVID-19 and prepare for the next health threat.

Scope

The design and layout of buildings can have a significant impact on the health and safety of the occupants. This diverse task force will research the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the built environment. The group will then develop a roadmap and propose needed resources – including guidelines, recommended practices, publications, and updates to the International Codes (I-Codes) – that are necessary to overcome the numerous challenges faced during pandemics to construct safe, sustainable and affordable structures. The Code Council anticipates that the task force will complete:

  • A comprehensive review of current code requirements as they relate to prevention of the transmission of diseases and other serious health concerns. Any suggested revisions to current code requirements based on this assessment will be processed as proposed code changes to the I-Codes.
  • A comprehensive review of existing guides, executive orders, white papers, reports and standards, as they relate to design standards, preparedness, health considerations and tools for operating during a pandemic.
  • Identification of best practices and guides to address the design and layout of new and existing buildings.
  • A comprehensive package of public information materials.

The new task force will include a broad cross section of experts from the building safety, construction, design, health and insurance industries.

The Code Council Board of Directors, in consultation with NEHA, will appoint the members of this task force.

Contact the task force liaison, Kevin McOsker at kmcosker@iccsafe.org if you are interested in joining the list of interested parties for communications about meetings and other updates.

Prepare for Future Potential Health Hazards

Download the Pandemic Task Force Best Practices Guide here.

Events Calendar

Current Pandemic Task Force events.

Event Calendar

Pandemic Task Force Committee Documents

Architectural-Structural Working Group Documents

Fire-Safety Working Group Documents

Mechanical-Plumbing-Electrical Working Group Documents

Remote Operations Working Group Documents