New Title-24 Refrigerant Charge Verification test procedures
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We’ve received numerous calls from HVAC contractors about the new HERS Refrigerant Charge Test procedures for new residential HVAC installations and change-outs. There is a lot of confusion about when these tests are required and what steps the HVAC installer needs to take prior to the HERS rater arriving at the jobsite to perform the refrigerant charge verification test. The rules are pretty straightforward but will require the HVAC installer to have a system and procedures in place so the the process goes smoothly without causing delays.
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Title-24 HERS Refrigerant Charge Verification is required prescriptively in most of the California Climate zones. However in the coastal climate zones it is not required prescriptively but can be used as a compliance credit in the Title-24 compliance run. Either way the HVAC contractor will know that the refrigerant charge verification test is required if it is documented on the Title-24 compliance report Certificate of Compliance (CF-1R)
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Here is a basic overview of the steps.
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Step 1: Properly charge the system with refrigerant. HVAC installers are required to properly charge the system and detail the results on the new Title-24 CF-6R certificate of installation.
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Step 2: Provide access holes in the return and supply plenum for the HERS rater to perform the adequate airflow and and the non-intrusive temperature split and static pressure measurements (see diagram below for access hole locations)
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Step 3: Provide the the HERS rater the detailed HVAC equipment specs including specs for the air handling unit. This information will be documented on the same CF-6R form that was used to document that the proper refrigerant charge was installed.
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Step 4: Coordinate with the HERS rater. The HERS rater will need your completed and signed CF-6R form prior to coming out for the refrigerant charge test. They will also verify which diagnostic method you would prefer; the intrusive method (pressure gauges installed on the system) or the non-intrusive (STMS sensors and access holes for readings using temperature probes). If the non-intrusive method is preferred then the HVAC installer is also required to install and have available STMS (Saturation Temperature Measurement Sensors) either factory installed or field installed according to the manufacturers specifications.
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Step 5: HERS rater verifies the proper refrigerant charge and airflow over the coil and documents the results by uploading to the CHEERS (California Home Energy Efficiency Rating System) website and generates a certified CF-4R which is provided to the HVAC installer, building department and homeowner.
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Some HVAC installers have expressed reluctance in having a HERS rater attach their own pressure gauges to the HVAC equipment for the test. An alternative is to coordinate with the HERS rater so they are present during the initial refrigerant charge performed by the HVAC installer and can simply observe the pressure gauge readings and verify that they are in compliance with the Title-24 RA3.3-2 tables. If the refrigerant charge meets these target numbers in the tables the HERS rater simply documents this on the CF-4R form. However the HVAC installer will still be required to complete and sign their CF-6R certificate of installation and submit this to the HERS rater.
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double click diagram below to enlarge
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