803 Work Scope for Contractors

803.1 Requirements

803.1.1 All work must meet applicable codes and regulations for the jurisdiction.

803.1.2 When air sealing is being performed the work scope shall specify CAZ depressurization testing to be performed at the end of each workday.

803.1.3 The work scope for recommended improvements will be determined by the Auditor and shall be based upon the findings of the assessment, the client’s needs and budget, and priorities identified during combustion appliance testing, subject to health and safety requirements.

803.1.4 The work scope shall clearly identify for the client any remedial actions which require prompt attention, affect safety, or require a licensed trade.

803.1.5 The work scope shall provide sufficient specification that the client may obtain reasonably comparable bids from alternative sources for making recommended improvements.

803.1.6 All scopes of work shall include this statement: “The estimated energy use and savings information contained in the audit report does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of actual energy cost or usage.”

803.1.7 The work scope shall be developed based on the Auditor’s diagnosis and analysis. Emphasis shall be on:

bringing air distribution system components inside the building enclosure when it is feasible, or sealing and insulating ducts when it is not improving airflow and total HVAC system efficiency as applicable upgrades to the building enclosure as applicable improvements to lighting and appliances as applicable.

803.1.8 The scopes shall reflect the “house as a system” approach, recognizing measure interaction. The following statement shall be included whenever a fireplace or combustion appliance is located within the building enclosure:

“This work scope is not a list of recommendations that may be implemented independently; any exclusions or variations to this scope may increase the risk of flue gas spillage, back-drafting, carbon monoxide production and/or moisture problems within the home.”

803.1.9 When specifying equipment replacement, new equipment sizing shall be based on the proposed, upgraded condition of the building enclosure and duct system.

803.1.10 The work scope shall call for post-work combustion appliance testing in accordance with these guidelines when any work affecting enclosure or duct tightness, or building pressures, is specified.

803.2 Work Scope: Carbon Monoxide

803.2.1 The source of the CO must be repaired or replaced and the problem corrected prior to commencing work on other tasks on the work scope, unless remediation of the CO production is specifically related to one or more of those tasks (such as duct repairs that will correct a large negative pressure in the CAZ).

803.2.2 If there are combustion appliances within the building envelope, a carbon monoxide detector should be specified in the main area of each floor according to manufacturer’s recommendations, typically in the hallway outside each bedroom area.

803.2.3 If measured CO levels are higher than 100 ppm (200 for oven), or an appliance fails to meet manufacturer’s specifications for CO production (whichever is higher), the work scope shall specify replacement or repair of the appliance, and the homeowner shall be notified of the need for service by a qualified technician.

803.3 Work Scope: Worst Case Depressurization

803.3.1 If the results of the Worst Case Depressurization Test indicate the potential for backdrafting by failing the CAZ pressure limits or spillage test, remediation of the failure must be addressed in the work scope, through one or more of the following (as applicable): targeted air- and duct-sealing, room pressure balancing, exhaust fan makeup air, or appliance replacement (with power- or direct-vented equipment). As an alternative, the combustion appliance zone may be isolated by creating a sealed combustion closet containing the combustion appliances that has the proper amount of combustion air supplied to it according to the applicable version of the IRC. Adequate sealing for isolation purposes shall include air sealing and duct sealing (especially of adjacent platform or cavity return ducts) and confirmed by another CAZ depressurization test.

803.3.2 The work scope should specify replacement of atmospheric-vented combustion appliances with high-efficiency sealed combustion, direct vent, or power vented appliances when feasible. If the home has unvented combustion appliances, the /Auditor shall recommend they be disconnected and replaced with vented combustion appliances.

803.3.3 If unvented combustion appliances are not removed or replaced with vented combustion appliances or electric appliances, the work scope shall not specify measures that affect the air tightness of the envelope, including air sealing, duct sealing, sidewall insulation, or window replacements. Duct sealing outside the thermal envelope may be specified in IECC climate zones 1-3.