A conditioned space is typically any space that does not communicate directly to the outside; that is, a space not directly ventilated to the outdoors and meets one of the following criteria:
1.The space has a heating or cooling supply register.
2.The space has heating or cooling equipment designed to heat or cool the space, or both, such as a radiant heater built into the ceiling, a baseboard heater or a wall-mounted gas heater.
3.The space contains uninsulated ducts or uninsulated hydronic heating surfaces.
4.The space is inside the building thermal envelope. For example:
•A basement with insulated walls but without insulation on the basement ceiling.
•A closet on a home’s exterior wall that is insulated on the exterior surface of the closet wall.
•A space adjacent to and not physically separated from a conditioned space (such as a room adjacent to another room with a heating duct but without a door that can be closed between the rooms).
•A room completely surrounded by conditioned spaces.
The builder/designer has some flexibility in defining the bounds of the conditioned space as long as the building envelope requirements are met. Spaces that are not conditioned directly but have uninsulated surfaces separating them from conditioned spaces are included within the insulated envelope of the building. For example, an unventilated crawl space below an uninsulated floor is considered part of the conditioned space, even where no heat is directly supplied to the crawl space area. Where the crawl space is included as a conditioned space, the builder must insulate the exterior crawl space walls instead of the floor above. The task of defining the building envelope is left to the permit applicant.
Examples of unconditioned spaces include garages and basements that are neither heated nor cooled if all duct surfaces running through these spaces are insulated; attached sunrooms that are neither heated nor cooled and have insulated/weatherstripped doors to separate the sun space from the conditioned space; attics; and ventilated crawl spaces. Note that the boundary between the conditioned and unconditioned space is subject to the infiltration control requirements of the code (see commentary, Section R402.4).
Historically, the code tied this definition to “conditioning for human comfort” or by specifying that the conditioning fall within a specific range. Starting with the 2006 edition, the code considers any type of conditioning as creating a “conditioned space.” Therefore, providing heating within a storage building to keep the stock from freezing would still be considered as creating a conditioned space.
I think the jury is still out on that one. VOCs are a concern for many. Be prepared to back-up your assertion with reputable data.
Ok so the 2015 ICC definition does consider that a conditioned space. Good to know. The attic ceiling and walls were sealed but no insulation was installed on the attic floor so it would be a conditioned area. The install does seem to be serving it’s purpose. Home is 2014 and didn’t see any moisture related issues in the attic. All plumbing vents were extended properly through the foam and terminated above the roof. Water Heater is in the attic but it is electric.
1.1 Was a concern because the Return Vent is located within 10 feet of the Burner Compartment of the Furnace, however it is not an “open” combustion chamber.
1.1.Openings shall not be located less than 10 feet (3048 mm) measured in any direction from an open combustion chamber or draft hood of another appliance located in the same room or space.
I’m going to write it up that an HVAC Tech evaluate the system to ensure Manufacturer Installation Instructions were followed / proper installation. I’ll also make a note regarding the rust and advise consulting with an HVAC Tech for more suitable options such as an insulated supply duct with a diffuser / return duct with de-humidifier be installed. Great observation Brian, thanks for sharing.
The attic furnace/air handler has an unconventional attic air supply and return plenum modification. Additionally, the supply duct mentioned above has rust/corrosion, which is a concern.
Recommend further evaluation and repairs/corrections as needed by a qualified licences HVAC contractor.
I read about a lady who got super sick from spray foam off gas entering her home through a return vent some time back and it’s irked me ever since. That is what prompted this post. The home is 10 years old and is currently occupied so the chances of an improper chemical mixture are slim at this point I suppose.
Also, Contractors are not required to be licensed here in Texas and the Spray Foam Industry here has a bad reputation. Alot of fly-by-night companies installing the foam with no regard for HVAC Design, etc, taking the money and they’re gone, not really knowing what they’re doing so I don’t trust it or like it to be honest. This appears to be the original foam from the time of construction, however so I’m sure it’s fine.
This gist from what you are saying is good natured and in the best interest of your client. But in order to move the needle and make professional recommendations you will need to become a specialist in evaluating these systems and their risks. Gut feelings and reputation is not enough in my opinion to make it into a professional report. In fact, you are reporting bias if you do so.