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Gas-Fired Boilers

    Scope
    Scope Images
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    A condensing boiler and indirect domestic hot water
    Scope

    Choose the highest performing boiler that project funding will allow to meet the design heating load of the project. The highest performance boilers are sealed-combustion, direct-vent boilers, which can have Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiencies (AFUE) exceeding 94%. These are also the safest boilers to install within a home because they draw combustion air from and release combustion byproducts directly to the outdoors.

    Calculate the heating load for the home and properly size the boiler and distribution system to meet this load. Look at the boiler’s output rating and if the design load is equal to or lower than the equipment’s lowest output rating, consider alternative heating equipment options that better match the design load of the home.

    Select a boiler with a modulating burner for increased efficiency.

    Install in accordance with relevant standards including ACCA Standard 5: HVAC Quality Installation Specification and the Technician’s Guide & Work Book For Quality Installations and ACCA Standard 9: HVAC Quality Installation Verification Protocols.

    Set equipment control settings to optimize system efficiency. See the Building America report Condensing Boilers – Control Strategies for Optimizing Performance for guidance.

    For condensing boilers, install an outdoor reset control to match system output to actual load and recommend that homeowners do not use a night-time temperature setback strategy. Select settings for the boiler reset curve and flow rates to optimize the performance in the system and to ensure that the return temperatures are low enough to promote condensing (Arena 2012).

    Design an efficient zoned distribution system with a compact piping layout, insulated pipes, and correctly sized equipment for the radiators, baseboards, convectors, or radiant floor loop system. For hydro coil forced-air heating systems, design a compact duct layout following the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)’s Manual S duct sizing guidelines and install ducts properly in accordance with ACCA Manual D for maximum airflow and efficiency.

    If you are participating in an energy-efficiency program, select a boiler whose efficiency complies with the requirements for your climate zone, as described in the Compliance tab.

    To determine your climate zone, see the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) climate zone map on the Climate tab

    See the Compliance Tab for related codes and standards requirements, and criteria to meet national programs such as DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home programENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, and Indoor airPLUS.

    Description
    Description

    According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), up to 11% of existing households use some form of hot water or steam heat (EIA 2009). Boilers produce hot water that can be used to heat homes through several different distribution methods. The hot water can be sent through plastic pipe loops in the floor for radiant floor heat or through metal radiators mounted along the wall or baseboard radiators mounted near the floor. Hot water can also be directed from a combustion tank water heater to a coil in an air handler equipped with a fan to blow air across the coil and through supply air ducts to the home. Most combustion boilers are fueled by natural gas. Fuel oil, propane, and wood are other fuel sources used in locations where natural gas is not readily available. The hot water for a boiler may also be heated or preheated by a solar thermal water heating system, a ground-source (geothermal) heat pump, or an air-source heat pump. The boiler may heat water in a tank or it may be a tankless (instantaneous) wall-hung model. Some boilers provide heat for a potable hot water tank in addition to providing hot water to room heaters; this is referred to as indirect water heating. Some newer, very efficient models combine space heating, water heating, and heat recovery ventilation.

    For best performance, the heating system should be properly sized to match the heating design load of the home, as described below. If the home is constructed with high levels of insulation and air sealing, a smaller heating system can often be installed. When equipment is oversized, it can “short cycle,” or turn on and off repeatedly before the demand is met, which can have negative impacts on energy use, comfort, and equipment durability.

    Combustion boilers, furnaces, and water heaters are classified by the International Mechanical Code (IMC) and in the National Fuel Gas Code. Understanding the descriptions of these appliance types based on both codes is important with respect to safety and efficiency.

    The International Mechanical Code classifies boilers based on vent type: direct, mechanical, or atmospheric. Per the 2009 and 2012 International Mechanical Code, Chapter 2 Definitions: 

    • a direct-vent appliance is one that is constructed and installed so that all air for combustion is derived from the outdoor atmosphere and all flue gases are discharged to the outside atmosphere;
    • a mechanical draft system is a venting system designed to remove flue or vent gases by mechanical means consisting of

    - an induced draft portion under non-positive static pressure; or, a forced draft portion under positive static pressure;

    • a natural draft system is a venting system designed to remove flue or vent gases under non-positive static vent pressure entirely by natural draft.

    The 2015 National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54) puts furnaces in four categories based on flue vent pressures, flue gas temperatures (relates to condensing or non-condensing), and vent pipe materials, as shown in Table 1.

    National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA) table.
    Table 1. The National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54) identifies four categories for combustion furnaces and water heaters based on combustion type (sealed or unsealed), vent pipe pressure, and vent pipe temperature.

     

    The lowest efficiency boilers are atmospherically vented, Category I boilers. A Category I boiler operates with the flue at negative pressure with respect to the combustion appliance zone (CAZ), i.e., the room in which the boiler is located, and the stack temperature is above 140°F, which is hot enough to avoid condensation in the vent. The burner draws its combustion air from the CAZ. The combustion chamber is also open to the CAZ; i.e., if you are standing next to the boiler, you can peer in and see the burner and the flames.

    Older Category I boilers use an open draft hood that allows dilution air to enter the vent pipe and mix with the exhaust gases (Figure 1). A draft diverter at the base of the flue protects the flame from downdrafts coming down the chimney or flue. These older boilers are not mechanically drafted but are called natural draft (or atmospheric draft) because they rely entirely on high flue temperatures (relative to outside temperatures) to draw exhaust gases up and out of the flue. Because so much of the heat goes up the chimney, natural draft boilers have very low Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings, usually 70% or less.

    A newer type of Category I boiler replaced the draft hood with a small fan, referred to as an induced draft fan, which pulls air through the combustion chamber, although the boiler still relies on flue temperatures to lift the combustion gases up the flue stack. The induced draft fan helps to prevent back drafting on startup and assists in getting the draft started. Once the vent pipe gets up to temperature (140°F+), a draft is established and the pressure inside the vent pipe (on the positive side of the fan) becomes negative with respect to the CAZ. The induced draft fan did away with the draft hood and dilution air, which wasted energy. Category I boilers that incorporate an induced draft fan typically have cleaner or more complete combustion than their older counter parts and therefore expel less pollutants in the air. The improved Category I boilers and furnaces also have an electronic ignition rather than a standing pilot light. Induced draft Category I boilers can have efficiencies of 78% to 83%.

    ENERGY STAR permits naturally drafted boilers in IECC climates zones 1 through 3 and the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program permits them in climates zones 1 and 2, if they have an AFUE of ≥ 80%. However, draft-hood-equipped boilers are very unlikely to exceed 70% efficiency, so essentially all ≥ 80% boilers and furnaces are induced draft or power vented or direct vent. When naturally drafted boilers and furnaces are installed, a combustion safety test must be performed.

    An induced draft fan-equipped boiler or furnace is considered mechanically drafted. However, because it is still open combustion (i.e., it draws its combustion air from the CAZ) and because it relies on negative flue pressure to carry away combustion byproducts, it can, like the naturally vented boiler or furnace, have the potential to backdraft. Backdrafting, when combustion gases spill down into the CAZ rather than going out the flue, can occur if the CAZ becomes depressurized with respect to the flue. Several things could cause this to occur – running multiple exhaust fans and the dryer and the fireplace all at the same time, for example.

    Figures 1 and 2 below are Category I boilers. The boiler in Figure 1 uses the older technology of a draft hood, which pulls dilution air into the vent pipe. The newer boiler in Figure 2 replaces the draft hood with a small induced-draft fan that pulls the products of combustion through the combustion chamber and flue by pushing the byproducts of combustion out through the vent pipe.

    Category I gas-fired boiler.
    Figure 1. In a Category I gas-fired, natural-draft boiler, the natural draft of the heated flue pulls combustion air through the draft hood into the combustion chamber. (Source: Calcs Plus.)

     

    Category I induced draft boiler.
    Figure 2. A Category I induced draft boiler uses an induced draft fan to pull air through the combustion chamber and to the flue. (Source: Calcs Plus.)

     

    Category II applies to some commercial furnaces but no residential appliances.

    A Category III combustion appliance has a vent pipe that is under positive pressure and the appliance is non-condensing, meaning its flue gases only go through one heat exchanger then exit through the vent at temperatures above 140°F. Category III appliances may include instantaneous gas water heaters and gas- or oil-fired boilers. For further discussion of oil-fired boilers, see the guide Oil-Fired Boilers.

    Category IV boilers are combustion appliances that have a vent pipe under positive pressure and flue gases under 140°F. The vent exhaust is low temperature because Category IV appliances are equipped with two heat exchangers (or sometimes one extra-large heat exchanger). In the second heat exchanger any remaining heat in the combustion air is extracted and water vapor (a byproduct of combustion) cools and condenses to liquid water. This liquid is drained to the sewer or outside through a condensate drain. The condensate is highly acidic (pH ≤ 3) so local code may require that it be pretreated before disposing to the sewer. (See Condensing Boilers.)

    Category III and Category IV boilers are both forced draft (also referred to as power vented) appliances meaning that they are equipped with a combustion fan that is located before the burner to push air through the combustion chamber and out of the vent (Figure 5). The fan is continually operating when the burner is firing so the vent stack pressure is always positive. The byproducts of complete combustion are CO2, H2O, and N.

    Category IV boilers, like Category III boilers, vent their combustion exhaust gases directly outside through a sealed pipe so they cannot be back drafted. Category III and IV appliances should be installed as sealed-combustion/direct vent appliances, which means their combustion chamber is sealed off from the CAZ and they draw their combustion air from outside via a second vent pipe or concentric pipes that bring combustion air directly to the combustion chamber from outside the home. However, although manufacturers do not recommend it, they are sometimes installed as non-direct-vent appliances (where the exhaust pipe is installed but the pipe for incoming air is not installed so the boiler draws its combustion air from the CAZ).

    Category IV boilers can be either gas fired or oil fired. For more information oil boilers refer to the guide Oil-Fired Boilers. For more on Category IV boilers see Condensing Boilers.

    Since 1992, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), under the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act, has required that small gas boilers have an AFUE of at least 80%. In November 2007, the DOE established a revised minimum efficiency standard of 82% for residential boilers, which will take effect in November 2015. To be ENERGY STAR labeled, a boiler must have an efficiency of 85% or higher.

    ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes (Version 3, Rev 11) allows gas and oil furnaces and boilers to be ≥ 80% AFUE in Climate Zones 1, 2, and 3. In Climate Zones 4-8, ENERGY STAR requires that boilers be ≥ 85% and ENERGY STAR labeled.

    The DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program allows ≥ 80% AFUE boilers in Climate Zones 1 and 2 only. In Climate Zones 3 and 4 (except marine climate zone 4), boilers must have an AFUE of ≥ 90% and in Climate Zones 5 through 8 (plus marine climate zone 4), boilers must have an AFUE of ≥ 94%.

    Boiler Controls

    While older boilers are either on or off, newer boilers with multi-stage or modulating burners have adjustable output to better match heating loads. This reduces the number of on-off cycles (and cycling losses) and allows the boiler to operate for longer hours at lower firing rates, which improves efficiency. Non-modulating boilers have efficiencies of 85% to 90%. Boilers that operate in modulation mode rather than just on-off can improve average boiler efficiency by up to 8%. Higher-efficiency models are also equipped with electronic controllers that can increase equipment life, improve boiler efficiency, and enhance comfort, by adjusting boiler water temperature, creating time-delay relays, performing automatic post-purge, preventing warm-weather boiler operation, controlling the position of mixing valves, and controlling pump speeds. These controls can increase the efficiency of noncondensing boilers by 10% or more and reduce idle losses to 0.3%. Condensing gas boilers that are fully modulating and have advanced controls can achieve efficiencies ranging from 92% to 96%.

    There are many settings that can be adjusted on a modern boiler to improve the efficiency and comfort performance of the equipment, these adjustments may provide better performance than the default factory settings.

    An outdoor reset control, which matches the system output to the actual outdoor temperature conditions, will improve comfort for owners of both condensing and non-condensing equipment by preventing extreme spikes in indoor temperature when the outdoor temperatures are warmer than design conditions. If you install an outdoor reset, recommend that homeowners do not use a night-time temperature setback strategy unless special controls have been installed that can override the reset control. Locate the outdoor sensor where it will not be exposed to a heat source such as direct sunlight or a dryer exhaust vent.

    When installing an outdoor reset control with a noncondensing boiler, choose settings so that the return temperature to the boiler is no lower than 140°F to prevent condensing. However, when selecting the outdoor reset curve set points for a condensing boiler, choose settings so that the temperature of the water returning to the boiler is below 130°F. This ensures that the return temperatures are low enough to promote condensing, which will greatly increase the energy efficiency of the system (see Arena 2012 for more details). To ensure the return temperature is below 130°F, the supply temperature will likely have to be reduced to below the factory setting. Make sure the heat emitters used (baseboards, radiators, etc.) are properly sized based on the average temperature in the distribution loop.  If undersized, they won’t release enough heat to the space and the water will return to the boiler at too high a temperature, preventing condensing. Radiant floor systems are typically set up to run at lower temperatures when installed, so they do not require additional adjustment to the boiler’s supply temperature. 

    If you are specifying toe kick heaters in homes that have condensing boilers with outdoor reset controls, make sure the toe kick model specified is capable of operating at low temperatures. Many of the toe kick heaters currently available will not operate below a supply temperature of 140°F. A properly designed and configured condensing hydronic system will have return temperatures below 130°F most of the year, leaving the occupants without heat in rooms with toe kick heaters.

    In highly insulated, energy-efficient homes with correctly sized equipment, nighttime setback can cause comfort issues and customer complaints. A boiler that is correctly sized to meet the home’s design heating load will not have enough capacity to recover from the setback in a reasonable amount of time, especially if the system is designed with an outdoor reset control. Outdoor reset controls match the boiler’s supply temperature to the heating load based on the current outdoor conditions, severely hindering the system’s ability to raise the temperature in the space. If the boiler was set up with an outdoor reset control and no capability to override it, advise homeowners not to set their thermostat temperature back during nighttime hours. This is also recommended if the home is highly energy efficient and the boiler was sized to meet the design heating load.

    If you know that the homeowner will employ a setback strategy or if you would like to provide that capability, you can install controls to speed up temperature recovery such as 1) a boost control that automatically raises the boiler output target temperature if heating demand is not satisfied within a set number of minutes, 2) an indoor sensor that works with the outdoor reset control to compensate for lags in response based on interior temperature, or 3) a simple manual override switch. Oversizing the heat emitters and possibly the boiler may be necessary to meet the additional load induced during periods of setback recovery.

    If the boiler is oversized compared to the design load, oversizing the heat emitters will help reduce short cycling of the boiler. This may be the only option in situations where the smallest boilers are too large for the design load or there are several zones, each of which has very small loads compared to the boiler’s capacity. In these cases, oversizing the emitters will reduce cycling, improve response time, and increase efficiency. Note that many manufacturers set a maximum temperature difference between the boiler’s supply and return to protect the heat exchanger. Oversizing the heat emitter will result in an increase in the delta T, so make sure that you do not oversize to the point that the manufacturer’s limit is exceeded.  If installing a non-condensing boiler, make sure that increasing the emitter does not result in return water temperatures below 140°F.

    For both condensing and noncondensing boilers, a warm weather shutoff turns off the boiler when the temperature setting is exceeded by the outdoor temperature. Boilers commonly come from the factory with the shutoff set between 68°F and 72°F. In locations with large day-night temperature swings or in spring and fall in homes that use a setback, if the shutoff is set too low, warm midmorning outside temperatures could prevent the heat from coming on even if it is still cold inside. Make sure the warm weather shutoff setting is no lower than the desired indoor winter temperature. For example, if 70°F is the normal setting, the warm weather shutoff should be no lower than 70°F.

    Make sure your system includes an automatic post purge control, which keeps the system pump on for several minutes after the boiler stops firing to disperse the heat still residing in the mass of the boiler.

    Some boiler manufacturers have started offering controls that can limit the boiler’s maximum input. This can be especially useful if the boiler is used for both space heating and domestic hot water and one load is significantly less than the other. This limit reduces cycling in situations where the boiler’s maximum firing rate is significantly higher than the demand, for example if when the water heater is calling for heat but the space heater is not.

    Heat dumping is a strategy that diverts excess boiler heat to the domestic hot water (DHW) tank after the space heating demand is satisfied. Studies have shown this technique can greatly improve overall system efficiency (Butcher 2011).

    See the Building America measure guideline report: Condensing Boilers—Optimizing Efficiency and Response Time During Setback Operation for additional guidance on setting boiler controls.

    Distribution

    One of the big advantages of hot water heating is the ease with which it can be zoned. Radiant heating systems in older homes were often set up in a series with a single pipe going from the boiler to first one radiator than the next (with subsequent loss of temperature in each successive emitter). But newer distribution systems feature parallel or primary-secondary piping arrangements with separate zones that can be controlled by separate thermostats to easily accommodate different temperature set points and schedules.

    Boilers providing zoned heating.
    Figure 3. Boilers can provide zoned heating with parallel piping loops. (Source: Calcs Plus.)

     

    Primary/secondary loops.
    Figure 4. A boiler system can be set up with primary and secondary loops to supply hot water for multiple uses. (Source: Calcs Plus.)

     

    Baseboard radiator.
    Figure 5. Baseboard radiators are one means of distributing hot water heat.

     

    Radiant floor heating piping.
    Figure 6. PEX piping loops are laid before the slab is poured for this radiant floor heating system. (Source: TC Legend Homes.)

     

    How to Select and Install a Boiler

    1. Choose the highest performing boiler that project funding will allow to meet the design heating load of the project. If you are participating in an energy-efficiency program, select a boiler that complies with the requirements for your climate zone, as described in the Compliance tab.
    2. Install in accordance with relevant standards including ACCA Standard 5: HVAC Quality Installation Specification and the ACCA’s Technician's Guide for Quality Installations and ACCA Standard 9: HVAC Quality Installation Verification Protocols.
    3. Design an efficient distribution system that allows for zoning.
    4. Properly size the boiler by first calculating the heating load of the home. Calculate heat load as described in the ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook. Many software products are also available that can guide you through the calculations, and several boiler manufacturers include sizing guidelines or software on their web sites. If the design load is equal to or lower than the selected boiler’s lowest output rating, consider alternative low-load heating equipment options that better match the design load of the home.
    5. Install the boiler as a direct-vent installation where combustion air is piped directly to the boiler combustion chamber from outside. If the boiler must use the CAZ for combustion air, verify that required combustion air is provided in the CAZ and perform a combustion safety test after installation. room. See methods for calculating and providing combustion air in the guide Combustion Furnaces.
    6. Select appropriate vent piping in accordance with the National Fuel Gas Code (see the Compliance tab).
    7. Set the equipment control settings to optimize system efficiency as described above and in Arena 2012.
    8. If your boiler heats a hydro coil for forced air heating, see Compact Air Distribution and Proper Sizing of HVAC Ducts.
    9. After the boiler is installed and before the initial filling, fill the system with water plus a cleaning solution. Allow this to circulate for several hours to remove grease, oil, and chemicals from solder and flux. Drain then fill with clean water. If the city water is corrosive, include an initial treatment. If properly installed, the boiler should operate indefinitely without needing additional water or cleaning.
    10. For condensing boilers, ensure that condensate drains properly to the sewer or directly outdoors. Because the condensate is highly acidic, follow local code requirements regarding pretreatment of condensate before disposing to the sewer. Protect the condensate line from freezing. Provide a secondary (emergency) drain pan constructed of durable material.
    11. Verify correct boiler operation by testing the outdoor reset control, and evaluating the boost control if one is installed.
    Success
    Ensuring Success

    Choose a Category IV high-efficiency, sealed-combustion, direct-vent system whenever possible.

    Verify that the boiler is not oversized for the home’s heating load.

    If you choose a Category I or non-direct vented boiler (not recommended), before installation, calculate the required adequate combustion air for the selected boiler model and verify that that amount is provided in the CAZ. If the boiler is a Category I boiler, a BPI- or RESNET-certified rater should perform a combustion safety test after installation.

    For Category IV boilers, ensure that the horizontal portion of the exhaust vent pipe slopes slightly toward the boiler. Follow local code requirements regarding whether the condensate should be drained to the sewer and treated before draining to reduce its acidity. Ensure that the condensate line is in a location where it will not freeze. Also ensure that a drain pan is installed under the boiler as a backup measure.

    After installation, inspect to verify the following in accord with ACCA Standard 5: HVAC Quality Installation Specification and the ACCA’s Technician's Guide for Quality Installations and ACCA Standard 9: HVAC Quality Installation Verification Protocols. These standards address quality installation and commissioning requirements for vapor compression cooling systems, heat pumps, and combustion and hydronic heating systems.

    • Verify that any baseboard emitters installed are large enough to deliver the capacity needed.
    • Ensure a minimum of a 20°F temperature differential between the supply and return temperatures under design conditions.
    • Ensure that the temperature setting on the boiler reset curve is below the boiler’s high limit setting.
    • Verify that the warm weather shutoff is high enough to prevent no-heat situations during the swing seasons.
    • Verify that the outdoor reset sensor has been placed away from any exhaust vents including kitchen, bath, dryer, and mechanical system vents and that it will not be in direct sunlight during any portion of the day.
    Climate
    Climate

    The map in Figure 1 shows the climate zones for states that have adopted energy codes equivalent to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2009, 12, 15, and 18. The map in Figure 2 shows the climate zones for states that have adopted energy codes equivalent to the IECC 2021. Climate zone-specific requirements specified in the IECC are shown in the Compliance Tab of this guide. 

    Figure 1. Climate Zone Map from IECC 2009, 12, 15, and 18.
    Figure 1. Climate Zone Map from IECC 2009, 12, 15, and 18. (Source: 2012 IECC)

     

    Climate Zone Map from IECC 2021.
    Figure 2. Climate Zone Map from IECC 2021. (Source: 2021 IECC)

     

    Cold Climates

    In cold climates, in addition to proper sizing, it is critical to use sealed-combustion, direct-vent, or power-vented equipment. It is also critical to make sure that the air intake and exhaust discharge vents are located sufficiently above anticipated snow line. The intake should be sufficiently separated from the exhaust vent to prevent frost buildup on the cold air intake pipe. The exhaust discharge must be sufficiently high so that frozen condensation that may accumulate on the ground will not block the exhaust pipe. Condensate lines should be directed to an indoor drain.

    Training
    Right and Wrong Images
    Image
    Right - The home’s high-efficiency gas boiler provides domestic hot water as well as in-floor radiant heat, while a high-efficiency heat pump provides cooling and a secondary source of heating.
    Right - The home’s high-efficiency gas boiler provides domestic hot water as well as in-floor radiant heat, while a high-efficiency heat pump provides cooling and a secondary source of heating.
    Image
    Right - A high-efficiency (95 AFUE) wall-hung gas-fired boiler heats water for the hydro-coil space heating system and also provides a back-up for the solar hot water system.
    Right - A high-efficiency (95 AFUE) wall-hung gas-fired boiler heats water for the hydro-coil space heating system and also provides a back-up for the solar hot water system.
    Image
    Gas-fired condensing boiler is installed as a direct vent appliance
    Gas-fired condensing boiler is installed as a direct vent appliance
    Image
    Right – This sealed combustion gas furnace has a fresh air intake with an electronically controlled damper.
    Right – This sealed combustion gas furnace has a fresh air intake with an electronically controlled damper.
    Image
    Right – A mat is installed to contain radiant floor loops which distribute hot water from this home’s combi boiler.
    Right – A mat is installed to contain radiant floor loops which distribute hot water from this home’s combi boiler.
    Compliance

    Compliance

    The Compliance tab contains both program and code information. Code language is excerpted and summarized below. For exact code language, refer to the applicable code, which may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

     

    ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, Version 3/3.1 (Rev. 11)

    The ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home is the set of efficiency features modeled to determine the ENERGY STAR ERI [energy rating index] Target for each home pursuing certification. Therefore, while the features below are not mandatory, if they are not used then other measures will be needed to achieve the ENERGY STAR ERI Target. In addition, note that the Mandatory Requirements for All Certified Homes, Exhibit 2 [see list below], contain additional requirements such as total duct leakage limits, minimum allowed insulation levels, and minimum allowed fenestration performance. Therefore, EPA recommends that partners review the documents in Exhibit 2 prior to selecting measures.

    Please note that the Reference Design Home HVAC efficiencies for Version 3.1 differ from those for Version 3.0. Please see the  ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes Implementation Timeline for the program version and revision currently applicable in in your state.

    Version 3.0 - Exhibit 1 ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home.
    Version 3.0 Exhibit 1: ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home. (Source: ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, Version (Rev. 11).)

     

    Version 3.1 - Exhibit 1 ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home.
    Version 3.1 Exhibit 1: ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home. (Source: ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, Version (Rev. 11).)

     

    Exhibit 2 of the National Program Requirements for ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Version 3/3.1 (Rev. 09) requires that homes complete the following checklists:

    Exhibit 2: Mandatory Requirements for All Certified Homes Version 3/3.1 (Rev. 11)
    Version 3/3.1 Exhibit 2: Mandatory Requirements for All Certified Homes. (Source: ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, Version (Rev. 11).)

     

    Rater Field Checklist

    HVAC System.
    10. Combustion Appliances.
    10.1 Furnaces, boilers, & water heaters are mechanically drafted or direct-vented. Alternatives in Footnote 66. 64, 65, 66

    Footnote 64) The pressure boundary is the primary enclosure boundary separating indoor and outdoor air. For example, a volume that has more leakage to outside than to conditioned space would be outside the pressure boundary.

    Footnote 65) Per the 2009 International Mechanical Code, a direct-vent appliance is one that is constructed and installed so that all air for combustion is derived from the outdoor atmosphere and all flue gases are discharged to the outside atmosphere; a mechanical draft system is a venting system designed to remove flue or vent gases by mechanical means consisting of an induced draft portion under non-positive static pressure or a forced draft portion under positive static pressure; and a natural draft system is a venting system designed to remove flue or vent gases under nonpositive static vent pressure entirely by natural draft.

    Footnote 66) This item only applies to furnaces, boilers, and water heaters located within the home’s pressure boundary. Naturally drafted equipment is allowed within the home’s pressure boundary in Climate Zones 1-3 if the Rater has followed ANSI / ACCA 12 QH-2014, Section 3.2.2, Appendix A Sections A2.2.6, A3 (Carbon Monoxide Test), A4 (Depressurization Test for the Combustion Appliance Zone), and verified that the equipment meets the limits defined within.

     

    DOE Zero Energy Ready Home (Revision 07)

    Exhibit 1 Mandatory Requirements.
    Exhibit 1, Item 1) Certified under the ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes Program or the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program.

    Exhibit 2 DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Target Home.
    The U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home program allows builders to choose a prescriptive or performance path. The DOE Zero Energy Ready Home prescriptive path requires builders to meet or exceed the minimum HVAC efficiencies listed in Exhibit 2 of the National Program Requirements (Rev 07), as shown below. The DOE Zero Energy Ready Home performance path allows builders to select a custom combination of measures for each home that is equivalent in performance to the minimum HERS index of a modeled target home that meets the requirements of Exhibit 2 as well as the mandatory requirements of Zero Energy Ready Home Exhibit 1.

    DOE ZERH Target Home HVAC Equipment Requirements.
    DOE ZERH Target Home HVAC Equipment Requirements. (Source: DOE Zero Energy Ready Home (Revision 07).)

     

    2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

    403.1 Each heating and cooling system should have its own thermostat.

    403.2 Ducts - Insulate supply ducts in attics to at least R-8 and all other ducts to at least R-6. Duct tightness shall be verified as described in 403.2.2 Sealing.

    403.3 Mechanical system piping capable of carrying fluids >105°F or < 55°F must be insulated to at least R-3.

    403.6 Heating equipment sizing shall be in accordance with Section M1401.2 of the International Residential Code.

    2012 IECC

    R403.1 Each heating and cooling system should have its own programmable thermostat.

    403.2 Ducts - Insulate supply ducts in attics to at least R-8 and all other ducts to at least R-6. Duct tightness shall be verified as described in 403.2.2 Sealing. The air handler shall have a manufacturer’s designation showing air leakage is no more than 2% of the design air flow rate when tested in accordance with ASHRAE 193.

    R403.3 Mechanical system piping capable of carrying fluids >105°F or < 55°F must be insulated to at least R-3. Piping insulation exposed to weather must be protected from damage cause by sunlight, moisture, equipment, and wind. The protection cannot be provided by adhesive tape.

    403.6 Heating and cooling equipment shall be sized in accordance with ACCA Manual S based on building loads calculated in accordance with ACCA Manual J or other approved heating and cooling calculation methods.

    20152018, and 2021 IECC

    R403.1 Each heating and cooling system should have its own thermostat. If the primary heating system is a forced-air furnace at least one thermostat must be programmable.

    R403.2 Hot water boilers that supply heat to the building through one- or two-pipe heating systems shall have an outdoor setback control that lowers the boiler water temperature based on the outdoor temperature.

    Section 403.3.1 Insulation (Prescriptive).  Supply and return ducts  in attics insulated to at least R-8 if 3 inches in diameter or more or R-6 if less than 3 inches.  All other ducts insulated to at least R-6 if 3 inches in diameter or more and R-4.2 if less than 3 inches. Duct tightness verified as described in R403.3.2 Sealing. The air handler shall have a manufacturer’s designation showing air leakage is no more than 2% of the design air flow rate when tested in accordance with ASHRAE 193.

    R403.4 Mechanical system piping capable of carrying fluids >105°F or < 55°F must be insulated to at least R-3. Piping insulation exposed to weather must be protected from damage cause by sunlight, moisture, equipment, and wind. The protection cannot be provided by adhesive tape.

    403.7 Heating and cooling equipment shall be sized in accordance with ACCA Manual S based on building loads calculated in accordance with ACCA Manual J or other approved heating and cooling calculation methods.

    Retrofit:  2009, 2012, 2015, 2018,  and 2021 IECC

    Section R101.4.3 (in 2009 and 2012). Additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs shall conform to the provisions of this code, without requiring the unaltered portions of the existing building to comply with this code. (See code for additional requirements and exceptions.)

    Chapter 5 (in 2015, 2018, 2021). The provisions of this chapter shall control the alteration, repair, addition, and change of occupancy of existing buildings and structures.

     

    2009, 2012, 20152018, and 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)

    Comply with all relevant sections of the applicable International Residential Code, including pertinent sections of Chapter 13: General Mechanical System Requirements, Chapter 14: Heating and Cooling Equipment, Chapter 20 Boilers and Water Heaters, Chapter 21 Hydronic Piping, and Chapter 24 Fuel Gas.

    Section M1441.3 states that condensate from cooling coils and evaporators should be disposed of to an approved location (in order to prevent nuisance) and describes requirements for the condensate disposal.

    Retrofit:  2009, 2012, 2015, 2018,  and 2021 IRC

    Section R102.7.1 Additions, alterations, or repairs. Additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs shall conform to the provisions of this code, without requiring the unaltered portions of the existing building to comply with the requirements of this code, unless otherwise stated. (See code for additional requirements and exceptions.)

    Appendix J regulates the repair, renovation, alteration, and reconstruction of existing buildings and is intended to encourage their continued safe use.

     

    2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC)

    Comply with all relevant sections. Note, Chapter 2 - Definitions defines categories of combustion appliances based on venting type.

     

    Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Standards

    ACCA Manual S. Residential Equipment Selection, American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/ACCA 3-Manual S-2004, provides information on how to select and size heating and cooling equipment to meet Manual J loads based on local climate and ambient conditions at the building site. Manual S covers sizing strategies for all types of cooling and heating equipment, as well as comprehensive manufacturers’ performance data on sensible, latent, or heating capacity for various operating conditions.

    ACCA Manual D: Residential Duct Systems, ANSI/ACCA 1-Manual D-2011, provides ANSI-recognized duct sizing principles and calculations that apply to all duct materials; the system operating point (supply cfm and external static pressure) and airway sizing for single-speed and multi-speed (ECM) blowers; a method for determining the impact of duct friction and fitting pressure drop on blower performance and air delivery; and equivalent length data.

    ACCA Manual J: Residential Load Calculation, ANSI/ACCA 2-Manual J-2011, provides information for calculating heating and cooling loads for equipment sizing for single-family detached homes, small multi-unit structures, condominiums, town houses, and manufactured homes.

    ACCA Standard 5: Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) Quality Installation Specification, ANSI/ACCA 5 QI-2010, details nationally recognized criteria for the proper installation of residential and commercial HVAC systems, including forced air furnaces, boilers, air conditioners, and heat pumps. The Standard covers aspects of design, installation, and distribution systems, as well as necessary documentation. The Technician’s Guide for Quality Installation, produced by ACCA, explains the HVAC Quality Installation (QI) Specification and provides detailed procedures for the steps technicians must complete and document to show compliance with the HVAC QI Specification.

    ACCA Standard 9: HVAC Quality Installation Verification Protocols, ANSI/ACCA 9 QIVP-2009, specifies the protocols to verify the installation of HVAC systems in accordance with ACCA Standard 5. The protocols provide guidance to contractors, verifiers, and administrators who participate in verification efforts using independent objective and qualified third parties to ensure that an HVAC installation meets the requirements in Standard 5.

     

    National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA-54 2015)

    The products of combustion from a gas-fired furnace (non-condensing) are vented out of the building using specific types of vent pipes made up of different materials depending on the flue gas temperatures, as specified in ANSI Z223.1, the National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA-54 2015), "Table 12.5.1 Type of Venting System to Be Used." Table 1 shows appropriate venting materials for residential vented combustion appliances, excerpted from the NFPA Table 12.5.1.

    Table of Acceptable Venting Types for Different Combustion Appliance Types
    Table 1. Acceptable Venting Types for Different Combustion Appliance Types, excerpted from NFPA 54 2012, the National Fuel Gas Code, Table 12.5.1

     

    See the National Fuel Gas Code for additional relevant requirements.

     

    Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Systems Standards

    Procedures and technical standards by which home energy ratings are conducted including home energy audits.

     

    Retrofit
    Existing Homes

    SCOPE

    Assess the need for replacing or upgrading the HVAC system.

    Review the guide Pre-Retrofit Assessment of Combustion Appliances to ensure safe conditions exist and unsafe conditions won’t be introduced if combustion appliances are upgraded or replaced or if other energy-efficiency upgrades are made to a home with combustion appliances. 

    For more information on gas-fired boilers, see the U.S. Department of Energy’s Standard Work Specifications regarding gas-fired boilers.

    DESCRIPTION

    Assessment

    The typical lifespan of HVAC equipment is 15 to 20 years, but boilers can often last for many decades. New equipment has much higher efficiencies, safety, control flexibility, and performance capabilities. Existing equipment should be carefully assessed to determine whether an investment in repairs, upgrades, or expansion is warranted. See the following BASC guides and resources for information to aid in making this determination. The guides also contain important safety and health information for dealing with older homes and equipment.

    Replacement

    Although replacement of HVAC equipment can be costly and labor-intensive, it often reaps large rewards in energy cost savings and comfort. Use existing utility bills, the estimated cost of replacement equipment, the nameplate efficiencies of potential new equipment, and the savings estimates in Table 1 to roughly determine expected energy cost savings resulting from the replacement of existing HVAC equipment with equipment having higher rated efficiencies.

    Table 1. Annual Estimated Savings for Every $100 of Heating Costs. (Source: www.energysavers.gov)
    Existing System AFUE New/Upgraded System AFUE
      75% 80% 85% 90% 95%
    50% $33 $38 $41 $44 $47
    55% $27 $31 $35 $39 $42
    60% $20 $25 $29 $33 $38
    65% $13 $19 $24 $28 $32
    70% $7 $13 $18 $22 $26
    75% - $7 $12 $17 $21
    80% - - $6 $11 $16
    85% - - - $6 $11
    90% - - - - $5
    *Assuming the same heat output

    If a decision is made to replace the equipment, it can be replaced in-kind or with a different type of system.

    A moderate change to a hydronic heating system would retain the piping and terminal units and simply replace the traditional boiler with a condensing boiler, which often provides comfort advantages (due to controllability) in addition to higher efficiency. See the article titled Features and Advantages of Condensing Boilers for an overview.

    A bigger change would be a ductless air source heat pump. Several models are now available that can reliably and comfortably provide heating at lower outside temperatures than was previously possible, and may now be considered a reasonable replacement in colder regions, depending on the climate zone and building enclosure. They offer the added benefit of cooling from the same equipment. Ductless air-source heat pumps eliminate the need to install ducts if no ducts currently exist in the home.

    If the existing boiler for a radiant heating system is also serving the domestic water heating system, a change to a different type of HVAC system will require a new, independent domestic hot water heater as well.

    See the following Solution Center guides for more information on other types of HVAC systems:   

    Repair/Upgrade

    Full system maintenance is often overlooked by homeowners who don’t understand the strong relationship between general maintenance and performance. Proper inspection and maintenance of the equipment can yield significant improvements in performance, especially in steam and hot water heating systems. See Boiler Inspections for Safety, Life and Efficiency for guidance.

    A “water-logged pressure tank” can cause poor heating control and air entrainment in the system. The following manufacturer website gives step-by-step instructions to remedy this condition: Fixing an Expansion Tank with Excess Water.

    Some basic descriptions and maintenance tips for the expansion tanks in hydronic heating systems can be found in these articles from Contractor Magazine:

    The Air Conditioning Contractors of America Association, Inc. (ACCA) is one of the best sources for guidance on the design, sizing, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of radiant hydronic HVAC equipment. An overview of the guidance and training they offer can be found on the ACCA website under Radiant & Hydronics - ACCA.

    Their free Quality Standards can be found on the ACCA website.

    Useful documents available for download from the ACCA website include the following:

    Additions

    If additional rooms will be added to the home, or if an attic, basement, or garage will be converted to living space, it may be possible to add terminal units to the existing boiler if an accurate load calculation is performed and confirms that the boiler has sufficient capacity. Install the new radiators or convectors where needed. If possible, install independent zone controls (i.e., the zone valve is controlled by a dedicated thermostat) to provide optimum comfort and efficiency.

    SUCCESS

    Some very old gas or oil furnaces and boilers may have asbestos jacketing or insulation on the equipment, piping, and even ductwork. See the EPA’s website Information for Owners and Managers of Buildings that Contain Asbestos for more on remediating asbestos.

    COMPLIANCE

    Check with the Authority Having Jurisdiction to determine if upgrade or expansion to existing HVAC equipment requires compliance with current codes.

    See Compliance tab. 

    More

    More Info.

    Access to some references may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

    Case Studies
    References and Resources*
    Author(s)
    Air Conditioning Contractors of America
    Organization(s)
    ACCA
    Publication Date
    Description
    The Technician's Guide equips practitioners with the knowledge to properly implement all of the measurement procedures required in the HVAC QI Specification.
    Author(s)
    Arena Lois
    Organization(s)
    Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings,
    CARB,
    Steven Winter Associates,
    SWA,
    National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
    NREL
    Publication Date
    Description
    Document intended for designers and installers of hydronic heating systems interested in maximizing the overall system efficiency of condensing boilers when coupled with baseboard convectors. It is applicable to new and retrofit projects.
    Author(s)
    Arena Lois
    Organization(s)
    Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings,
    CARB,
    Steven Winter Associates,
    SWA,
    National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
    NREL
    Publication Date
    Description
    Report providing step-by-step instructions for heating contractors and hydronic designers for selecting the proper control settings to maximize system performance and improve response time when using a thermostat setback.
    Author(s)
    American Society of Mechanical Engineers
    Organization(s)
    ASME
    Publication Date
    Description
    Standard covering requirements for the assembly, installation, maintenance, and operation of controls and safety devices on automatically operated boilers directly fired with gas, oil, gas-oil, or electricity, having fuel input ratings under 12,500,000 Btu/hr. This version of the code was published...
    Author(s)
    Baechler Michael C,
    Gilbride Theresa L,
    Hefty Marye G,
    Cole Pam C,
    Love Pat M
    Organization(s)
    Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
    PNNL,
    Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
    ORNL
    Publication Date
    Description
    Guide describing measures that builders in the cold and very cold climates can take to build homes that have whole-house energy savings of 40% over the Building America benchmark with no added overall costs for consumers.
    Author(s)
    RESNET
    Organization(s)
    RESNET
    Publication Date
    Description
    RESNET standards aimed to ensure that accurate and consistent home energy ratings are performed by accredited home energy rating providers through their raters nationwide.
    Author(s)
    International Code Council
    Organization(s)
    ICC
    Publication Date
    Description
    2012 edition of code establishing a baseline for the design and installation of fuel gas systems and gas fired appliances through performance requirements.
    Author(s)
    HPAC Engineering
    Organization(s)
    HPAC Engineering
    Publication Date
    Description
    An engineering design guide for hydronic heat loops, discussing the features and advantages of condensing boilers.
    Author(s)
    Kleva Stephen
    Organization(s)
    Contractor Magazine
    Publication Date
    Description
    Article explaining the importance of regular inspections of boiler systems in maintaining their safety, lifespan, and efficiency.
    Author(s)
    PEX Universe
    Organization(s)
    PEX Universe
    Publication Date
    Description
    A webpage discussing how water heater expansion tanks operate and how to repair them.
    Author(s)
    Kleva Stephen
    Organization(s)
    Contractor Magazine
    Publication Date
    Description
    Article explaining the importance of regular inspections of boiler systems in maintaining their safety, lifespan, and efficiency.
    Author(s)
    HPAC Engineering
    Organization(s)
    HPAC Engineering
    Publication Date
    Description
    An engineering design guide for hydronic heat loops, discussing the features and advantages of condensing boilers.
    Author(s)
    Gilbride Theresa L,
    Baechler Michael C,
    Hefty Marye G,
    Hand James R,
    Love Pat M
    Organization(s)
    Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
    PNNL,
    Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
    ORNL
    Publication Date
    Description
    Report providing information about energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) equipment options to help homeowners cut their energy use, reduce their carbon footprint, and increase their homes comfort, health, and safety.
    Author(s)
    Air Conditioning Contractors of America
    Organization(s)
    ACCA
    Publication Date
    Description
    Standard providing a universally accepted definition for quality installation for residential and commercial heating, ventilating, and air conditioning applications.
    Author(s)
    Air Conditioning Contractors of America
    Organization(s)
    ACCA
    Publication Date
    Description
    This Standard establishes the minimum requirements to evaluate a residence with regards to energy efficiency, water conservation, occupant comfort, and indoor air quality.
    Author(s)
    Air Conditioning Contractors of America
    Organization(s)
    ACCA
    Publication Date
    Description
    Document detailing the requirements, roles, and obligations for participants in an organized effort, ensuring that HVAC installations comply with the ANSI/ACCA 5 QI – 2010 (HVAC Quality Installation Specification) QI Standard.
    *For non-dated media, such as websites, the date listed is the date accessed.
    Contributors to this Guide

    The following authors and organizations contributed to the content in this Guide.

    Sales
    Building Science Measures
    Building Science-to-Sales Translator

    High-Efficiency Gas Boiler = High-Efficiency Gas Boiler

    Image(s)
    Technical Description

    Gas boilers burn natural gas to heat water and then distribute heat to the home via radiators, a duct system, or radiant floor heating loops. High efficiency gas boilers use sealed-combustion with two ducts that fully isolate the combustion process. This includes one duct that draws combustion air from outside the home and one duct that exhausts flue gases directly outside. Thus, sealed combustion eliminates the possibility of back-drafting harmful flue gases back into the home or consuming too much oxygen. These boilers optimize efficiency with a condensing process that extracts heat from exhaust gases with a secondary heat exchanger. High-efficiency gas boilers meet ENERGY STAR requirements for efficiency. Ultra-efficient gas boilers meet or exceed the criteria for ENERGY STAR’s “Most Efficient.”

    High-Efficiency Gas Boiler
    Sales Message

    High-efficiency gas boilers provide heating with less wasted energy and complete safety from back-drafting. What this means to you is less cost to keep you and your family comfortable. Wouldn’t you agree it’s important to take advantage of proven advanced technologies in all homes?

    Last Updated

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