Table 1: Commercial Issues from the ANSI/ACCA 5 QI-2007 Standard – HVAC Quality Installation Specification

Section / Heading / Description / Suggested Revision
1.0 Purpose
ALL / GENERAL COMMENT / This specification establishes minimum criteria for use by stakeholders concerned withthe proper installation, maintenance, and servicing of HVAC systems to meet occupantdemands for energy efficiency, comfort, and IAQ in residential and commercialapplications. / “This specification establishes minimum criteria for use by contractors, but not limited to other stakeholders concerned with the ….”
2.0 Scope
2.1 / EQUIPMENT APPLICATION / 2.1.2 Residential Equipment section lists Unitary air conditioners and air-source/water-source heat pumps up to 65,000 btu/h. / “2.1.2 Residential and Small Commercial Equipment section lists …”
2.1.2 Commercial Equipment section lists Unitary air conditioners and air-source/water-source heat pumps greater than 65,000 btu/h. Note: Built up systems are not included in standard. / While it is noted that Built-up systems are not included, it may be helpful to refer to ASHRAE standards on commissioning as a reference point.
3.0 Equipment Aspects
3.3 / MATCHED SYSTEMS / 3.3.1 Requirements section is a reference to appropriate sites for equipment listings such as GAMA, ARI and CEE/ARI database. / Currently refers to ARI directory, needs to be replaced with new AHRI link.
4.0 Equipment Installation Aspects
4.1 / AIRFLOW ACROSS INDOOR HEAT EXCHANGERS / The contractor shall verify that the airflow across the indoor heat exchanger is withinacceptable ranges. / If this is a commercial standard there needs to be some inclusion for minimum ventilation air. As long as |RA-OA|>10F this is a much easier measurement than charge – very important (and currently neglected) for commercial. 62.1 is NOT THAT complicated for single zone constant volume systems.It would be a service if ACCA training materials walked the contractor through a simple example of 62.1 for constant volume systems. This is one thing that could be documented/certified at installation so a follow up does not require re-measurement. This is one thing that could be documented/certified at installation so a follow up does not require re-measurement.
4.6 / SYSTEM CONTROLS / 4.6.1 Requirements section ensures evidence that controls are compatible with equipment and functioning. Includes thermostats, economizer controls, as examples. / The standard should include a list of what particular controls should be verified for particular system types, not just examples and then how they can be verified (what procedures).
4.6.2 Acceptable Procedures identifies confirmation, supporting OEM procedures and verification of correct cycling procedures. / References to acceptable acceptance testing should be provided. California Title 24 acceptance testing is a good starting point also the Core Performance Guide is a great reference
5.0 Duct Distribution Aspects
ALL / GENERAL COMMENTS / This section focuses on Duct Leakage and Air Flow Balance. / There is nothing here or in equipment selection (or even in Appendix 1) about duct sizing. In light commercial settings ducts are undersized or poorly installed, resulting in poor airflow. Quasi addressed by airflow (see note in 3.2.2) The issue here is not about whose duct layout is better, but that someone calculated the required static pressure, selected the fan motor appropriately, and there were no horrible tangles or transitions in the ductwork. This could be verified by attaching calculations to the documentation.