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Service Water Heating Requirements
All of the applicable general requirements from the 2000 International Energy Conservation Code must be met regardless of which compliance method is chosen.
Equipment Efficiency
Like heating and cooling system efficiencies, water heaters also have efficiency requirements. The term Energy Factor (EF) is used to describe a water heater's efficiency. EF is a rating similar to the miles per gallon rating for cars and factors in energy efficiency and standby loss.
The EF is superseded by NAECA:
- The National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) supersedes the minimum efficiency requirements addressed in the IECC.
- NAECA applies to heating, cooling, and water-heating systems.
- The manufacturer must comply with NAECA, so the equipment purchased by the builder should automatically comply with the provisions.
Swimming Pools
Heated pools:
- Pool heaters must have an ON-OFF switch
- Must be equipped with a pool cover
- Exception: if pool is heated 20% by a non-depletable source (yes, this is difficult to determine and will ultimately be up to the jurisdiction)
All pools:
- Time clocks for circulation pumps - allows pump to be run at times when electric demand is lower and can be set to run for the minimum time necessary to keep the water clean and sanitary
Benefits of a pool cover
For outdoor pools:
- eliminates evaporative losses
- covers can save up to 50% on energy consumption
For indoor pools:
- eliminates evaporative losses
- reduces or eliminates the need for humidity control
Pump Operation
For circulating hot water systems, an on-off switch is required to turn the pump off when the system is not in operation.
Pipe Insulation
Minimum Pipe Insulation (thickness in inches)
| SERVICE WATER-HEATING TEMPERATURES (°F) | PIPE SIZESa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noncirculating runouts | Circulating mains and runouts | |||
| Up to 1" | Up to 1.25" | 1.5" to 2" | Over 2" | |
| 170-180 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 2.0 |
| 140-169 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.5 |
| 100-139 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1.0 |
a. Nominal iron pipe size and insulation thickness.
Exception: Piping insulation isn't required if the heat loss of the piping, without insulation, does not increase the annual energy requirements of the building.
Benefits of piping insulation on hot water systems
- Insulation is essential in reducing the energy wasted to get the hot water where it needs to be
- One-inch of insulation on SWH pipes could result in a 50% reduction in the heat lost during distribution
Summary
- NAECA supercedes the SWH minimum efficiency requirements in the IECC.
- Pool heaters must have an ON-OFF switch.
- Time clocks are required for circulation pumps.
- The 2000 IECC includes insulation requirements for circulation system pipes.
Test Your Knowledge
The term EF (efficiency factor) is used for water heaters.
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Time clocks for circulation pumps are only required for heated pools.
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