The 2009 Seattle Energy Code (and Washington State Energy Code), Section 1411.1, last sentence of the first paragraph, requires that products covered under tables 14-1A through 14-1G be listed in a nationally recognized certification program. Tables 14-1A(3) and 14-1A(4) of the 2009 Seattle Energy Code specify minimum equipment efficiencies for variable refrigerant flow (VRF) equipment and cite Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) Standard 1230 as the test procedure.
AHRI worked with VRF manufacturers for several years to develop the certification program for AHRI Standard 1230. During the last year VRF manufacturers have submitted data to AHRI. AHRI now has reviewed the applications for a range of products from the major manufacturers in the field.
In September 2011, AHRI announced the launch of their 37th certification program, one for variable refrigerant flow (VRF) equipment covered under AHRI Standard 1230. Major manufacturers of VRF equipment have products listed in the program. For more information see the AHRI website at www.ahrinet.org.
Consequently, permit applications that include VRF equipment need to demonstrate that the VRF equipment has AHRI certification (i.e. VRF equipment efficiency needs to be determined in accordance with AHRI Standard 1230 and certified in the AHRI Certification Program).
Hard copies of the 2009 Seattle Energy Code are available for purchase at the DPD Applicant Services Center on the 20th floor of the Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 5th Ave. An electronic version of the entire
2009 Seattle Energy Code (2 MB) is posted and linked from the 2009 Seattle Energy Code update page: www.seattle.gov/DPD/Codes/Energy_Code/Overview/2009_ecupdate.asp.
Work is underway to update the Seattle Energy Code website. See the “2009 Seattle Energy Code Update” link in the upper right hand corner of the Seattle Energy Code homepage: www.seattle.gov/dpd/energy. New material will be posted as it becomes available.
For further information, contact John Hogan at john.hogan@seattle.gov, or (206) 386-9145. For Energy Code questions, please contact Shailesh Desai at shailesh.desai@seattle.gov, or (206) 233-7860.