REFERENCE GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL BPI EXAMS compiled to assist you by A. Tamasin Sterner President and Chief Coach December 2014
Major Standards of Reference BPI Exams Note - All BPI exams are based on a mixture of industry practices, axiomatic concepts 1, and major standards of references. No singular source exists that could touch upon every aspect of what is considered testable. Conversely, there is no limit to the potential useful material found in print and online. All BPI certifications have a testable knowledge list (or JTA) that defines what material is fair game for the exams. Skilled Building Performance Certifications/Multifamily/RBE Building Analyst BPI 1200 Envelope BPI 1200 BPI-104 Envelope Professional Heating BPI 1200 Heating Professional AC & Heat Pump BPI 1200 AC & Heat Pump Professional Manufactured Housing Manufactured Housing Professional Multifamily Building Analyst Multifamily Building Analyst Professional Multifamily Building Operator (Multifamily Energy Efficient Building Operator) Multifamily Energy Efficient Building Operator RBE-WHALCI N/A this is a hand s on exam requiring fundamental knowledge HEP Energy Auditor BPI-1100 Home Energy Auditing Standard Building Analyst Professional Saturn Energy Auditor Field Guide ASHRAE 62.2-2010 Quality Control Inspector SWS Standard Work Specification Building Analyst Professional ASHRAE 62.2-2010 Retrofit Installer SWS Standard Work Specification Building Analyst Professional ASHRAE 62.2-2010 Crew Leader SWS Standard Work Specification Building Analyst Professional ASHRAE 62.2-2010 1 An axiomatic concept is something implicit that requires no proof or explanation (e.g., the sum of 2 and 2 is 4, or my favorite, gravity, if you let go of something it will fall to a lower level). mda 4/24/14
BPI BUILDING ANALYST STANDARDS COMPARISON STANDARD/TOPIC OLD NEW standards to follow for testing one 17 page document three documents: BPI-1100; BPI-1200; Testing Knowledge List customer interview not required required baseload use nothing required estimate baseload by using software building airflow standards ASHRAE 62.89 references ASHRAE 62.2-2013 - ventilation calculation required mechanical ventilation not specified must measure exhaust fan flow in CFMs duct testing not specific pressure pan tests required draft pressure measurement CO and spillage tests minimum acceptable draft pressure for the temperature during the test the old table had different actions based on different levels of CO in the flue gasses and the spillage test failed if the appliance spilled for longer than 60 seconds no draft pressure measurement; only spillage and CO spillage ends by 1 minute and doesn t start again within 5 minutes, and spillage occurs but stops by 5 minutes, and/or spillage continues past 5 minutes, and/or the CO level is under the CO THRESHOLD limit and doesn t go over the limit the CO level is over the CO THRESHOLD but drops to under the CO THRESHOLD by 5 minutes the CO level is over the CO threshold limit at 5 minutes no action required (unless the CO level continued to rise after the 5 minute mark recommend service appliance must be serviced spillage ends by 1 minute, and spillage occurs but stops by 2 minutes, and spillage continues past 2 minutes, and/or the CO level is under the CO threshold limit the CO level is over the CO threshold but drops to under the CO threshold by 5 minutes the CO level is over the CO threshold limit at 5 minutes no action required recommend service appliance must be serviced CO test hole sealing not required required to be sealed with industry or manufacturer s approved materials customer audit report none required required radon nothing required information required disclosure nothing required disclosure required cost-benefit analysis and prioritized recommendations nothing required required wood and coal burning appliances nothing required inspect for safe operation; inspect installation unvented combustion appliances not allowed but no action required inspect for ambient CO and CO in flue gasses gas range stove top burners recommendations, but no action levels CO alarm specs follow NFPA 720 HVAC appliance efficiency efficiency test not required must test for efficiency; test for temperature rise gas leak detection equipment not specified must tick and must alarm at 10% LEL CO test equipment (ambient and in flue gasses) testing range not specified must be able to measure 0 ppm to 2000 ppm gas leak testing procedure and action level nothing specified evacuate if exceed 10% of the LEL ambient CO action level 35 ppm - shut off and evacuate 9 ppm to 35 ppm - advise and investigate 36 ppm to 69 ppm - advise and turn off appliances 70 ppm or more - evacuate oil fired equipment nothing specified inspection standards chimneys and venting nothing specified inspection required CAZ depressurization CO in flue gasses action levels zone pressure testing maximum allowable CAZ depressurization wasn t clear if the CO Action Levels were based on CO Air Free or CO required to be sure the attics and garages were fully separated post work no maximum allowable CAZ depressurization; act according to the spillage testing; prescribed set-up procedures use CO AIR FREE see CO THRESHOLDS TABLE from BPI 1200 required, plus an estimate of leakage reduction that may be achieved by sealing leaks between zones written exam written exam field exam field exam principles of using computer software to model the energy upgrade potentials of a home developing a work scope for customers measure exhaust fan flow pressure pan ducts
CO THRESHOLDS APPLIANCE Central Furnace (all categories) Floor Furnace Gravity Furnace Wall Furnace (BIV) Wall Furnace (Direct Vent) Vented Room Heater Vent-Free Room Heater Water Heater Oven / Boiler Top Burner Clothes Dryer Refrigerator Gas Log (gas fireplace) Gas Log (installed in wood burning fireplace) THRESHOLD LIMIT 400 ppm 1 air free 2, 3 400 ppm air free 400 ppm air free 200 ppm air free 400 ppm air free 200 ppm air free 200 ppm air free 200 ppm air free 225 ppm as measured 25 ppm as measured (per burner) 400 ppm air free 25 ppm as measured 25 ppm as measured in vent 400 ppm air free in firebox 1. Parts per million 2. Air free emission levels are based on a mathematical equation (involving carbon monoxide and oxygen or carbon dioxide readings) to convert an actual diluted flue gas carbon monoxide testing sample to an undiluted air free flue gas carbon monoxide level utilized in the appliance certification standards. For natural gas or propane, using as-measured CO ppm and O2 percentage: Where: COAFppm = Carbon monoxide, air-free ppm COppm = As-measured combustion gas carbon monoxide ppm O2 = Percentage of oxygen in combustion gas, as a percentage 3. An alternate method of calculating the CO air free when access to an Oxygen meter is not available: Where: UCO2 = Ultimate concentration of carbon dioxide for the fuel being burned in percent for natural gas (12.2 percent) and propane (14.0 percent) CO2 = Measured concentration of carbon dioxide in combustion products in percent CO = Measured concentration of carbon monoxide in combustion products in percent BUILDING ANALYST RECERTIFICATION NO EXAMS NECESSARY If you have 30 or more CEUs. 6 must be from attending training in computer software modeling and work scope development. AND You have 3000 or more hours of relevant work experience during the time you have been BA certified or you have been BA certified for 9 consecutive years. AND You pay BPI. See bpi.org for details TAKE THE WRITTEN EXAM ONLY If you have 10-29 CEUs AND You have 3000 or more hours of relevant work experience during the time you have been BA certified or you have been BA certified for 9 consecutive years. Pay the Test Center for the exam. TAKE BOTH EXAMS If you have fewer than 10 CEUs OR You don t have 3000 or more hours of relevant work experience during the time you have been BA certified or you not have been BA certified for 9 consecutive years. Pay the Test Center for both exams. 8/14 ThermaViewEnergy.com COACH PureEnergyCoach.com No portion of this may be used or reproduced without the consent and permission of Pure Energy Coach LLC
2/1/2014 BUILDING ANALYST Field Guide 3 Fuel Delivery Correctly inspected gas/propane system for leaks/potential problems - NON-SCORABLE Calibrate combustible gas detector (CGD) outside Appropriate locations checked with appropriate speed Mentioned method of verifying significant gas/propane leak (bubble solution) - ask 3 Combustion Safety Tests Correctly identified heating/cooling system types Visual inspection of venting system for problems - NON-SCORABLE Determined condition accurately Correctly set up for natural conditions Correctly recorded pressure differential in the CAZ prior to turning on exhaust appliances Correctly set up home in worst case condition - NON-SCORABLE All exhaust appliances running Correct door closures - measured quantitatively or qualitatively Air handler operation impact checked accurately Correctly checked for worst case spillage in heating system Correctly determined if the appliance passes the spillage test Correctly checked for worst case spillage in the domestic water heater Correctly determined if the appliance passes the spillage test 3 CO Testing Correctly tested ambient CO indoors compared to outdoors Correctly measured heating system flue gas CO during combustion safety testing Correctly measured domestic water heater flue gas CO during combustion safety testing Appropriately applied BPI action levels based on test results for CO in flue Correctly monitored ambient CO levels in the CAZ during entire combustion safety testing Correctly tested for CO in oven 4 Heating System Distribution (Hydronic and Forced Air) Properly identified supplies and returns on hydronic systems Properly identified supplies and returns on ducted distribution systems 2 Infiltration Evaluation Combustion appliances set to pilot or disabled Proper set up of the blower door frame/shroud/fan Proper set up of the manometer Proper house setup for testing Correctly measured baseline pressure differential Accurate CFM50 measurement Correctly measured existing ventilation fan flow Conducted sample room by room inspection with blower door running Correctly demonstrated usage of the pressure pan 6 Domestic Water Heater Inspection Correctly identified type of domestic water heater Accurately determined condition of basic safety controls
CAZ DEPRESSURIZATION INSTRUCTIONS According to BPI 1200 Standards Follow this protocol when NATURAL DRAFT or CATEGORY 1 appliances that have DRAFT HOOD or BAROMETRIC DRAFT CONTROLS and are connected to a NATURAL DRAFT VENTING SYSTEM are present. 1. Check that the indoors is safe: no gas leaks less than 35 ppm CO in the air oil piping safe visual inspection of the appliances passes mechanical ventilation off forced air systems off, including blowers, then 2. Turn on your personal CO alarm. Monitor CO in the air all the time. 3. Close the doors to all rooms (such as bedrooms) except rooms with exhaust fans (such as bathrooms) and rooms with central returns. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Close all CAZ doors. Measure and record the base pressure. This is the pressure in the CAZ with reference to the outdoors. Turn on the dryer, range hood, and bathroom exhaust fans. Measure and record the pressure in the CAZ with reference to the outdoors. Turn on the air handler fan on the thermostat. 9. Measure and record the pressure in the CAZ with reference to the outdoors. a. If the pressure in the CAZ becomes more negative, leave it on. b. If the pressure in the CAZ becomes less negative, turn it off. 10. Open the door between the CAZ and the rest of the building. 11. Measure and record the pressure in the CAZ with reference to the outdoors. a. If the pressure in the CAZ becomes more negative, leave the door open. YOU CAN NOW START TESTING THE COMBUSTION APPLIANCES FOR CO AND SPILLAGE. 12/14 ThermaViewEnergy.com COACH PureEnergyCoach.com No portion of this may be used or reproduced without the consent and permission of Pure Energy Coach LLC
Building Performance Institute, Inc. BPI Standards BPI-1200-S-201x Standard Practice for Basic Analysis of Buildings Raising the Bar in Building Performance Contracting September 26, 2013
Notice BPI standards, bulletins and other technical publications are designed to serve the public interest through eliminating misunderstandings between manufacturers, service providers and purchasers, facilitating interchangeability and improvement of products and services, and assisting the purchaser in selecting and obtaining, with minimum delay, the proper product or service for his or her particular need. Existence of such standards, bulletins and other technical publications shall not in any respect preclude any entity affiliated with BPI (or not) from manufacturing or selling products or services not conforming to such standards, bulletins or other technical publications, nor shall the existence of such standards, bulletins and other technical publications preclude their voluntary use by those unaffiliated with BPI, whether the standard is to be used either domestically or internationally. Standards, bulletins and other technical publications are adopted by BPI in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) patent policy. By such action, BPI does not assume any liability to any patent owner, nor does it assume any obligation whatever to parties adopting the standard, bulletin or other technical publication. This standard does not purport to address all safety problems associated with its use or all applicable regulatory requirements. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations before its use. Formulated under the cognizance of the BPI Standards Technical Committee. 2013 Building Performance Institute, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Introduction (Informative) The Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI) publishes standards for the existing residential building retrofit industry. Although this standard is primarily focused on energy conservation measures and criteria, it does extend beyond these measures to address the building as a whole. The auditor s role may vary depending on the context in which the evaluation is conducted. The auditor may be an independent third party, a sales person working for a contractor or a weatherization inspector; or may also be a person conducting an evaluation of the building for other purposes including post-installation performance verification, quality assurance inspections, or other diagnostic interventions. This standard assumes auditors will also follow in good faith their company policy and also conform to the policies of any participating program sponsor or funding source, as applicable, concerning energy-savings estimates and cost-benefit analysis. The recipient of the results of the evaluation can include property owners, program administrators or other interested parties. i
Table of Contents 1 Scope... 1 2 General Requirements... 1 3 Health and Safety Related Requirements... 1 4 Disclosure and Ethics... 2 5 Cost Benefit Analysis... 2 6 Prioritizing Recommendations... 2 7 Combustion Appliance and Fuel Distribution System Inspection... 2 8 Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation...16 9 Moisture Control...20 10 Building Enclosure Performance...20 11 Heating and Cooling (HVAC) and Domestic Water Heating Performance and Efficiency 24 12 Baseload Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation...27 Annex A BPI-1200-S-201X Referenced Documents (Normative)...30 Annex B Homeowner/Occupant Questionnaire (Informative)...32 Annex C BPI-1200-S-201X Terms and Definitions (Informative)...35 Annex D BPI-1200-S-201X Acronyms (Normative)...38 Annex E BPI-1200-S-201X Relevant Documents (Informative)...40 Annex F Building Performance Institute Types of Standards (Informative)...41 ii
1 Scope This standard practice defines the minimum criteria for conducting building-science-based inspections and diagnostic testing of existing detached single-family dwellings and townhouses that have independent mechanical systems for each dwelling unit (heating, cooling, water heating, and ventilation); direct access to outdoors for each dwelling unit; and were designed to have continuous party walls with no penetrations to adjacent units, with such party walls extending from ground to roof where the dwelling unit is attached to one or more adjacent single-family dwelling units. The building evaluation will address energy usage, and limited aspects of building durability and occupant health and safety. This standard parallels ANSI/BSR BPI-1100-T-201x Home Energy Auditing Standard and provides specific procedures regarding how to meet the requirements detailed in BPI-1100-T. 2 General Requirements The practices described in this standard may apply to any inspection or diagnostic-based evaluation of the performance of existing dwellings as defined in Section 1 Scope. This evaluation and resulting analysis shall be based on building science principles and reporting opportunities, and include the use of appropriate equipment in diagnosing opportunities for improving the energy efficiency and minimizing health and safety hazards. 2.1 When occupants of the dwelling are present during the evaluation process, an interview of the occupant(s) to identify behaviors and usage patterns that affect energy use, comfort concerns and perceived problems related to energy use shall be completed to obtain relevant operational information to supplement asset-based data obtained during the evaluation. (See Annex B Sample of Homeowner/Occupant Questionnaire for a list of potential interview questions.) 3 Health and Safety Related Requirements The evaluation of the home shall include inspections and diagnostic tests as required to minimize health and safety hazards. 3.1 Procedures for inspection and testing of combustion appliances are provided in Section 7 of this standard 3.2 Procedures for inspection and testing of ventilation systems are provided in Section 8 of this standard. 3.3 Procedures for inspection and testing of moisture problems are provided in Section 9 of this standard. 3.4 Disclosure of information related to the potential risk of radon exposure shall refer homeowners to A Citizen s Guide to Radon, published by the U.S. EPA. (http://www.epa.gov/radon/pdfs/citizensguide.pdf) 1
3.5 Unless the auditor is qualified as an electrician, the auditor shall limit electrical recommendations to the identification of knob-and-tube wiring and other visual observations of electrical components such as frayed or exposed wiring, and other electrical issues in which they have been trained. 4 Disclosure and Ethics The auditor shall disclose any current or potential conflicts of interest of the auditor to the customer. 5 Cost Benefit Analysis Cost benefit analysis completed as part of the evaluation process shall conform to the requirements of ANSI/BSR BPI-1100-T-201x, Home Energy Auditing Standard, Section 5. 6 Prioritizing Recommendations Prioritization of recommended improvements to the dwelling shall conform to the requirements of ANSI/BSR BPI-1100-T-201x, Section 6. 7 Combustion Appliance and Fuel Distribution System Inspection The evaluation shall include inspection of combustion appliances and fuel distribution systems for safety problems. Specifically, the evaluation shall include the following procedures and protocols: 7.1 Identify and communicate situations that may require health and safety remediation such as a gas leak or actionable levels of ambient carbon monoxide clearly and immediately to the customer and recommend solutions to mitigate the problem. 7.2 Combustible Gas and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection, CO Measurement, and Additional Equipment Requirements 7.2.1 Combustible Gas Detector (CGD) 7.2.2 CGD equipment used for testing shall: 7.2.2.1 Be intrinsically safe. It is essential that the instrument being used to detect gas leaks will not cause a spark. 7.2.2.2 Have an adjustable tick rate. The tick rate provides the indication of concentration but only accounts for relative concentration changes, not necessarily identifying hazardous concentration thresholds. 7.2.2.3 Provide an alarm when detecting combustible gas concentrations exceeding 10% LEL (0.5% concentration in air by volume). 7.2.2.4 Be calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer s recommendations, or at least annually, whichever is the greater frequency. 7.2.2.5 Be labeled with a calibration sticker, noting at a minimum the date of last calibration. 7.2.2.6 Have the ability to zero ambient conditions. [Caution: Gas leak detectors are prone to false positive signals from humidity and it is essential to have the ability to zero ambient conditions to trace the location of a leak.] 2
7.2.3 CO Measurement Equipment 7.2.4 Equipment/instruments used for CO measurement shall: 7.2.4.1 Be capable of measuring and displaying in a digital display carbon monoxide (CO) levels from 0 to 2,000 parts per million (ppm). 7.2.4.2 Be capable of measuring and displaying in a digital display Air-Free CO concentrations or (O 2 ) levels from 0 to 80% by volume (0 to 800,000 ppm) or be capable of displaying automatic Air-Free CO concentrations. 7.2.4.3 Have a resolution of 1 ppm. 7.2.4.4 Have an accuracy of +/- 5 ppm. 7.2.4.5 Be calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer s recommendations or annually, whichever is the greater frequency. 7.2.4.6 Be labeled with a calibration sticker indicating, at a minimum, the date of last calibration. 7.2.4.7 NOT be used for personal safety unless it is certified by the manufacturer as suitable for personal protection. 7.2.5 Personal CO Monitor 7.2.5.1 Auditors performing CO inspections shall have a personal CO monitor approved by the manufacturer for personal protection. 7.2.5.2 Auditors shall operate the personal CO monitor in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions and take action in accordance with those instructions covering safe working conditions. 7.2.6 Additional Equipment Required for Depressurization Tests 7.2.6.1 Smoke pencils or other smoke visualization equipment 7.2.6.2 One or more manometer(s) with a resolution of 0.1 Pa or better and an accuracy of +/- 0.2 Pa or better 7.3 Safe Entry and Working Conditions Associated with Indoor Air Quality Only after the indoor air environment is found to be safe shall further work be undertaken. In the event that the indoor air environment is determined to be unsafe to the auditor and/or occupant(s), the auditor shall not conduct further work and shall take action in accordance with guidance provided in the sub-sections that follow. 7.3.1 CGD, Personal CO Monitors, and CO Measurement Instruments 7.3.1.1 Calibrate outside the building away from any combustion outlets or automobile traffic areas, and in accordance with manufacturer s instructions. 3
7.3.2 Combustible Fuel Gases 7.3.2.1 If, at any time, the auditor smells combustible fuel gas, the auditor shall notify the occupants, and the auditor and occupants shall leave the house. The appropriate emergency services (typically fire services) and fuel gas providers shall be notified from outside the home. 7.3.2.2 Indoor air shall be sampled in at least one location per floor of occupied space upon entering the home. If any measured concentrations exceed 10% of the LEL, the occupants and auditor shall leave the house, and the appropriate emergency services and fuel gas providers shall be notified from outside the home. 7.3.2.3 The audit shall not proceed until emergency services have deemed it safe to re-enter the home and proceed with audit activities. 7.3.3 Carbon Monoxide 7.3.3.1 Personal CO Monitors 7.3.3.1.1 The auditor shall comply with CO exposure action levels specified in the manufacturer s instructions and, in any case, shall not proceed with work when time weighted average CO concentrations in the work environment exceed 50 ppm for one hour and/or 200 ppm for eight hours. Work environment includes the building being audited and ambient air and other exposure environments preceding entry of the audited property. 7.3.3.2 CO Measurements 7.3.3.2.1 Immediately upon entering the building, a sample of the ambient air shall be taken to determine the level of CO in the building by conducting measurements in the occupied space and including utility rooms. 7.3.3.2.2 Ambient Atmosphere Safety CO Action Levels Actions in response to CO measurements shall be taken in accordance with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) document, Responding to Residential Carbon Monoxide Incidents: Guidelines for Fire and Other Emergency Response Personnel, section CO Levels: Advice to Give, Actions to Take, and include the following actions consistent with that document. Based on ambient CO measurements, the auditor should take the following actions: 4
7.3.3.2.2.1 If the CO instrument indicates an ambient carbon monoxide level of 70 ppm or greater, the auditor shall immediately terminate the inspection, notify the occupant of the need for all building occupants to evacuate the building; the auditor shall immediately leave the building. 7.3.3.2.2.2 If the CO instrument indicates an ambient reading between 36 ppm and 69 ppm, the auditor shall advise the occupant that elevated levels of ambient CO have been detected and recommend that all possible sources of CO be turned off immediately and windows and doors opened. Where it appears that the source of CO is a permanently installed appliance, the appliance shall be turned off and the owner shall be advised to contact a qualified servicing agent. 7.3.3.2.2.3 If the CO instrument indicates an ambient reading between 9 ppm and 35 ppm, the auditor shall advise the occupant that CO has been detected and recommend that all possible sources of CO be checked and windows and doors opened. Where it appears that the source of CO is a permanently installed appliance, the appliance shall be inspected and the owner shall be advised to contact a qualified servicing agent. 7.3.3.2.2.4 If the CO instrument indicates ambient CO below 9 ppm, the auditor shall proceed with the audit. 7.4 Visual Inspection of Combustion Appliance Zone 7.4.1 Inspect the room/space where the appliance is installed to determine if the area is free of the storage of gasoline or any flammable products such as oil-based solvents, varnishes or adhesives. 7.4.2 Inspect the immediate location where the appliance is installed to determine if the area is free of rags, paper or other combustibles. Determine whether the appliance and venting system is in contact with combustible building components. Note condition in project documentation and advise homeowner of unsafe condition. 7.4.3 If during the inspection process it is determined that a condition exists as specified in 7.4.1 or 7.4.2 that could result in unsafe operation of the appliance and cannot be immediately modified by the homeowner or occupant, shut off the appliance by means of a consumer-accessible control, note the condition in project documentation, and advise the homeowner or occupant of the unsafe condition. Where the unsafe condition may be alleviated by removal of obstructions and materials, the homeowner or occupant should be so advised and the appliance enabled for operation when the homeowner or occupant responds to the auditor s recommendation. 7.4.4 If a storage gas-fired water heater is located in a garage, the water heater must be a minimum of 18 above the floor. Advise homeowner of unsafe condition. 7.5 Inspection of Natural Gas and Propane Distribution Systems After an indoor ambient atmosphere safety inspection has been completed and the indoor ambient air has been determined safe, an inspection of the fuel piping system shall be performed. Where the auditor suspects deficiencies of any kind in materials, connections, 5
components, or supports, he/she should note the deficiencies in project documentation and recommend to the owner to contact a qualified plumber or other gas piping expert to review the fitness of the system. 7.5.1 Natural Gas and Propane Piping System Inspection and Leakage Testing An inspection of the accessible gas piping and connections, from the natural gas meter or propane (LP) tank to a point where the supply line connects to the gas valve of all appliances shall be completed. 7.5.1.1 Beginning at the natural gas meter or LP tank, conduct a test for gas leakage using a CGD. Where a leak is indicated by the CGD, confirm with leak detection solution per the CGD manufacturer s instructions. Follow manufacturer s instructions for performing gas leak testing. 7.5.1.2 In the absence of manufacturer instructions, perform gas leak testing as follows: 7.5.1.2.1 Hold the wand of the CGD within an inch of the line, starting at the first joint closest to the outlet of the LP tank or natural gas meter outlet. 7.5.1.2.2 Move the wand in a 360-degree circle around the entire joint at a rate of 1 per second. 7.5.1.2.3 All connections thereafter shall be tested in the same manner. 7.5.1.3 The gas leakage inspection shall include the following components: 7.5.1.3.1 All accessible gas piping fittings from the outlet of the natural gas meter or LP tank to a point where the supply line connects to the gas valve of all appliances. Do not move appliances. 7.5.1.3.2 Appliance gas valve/regulator housing and connections 7.5.1.4 Where gas leakage is confirmed, the site shall be marked and the owner shall be notified that repairs should be made and the gas company and/or a qualified contractor should be notified immediately to evaluate and perform all necessary repairs. 7.5.1.5 When the CGD indicates that combustible gas exists in the ambient atmosphere (at any level) and a gas leak cannot be confirmed after completing the inspection above, the auditor shall inform the occupants and alert the fuel supplier. 7.5.1.6 Inspect flexible appliance connectors to determine if they are free of cracks, kinks, corrosion and signs of damage. 7.5.1.7 Inspect fuel lines for visibly worn flexible gas lines and any flexible connectors manufactured prior to 1973. 7.5.1.8 Where fuel lines or connectors are determined to be unsafe or where an uncoated brass connector is found, notify the owner and recommend that the appliance shutoff valve be placed in the off position and that the connector be replaced. 6
7.5.1.9 Inspect piping to determine that it is adequately supported, that there is no undue stress on the piping, and if there are any improperly capped pipe openings. 7.5.1.10 The auditor shall document testing and inspection results and deficiencies in project documentation. 7.6 Inspection of Fuel Oil Distribution Systems An inspection for oil leakage in oil-fired heating appliances and oil-fired water-heating systems shall be performed. The auditor may use a variety of indicators and professional judgment to make the determination of whether the oil leak is extreme and/or new to the system. 7.6.1 The auditor shall inspect oil lines for visible signs of oil leakage, kinks, or other deficiencies that may impair the flow of oil or result in leakage, and verify the oil line is properly connected to the burner. 7.6.1.1 If the oil tank is partially or fully within the building envelope, the auditor shall look for evidence of historic or active oil spills or leakage. 7.6.1.2 Verify that the tank is at least 5 feet from burner or other sources of fire or flame and in compliance with local code requirements. 7.6.1.3 Verify that the fill cap is in place and in good condition. 7.6.1.4 Verify that the vent pipe is in good condition and free of obstruction. 7.6.1.5 Verify the presence of a working shutoff at the tank. 7.6.1.6 Verify that all lines properly connect to the tank. 7.6.2 Oil Distribution System - Action Levels 7.6.2.1 In the case of a minor leak, the auditor shall: 7.6.2.1.1 Mark the leak location and notify the homeowner. 7.6.2.1.2 Follow specific rules and regulations pertaining to the local jurisdiction. 7.6.2.1.3 Recommend the homeowner contact a licensed or otherwise approved plumbing or heating contractor (as acceptable within the specific jurisdiction) to repair the leak. 7.6.2.2 In the case of a significant oil leak, the auditor shall: 7.6.2.2.1 Shut off the oil tank valve. If there is no valve, pinch the oil line. 7.6.2.2.2 Immediately notify the occupant. The auditor shall immediately leave the building and contact the oil supplier. Avoid touching any electrical devices or light switches. 7.6.2.2.3 Follow specific rules and regulations pertaining to the local jurisdiction. 7
7.6.2.2.4 Recommend the homeowner contact a licensed or otherwise approved plumber or heating contractor (as acceptable within the specific jurisdiction) to repair the oil leak as soon as possible. 7.6.2.3 The auditor shall document compliance or deficiencies on: 7.6.2.3.1 Projection documentation Or 7.6.2.3.2 National Oilheat Research Alliance s Routine Fuel Oil Storage Tank Evaluation Above Ground Tanks Checklist, and include with project documentation 7.7 Combustion Appliance and Venting System Inspection The evaluation shall include an inspection of the heating system, the water heater and venting system. If an unsafe condition exists the auditor shall not complete the other combustion safety tests. 7.7.1 After the ambient safety inspection has been completed and the building is determined to be safe, the auditor shall conduct an appliance safety inspection of all fossil fuel appliances installed in the building in accordance with the procedures in this standard. 7.7.1.1 For oil fired, natural gas or propane appliances: 7.7.1.1.1 Inspect masonry chimneys to determine if they are lined. 7.7.1.1.2 Inspect plastic venting system to determine that it is free of sagging and is sloped in an upward direction to the outdoor vent termination. 7.7.1.1.3 Inspect venting for proper vent type and horizontal pitch. 7.7.1.1.4 Inspect venting for blockage or restriction, leakage, corrosion, unusually small vent connectors or other deficiencies that could cause an unsafe condition. 7.7.1.1.5 Look at visible portions of the furnace combustion chamber for cracks, ruptures, holes, and corrosion. 7.7.1.1.6 Verify the blower compartment door, filter rack door and covers are properly installed. 7.7.1.1.7 Wiring: Inspect for bare wires, open connection or worn insulation. 7.7.2 Direct Vent Appliances 7.7.2.1 Verify the combustion air supply pipes are securely fastened to the appliance. 7.7.2.2 Verify the combustion air source is located in the outdoors or in areas that freely communicate to the outdoors. 7.7.3 Placing Appliances Back in Operation 8
7.7.3.1 Return all inspected appliances and systems to their pre-existing state by reinstalling any removed access panels and components. 7.8 CO and Combustion Appliance Zone (CAZ) Tests After the indoor air environment is found to be safe, gas or oil piping inspection and combustion appliance inspection have been completed, and the building and appliances have been determined safe, a fossil fuel combustion safety test for building depressurization shall be completed to determine if fossil fuel appliances are operating safely under a depressurized condition. 7.8.1 The following procedures shall be completed when conducting an appliance combustion safety spillage test for building depressurization on combustion appliances that are natural draft or Category I appliances equipped with a draft hood or barometric draft control and are connected to a natural draft venting system. These tests are to be performed only where there are no unsafe conditions or where corrective repairs have been completed to address an unsafe condition based on previous inspections to this standard. 7.8.1.1 Ambient CO shall be monitored at all times during the test. If measured CO levels exceed 35 ppm as measured at any time during the test, testing shall stop, the appliance shut down, and a recommendation shall be made to the homeowner for a service technician to be contacted to diagnose and repair the problem before any other testing is completed. 7.8.1.2 Close fireplace dampers and any fireplace doors. Close all building exterior doors and windows. Close all CAZ doors. Close the interior door of all rooms except for rooms with an exhaust fan and rooms with a central forced air system return. 7.8.1.3 Turn off any mechanical ventilation and forced air cooling or heating system blowers. 7.8.1.4 Using a calibrated manometer or similar pressure measuring device intended for this purpose, measure and record the pressure in the space where the combustion appliance is located with reference to (WRT) outside. 7.8.1.5 Turn on the following exhaust equipment: clothes dryers (check and clean the dryer filter prior to operation), range hoods, and bathroom exhausts. If there are speed controls, operate the exhaust equipment at the highest speed setting. Do not operate a whole house cooling exhaust fan. 7.8.1.6 Measure and record the pressure in the CAZ WRT outside. 7.8.1.7 Turn on any central forced air system blowers and measure and record the pressure in the space where the appliance is located WRT outside. If the pressure in the space where the appliance is located becomes more negative WRT outside after the blower is turned on, the blower shall be turned on during spillage and draft test. If the pressure in the space where the appliance is located becomes more positive WRT outside after the blower is turned on, the central forced air system blowers shall be turned off during spillage and draft test. 9
7.8.1.8 Open all doors between the CAZ and other spaces of the building. Measure and record the pressure in the space where the appliance is located WRT outside. If the pressure in the space where the appliance is located becomes more negative WRT outside after the door(s) are opened, the door(s) shall remain open during the spillage and draft test. 7.8.1.9 Place all combustion appliances located within the CAZ in their standby mode and prepare for operation. 7.8.1.10 Starting with the appliance with smallest BTU input rating, follow lighting instructions and place in operation. Adjust the thermostat or control so the appliance will operate continuously. 7.8.1.11 Cold Vent (Except Domestic Water Heaters) 1 Spillage shall be assessed and CO Air Free 2 measurement of undiluted flue gas shall be taken at 1 minute of main burner operation and again at 1 minute intervals for 5 minutes. 7.8.1.11.1 Action Levels: 7.8.1.11.1.5 If spillage ends and CO Air Free level is at or below the CO thresholds established in Section 7.8.5, ANSI/BSR Z223.1/NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code, Table G-6: CO Thresholds [Table G-6] at 1 minute of main burner operation and remains at or below the CO threshold at 1 minute intervals for 5 minutes of main burner operation, no action is required. Note: If CO measurements continue to rise after 5 minutes of operation, the auditor shall advise the homeowner that the appliance must be serviced by a qualified professional. 7.8.1.11.1.6 If spillage occurs and/or CO Air Free level is above the CO thresholds established in Section 7.8.5, Table G.6 at 1 minute of main burner operation, but spillage stops and CO Air Free level falls to a point at or below the CO threshold by the 5-minute interval of main burner operation, recommend that the appliance be serviced by a qualified professional. 1 If based on the interview of the homeowner or visual inspection of the appliance, a determination is made that the appliance needs to be serviced, the auditor may specify service by a qualified professional in lieu of performing the Air Free CO testing as specified in Section 7.8.1.11.The auditor must perform the spillage tests as specified in Section 7.8.1.11 and Section 7.8.1.12 2 See Section 7.8.5 ANSI/BSR Z223.1/NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code, Table G.6: CO Thresholds for clarification on CO Air Free measurement. 10
7.8.1.11.1.7 If spillage continues and/or CO Air Free level is above the CO thresholds established in Section 7.8.5, Table G.6 at 5 minutes of main burner operation, the auditor shall notify the homeowner that it is imperative the appliance be serviced immediately by a qualified professional. 7.8.1.12 Domestic Water Heaters or Warm Vent 3 Spillage shall be assessed and CO Air Free measurement of undiluted flue gas shall be taken at 1 minute of main burner operation and again at 2 minutes. CO Air-Free measurement of undiluted flue gas shall continue be taken at 1 minute intervals for a total of 5 minutes. 7.8.1.12.1 Action Levels: 7.8.1.12.1.1 If spillage ends at 1 minute of main burner operation and CO Air Free level is at or below the CO thresholds established in Section 7.8.5, Table G.6 throughout testing period, no action is required. 7.8.1.12.1.2 If spillage occurs at 1 minute of main burner operation, but spillage stops at 2 minutes and the CO Air Free level falls to a point at or below the CO threshold established in Section 7.8.5, Table G-6 at the 5 minute interval, recommend that the appliance be serviced by a qualified professional. 7.8.1.12.1.3 If spillage occurs at 2 minutes and/or the CO Air Free level is above the CO thresholds established in Section 7.8.5, Table G.6 at 5 minutes of main burner operation, the auditor shall notify the homeowner that it is imperative the appliance be serviced immediately by a qualified professional. 7.8.1.13 Return doors, windows, exhaust fans, fireplace dampers, and any other fossil fuel burning appliance to their previous conditions of use. 7.8.2 If after completing the spillage test, it is determined sufficient combustion air is not available, the homeowner shall be notified that an alternative combustion air source is needed. 7.8.3 If it is determined that the venting system does not provide adequate natural draft, the homeowner shall be notified that alternative vent sizing, design or configuration is needed and a recommendation shall be made for the homeowner to contact a qualified professional. 7.8.4 Properly seal any penetrations made to the vent system during testing with industry or manufacturer s approved materials. 3 If based on the interview of the homeowner or visual inspection of the appliance, a determination is made that the appliance needs to be serviced, the auditor may specify service by a qualified professional in lieu of performing the Air Free CO testing as specified in Section 7.8.1.12. The auditor must perform the spillage tests as specified in Section 7.8.1.12 11
7.8.5 ANSI/BSR Z223.1/NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code, Table G.6: CO Thresholds Note: Table G.6 is subject to ANSI ASC Z223 ballot and public review and therefore may be revised. The draft table is provided by permission of the American Gas Association. Appliance TABLE G.6 CO THRESHOLDS Central Furnace (all categories) 400 ppm 1 air free 2, 3 Floor Furnace 400 ppm air free Gravity Furnace 400 ppm air free Wall Furnace (BIV) 200 ppm air free Wall Furnace (Direct Vent) 400 ppm air free Vented Room Heater 200 ppm air free Vent-Free Room Heater 200 ppm air free Water Heater 200 ppm air free Oven / Boiler 225 ppm as measured Top Burner Threshold Limit 25 ppm as measured (per burner) Clothes Dryer 400 ppm air free Refrigerator 25 ppm as measured Gas Log (gas fireplace) 25 ppm as measured in vent Gas Log (installed in wood burning 400 ppm air free in firebox fireplace) 1. Parts per million 2. Air free emission levels are based on a mathematical equation (involving carbon monoxide and oxygen or carbon dioxide readings) to convert an actual diluted flue gas carbon monoxide testing sample to an undiluted air free flue gas carbon monoxide level utilized in the appliance certification standards. For natural gas or propane, using as-measured CO ppm and O2 percentage: Where: CO AFppm = Carbon monoxide, air-free ppm CO ppm = As-measured combustion gas carbon monoxide ppm O 2 = Percentage of oxygen in combustion gas, as a percentage 3. An alternate method of calculating the CO air free when access to an Oxygen meter is not available: Where: UCO 2 = Ultimate concentration of carbon dioxide for the fuel being burned in percent for natural gas (12.2 percent) and propane (14.0 percent) CO 2 = Measured concentration of carbon dioxide in combustion products in percent CO = Measured concentration of carbon monoxide in combustion products in percent 7.9 If the outlet of the exhaust is accessible, include a CO test on all direct vented and powervented appliances (without atmospheric chimneys). 7.10 Test gas ovens and unvented appliances for CO. 7.10.1 Combustion Cooking Appliances 7.10.1.1 Combustion cooking appliances shall be tested for ambient and vented CO using the testing procedures and action levels specified in: 12
7.10.1.1.1 BPI Technical Standards for the Building Analyst Professional Or the procedure detailed in Section 7.10.1.1.1 below: 7.10.1.1.2 Combustion Cooking Appliance Ambient and Vented CO Inspection Procedure 7.10.1.1.2.1 With appliance off, inspect oven cavity and range-top exhaust vent for blockage with aluminum foil or other materials. 7.10.1.1.2.2 With appliance off, inspect cooktop is free from grease build-up. 7.10.1.1.2.3 With appliance on, measure CO above each burner and at the oven exhaust vents after 5 minutes of main burner operation. The CO should not exceed the threshold in Section 7.8.5, Table G.6. 7.10.2 Unvented Combustion Heating or Hearth Appliance The auditor shall seek to identify potential sources of indoor air quality pollutants associated with combustion gas and particulates by inspecting unvented appliances. 7.10.2.1 Unvented combustion heating or hearth appliances shall be identified and tested for ambient CO using the testing procedures and action levels specified in: 7.10.2.1.1 ANSI Z21.11.2 2011: Gas-Fired Room Heaters Volume II, Unvented Room Heaters Or the procedure detailed in Section 7.10.2.1.2 below: 7.10.2.1.2 Unvented Combustion Heating or Hearth Appliance Ambient CO Inspection Procedures 7.10.2.1.2.1 Vent-Free Heaters 7.10.2.1.2.1.1 With appliance off, verify that the heater input is a maximum of 40,000 Btu, but not more than 10,000 Btu where installed in a bedroom, and 6,000 Btu where installed in a bathroom 7.10.2.1.2.1.2 With appliance off, inspect the ceramic logs provided with gas log type vent-free heaters for proper location and alignment. 7.10.2.1.2.1.3 With appliance off, verify that oxygen depletion system (ODS) has not been altered or bypassed. 7.10.2.1.2.1.4 With the appliance on, verify that the main burner shuts down within 3 minutes by extinguishing the pilot light. (Note: The test is meant to simulate the operation of the ODS.) 7.10.2.1.2.1.5 With the appliance on, measure CO after 5 minutes of main burner operation. The CO should not exceed the threshold in Section 7.8.5, Table G-6. 7.10.2.1.3 Gas Log Sets and Gas Fire 13
7.10.2.1.3.1 With the appliance off, if gas logs are installed in wood burning fireplaces equipped with a damper, verify that the fireplace damper is in a fixed open position. 7.10.2.1.3.2 With the appliance on, measure CO in the firebox (where log sets are installed in wood burning fireplaces) or in the vent (for gas fireplaces) after 5 minutes of main burner operation. The CO should not exceed the threshold in Section 7.8.5, Table G-6. 7.11 Inspect solid fuel burning appliances for safe operation. 7.11.1 A visual inspection of the appliance and the venting system shall be performed for indicators that will guide the audit process and tell the auditor when a recommendation should be given to the homeowner to call in a trained hearth professional with either National Fireplace Institute (NFI) Woodburning or Pellet Certification, or Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) Certification. The safety inspection of the wood burning or pellet burning appliance or insert is a basic visual inspection and is not designed to diagnose problems or deficiencies with the system. The following procedure shall be followed to inspect wood burning or pellet burning appliances and inserts: 7.11.1.1 Identify the listing nameplate on the appliance and verify the model name and model number correspond to the manual. If the appliance listing nameplate is damaged (e.g., painted over, faded, scratched, burnt) and cannot be read, a copy of the nameplate from ONLY the original installation manual may be used and the installation shall also be verified in reference to NFPA 211: Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances [NFPA 211]. 4 7.11.1.2 Obtain the original installation manual from the homeowner or the manufacturer. If the original installation manual is not available, contact the manufacturer for an exact copy which is relative to the serial number listed on the appliance. 7.11.1.3 If an original copy is not available, obtain the most current manual. If no manual is available, locate the listing nameplate and use this as your installation guide. 7.11.1.4 The installation type for which the appliance had been installed must have a designated approved listing. If the appliance has one or two applications listed, then it can ONLY be installed in that manner. 7.11.1.5 If so equipped, the system shall be unplugged from its power source during the inspection. 7.11.1.6 Inspect the venting system for proper vent type and horizontal pitch. 4 NFPA 211 defines certain types of installations but does not necessarily approve installation types. 14
7.11.1.7 Inspect the venting system for blockage or restriction, leakage, corrosion, unusually small vent connectors or other deficiencies that could cause an unsafe condition. If one of these conditions exists the auditor shall recommend a certified professional verify the installation and the venting system are appropriate for the appliance, as specified in the manufacturer s installation manual or listing nameplate. 7.11.1.8 When inspecting a pellet stove, a visual inspection, from the ground, shall be conducted outside of the home for all horizontal installations to make sure the venting conforms to the manufacturer s recommendations and that vegetation growth is not a hazard or in suspicion of becoming a hazard during the growth seasons. 7.11.1.9 When inspecting a wood burning appliance, a visual inspection, from the ground, shall be conducted outside of the home for all vertical installations to make sure the venting conforms to the manufacturer s recommendations and NFPA 211, as best as the auditor can make an inspection of this area from the ground. The venting system must meet the 3:2:10 minimum termination height above roof guideline, as shown in Figure 1 below: Figure 1: Minimum Chimney Height Requirements 7.11.1.10 All of the system s (system includes appliance and venting) clearances to combustibles shall be visually inspected, inside and outside of the home. This shall include clearances of wood trim, walls, furniture, drapes, ceilings, overhangs, flooring, etc. defined by the appliance listing. 7.11.1.11 Visually inspect the type and condition of flooring material where the stove is installed. Stoves installed on carpet or wood floors fail unless the appliance is equipped with a factory-supplied hearth. Hearth boards or pads used under appliances shall be listed, however; the listing details may be under the hearth itself and not readily accessed. 7.11.1.12 Mechanical areas of the appliance should be inspected for visual signs of wear or malfunction to components, however a removal of the components if not required. 15