Proposed Modification to the Florida Building Code
Modification #: TBD
Name: Jeff Sonne
Address: Florida Solar Energy Center, 1679 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, FL 32922
E-mail: jeff@fsec.ucf.edu
Phone: 321-638-1406
Fax: 321-638-1439
Code: Florida Building Code – Energy Conservation
Section #: 405.6
Text of Modification [additions underlined; deletions stricken]:
405.6.6 Installation criteria for homes using the ceiling fan option. The
ceiling fan option shall apply a 2% reduction in cooling energy use for the
proposed design if one or more ceiling fans are installed in each of the bedrooms
and a minimum of one ceiling fan is installed in all primary living areas (living
rooms, family rooms, or great rooms). This shall not include spaces designed to
be dining rooms or dining areas. Areas separated by permanently fixed
archways, walls, or dividers shall be considered separate rooms. The following
criteria shall be met:
1. Ceiling fans shall be installed with minimum fan blade diameters of no less
than those listed in Table 405.6.5 for the size and shape of the room.
2. Where a primary living area is an "L-shaped" room and the smaller portion
of this area is 8 feet by 10 feet (2438 mm by 3048 mm) or larger, a fan shall be
installed in both the larger and smaller portions of the primary living area.
Exception: Credit shall not be taken for both ceiling fans and cross ventilation.
TABLE 405.6.6
FAN SIZING TABLE
LONGEST WALL LENGTH (feet) MINIMUM FAN SIZE (inches)
≤ 12
36
> 12 - 16
48
> 16 - 17.5
52
> 17.5 - 25
56
2 fans (minimum of 48 inches
each)
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
> 25
[Renumber existing sections:]
405.6.6 405.6.7 Installation criteria for homes claiming the heat recovery
unit (HRU) option.
405.6.7 405.6.8 Installation criteria for homes claiming the dedicated heat
pump option.
Fiscal Impact Statement [Provide documentation of the costs and benefits
of the proposed modifications to the code for each of the following entities.
Cost data should be accompanied by a list of assumptions and supporting
documentation. Explain expected benefits.]:
A.
Impact to local entity relative to enforcement of code:
Minimal; in applicable cases, only if this option is chosen, will require
verification.
B.
Impact to building and property owners relative to cost of compliance
with code:
None, unless this option is selected.
C.
Impact to industry relative to cost of compliance with code:
None, unless this option is selected.
Rationale [Provide an explanation of why you would like this Proposed
Modification to the Florida Building Code.]:
Unintended results from the integration of previously adopted Florida-specific
amendments with the model code. The included language for ceiling fans has
been in the energy code for years; it appears to have been unintentionally left out
of the 2010 FBC- Energy Conservation.
Please explain how the proposed modification meets the following
requirements:
1. Has a reasonable and substantial connection with the health, safety,
and welfare of the general public:
Public is benefited since code credit for ceiling fans may increase ceiling fan
installation and use and provide energy savings and increased comfort.
2. Strengthens or improves the code, and provides equivalent or better
products, methods, or systems of construction:
Ceiling fan credit improves the code since ceiling fans can help reduce
energy use and the performance code must still be met.
3. Does not discriminate against materials, products, methods, or systems
of construction of demonstrated capabilities:
The proposed modification does not discriminate against materials, products,
methods, or systems of construction; it just provides credit for an additional
option.
4. Does not degrade the effectiveness of the code:
Ceiling fan credit improves the code since ceiling fans can help reduce
energy use and the performance code must still be met.