Sheet Metal Works 2017 Annual Edition | Page 37

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CALGARY ’ S AND EDMONTON ’ S TECHNICAL LIAISON COMMITTEES
By Collin Goodyear and Wilma Agnew
SMCAA TECHNICAL LIAISON COMMITTEES

The technical liaison committees are comprised of volunteer members of the Sheet Metal Contractors Association . The committees include suppliers , contractors and representatives from both the City of Edmonton and City of Calgary . They were formed to help bring clarity to the membership on industry concerns . With new energy codes looming and much confusion , both the membership and representatives of each major municipality agreed to meet monthly to discuss interpretation and method of action . As this is an open table format , members have the opportunity to discuss each of their concerns . All members of the SMCAA can voice their concerns to the committee members or chair so that they can be tabled for discussion . The discussions are broad and based on the section of industry to which they are sourced .

Some key issues that have been discussed in 2016 and will continue to be discussed in 2017 are :
Temporary Heat – We are told that the manufacturers are seeing more warranty issues since the federal government ’ s implementation of the rule that high-efficiency furnaces only were to be used as of Jan . 1 , 2010 . Both Calgary and Edmonton are continually working with the home builders associations , manufacturers , municipalities and HVAC contractors to find a solution to the impending May 1 , 2017 deadline of no longer allowing the use of furnaces as temporary heat in home construction . Both the City of Calgary and Edmonton inspectors agree that this is not
a code issue but a warranty one . The SMCAA has been tasked to develop a best-practices document for its members and the HVAC industry as a whole . The home builders are also requesting this document in order to provide them with an outline of what is needed to elevate any heating issues that they are going to be facing .
HRVs - A few HRV manufacturers are designing tandem or dual termination hood kits in response to requests from HVAC contractors to come up with a way to reduce the distance required between the intake and exhaust hoods .
The Alberta Building Code requires a minimum of 40 inches between intake and exhaust hood to avoid crossmixing or contamination .
A / C SEER Ratings : The SMCAA is waiting for Municipal Affairs to provide a STANDATA on the SEER ratings . As of March 16 , 2017 , there had been no release . City of Edmonton – Insulating Ducts : Blown-in insulation cannot contact any supply ducts unless the builder submits a variance application with all documents supporting that contact can be made . The City will review and rule on each product and project separately .
The technical liaison committees are designed to create dialogue and resolution with consistency and transparency for the industry on current matters . If you have items that you would like tabled for discussion or if you would like to contact a volunteer of the committee directly , please contact wilma @ smcaa . ca ­ •
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