BCAB #1619 - Warm Air Supply Outlets, Sentence 6.2.4.4.(1) and (2)

April 20, 2006

BCAB #1619

Re: Warm Air Supply Outlets, Sentence 6.2.4.4.(1) and (2)

Project Description

The project is a residential multi unit side by side townhouse. The individual townhouse units are heated with gas fired forced air furnaces. An upper floor bathroom is not provided with a warm air supply. The bathroom is surrounded by interior walls on three sides and a warm floor. One wall, which is insulated, is common to an unheated garage space.

Reason for Appeal

Sentence 6.2.4.4.(1) states a warm air supply outlet shall be provided in each finished room which is located adjacent to unheated space.

Sentence 6.2.4.4.(2) states that when rooms described in Sentence 6.2.4.4.(1) are located adjacent to exterior walls, a warm air supply outlet shall be located so as to bathe at least one exterior wall, except in bathrooms where this may not be practical.

Appellant’s Position

The appellant contends the small heat loss in this bathroom is easily accounted for by warm walls, floors, and adjacent spaces through mean radiant temperature of the interior walls and convective currents within the dwelling unit. Further, if a warm air supply was provided, it would likely cause the room to overheat. The appellant is confident the Code’s intend of maintaining a comfortable room temperature in the bathroom during January design conditions will be met.

Building Official's Position

The Building Official considers Sentence 6.2.4.4.(1) requires the installation of a warm air supply outlet in the bathroom, although if it is not practical, the requirement of Sentence 6.2.4.4.(2) to bathe the exterior wall may be waived.

Appeal Board Decision #1619

It is the determination of the Board that Sentence 6.2.4.4.(1) requires a warm-air supply outlet in all finished rooms including the bathroom. Sentence 6.2.4.4.(2) is not applicable to this Appeal as the bathroom in question does not have an exterior wall.

George Humphrey, Chair