Public comment period is open for a rule change proposal to allow HVACR Contractors to use electronic seals for permit applications. Link to the proposal is: Pages - Rule Proposal
Comments period ends June 20, 2025. Instructions on how to submit comments are on the page linked above.
There is a proposal to change Section R325 in the IRC to mandate the installation of air conditioning (cooling) in single family units in climate zones 0 - 5B which would include all of New Jersey.
Permanantly installed heating systems have long been considered a basic human right for life-safety in our homes but air conditioning was considered a privilage. Many of us remember growing up in homes without air conditioning. But studies have shown that far more temperature related fatalities occur from excessive heat than from excessive cold and with the continued worsening effects of climate change, that is likely to get worse.
What do you think? Please comment below.
At the code hearings yesterday, the committee voted 10 - 0 to oppose this code change. They felt that since 95% of new homes are built with AC already, there was no need to mandate air conditioning in the model code plus the code change did not take into account that you could build a house with such a resilient thermal envelope that air conditioning would not be needed to keep the house safe.