PI Form 3 - Unconditioned gross area

Kenneth Van Riper

Associate Principal

Commonwealth Architects

LEEDuser Basic Member

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October 27, 2011

Is mechanical space that contains unit heaters but no other heating or cooling considered unconditioned area for the purposes of Table PIf3-1?

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Emily Catacchio

Sustainability Specialist

Wight and Company

LEEDuser Basic Member

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Fri, 10/28/2011 - 14:02

Hi Kenneth,Generally mechanical space is considered "unconditioned." but in this case, what are the "unit heaters" used for?

Kenneth Van Riper

Associate Principal

Commonwealth Architects

LEEDuser Basic Member

14 thumbs up

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 15:35

Thanks for your reply Emily! Generally the unit heaters are to protect mechanical equipment and piping from freezing temperatures.

Emily Catacchio

Sustainability Specialist

Wight and Company

LEEDuser Basic Member

415 thumbs up

Tue, 11/01/2011 - 19:13

Hi Kenneth,So, would these units normally be off, most of the time? I do not have specific experience with this sittuation, so I cannot say for sure. I think if they are only turned on when the pipes may freeze, I would consider that "unconditioned space." However, a reviewer may disagree.Anyone have experience with this?

Kenneth Van Riper

Associate Principal

Commonwealth Architects

LEEDuser Basic Member

14 thumbs up

Wed, 11/02/2011 - 17:53

I believe the heaters would be controlled by a thermostat that would turn them on when the temperature went below a certain level.