Galveston City Code

With the new International Energy Conservation Codes, many of the A/C contractors are gearing up to meet the codes or modifying their procedures to meet these codes. We at Clayton Air have always excelled in the quality of our installation and repair work. We do not use the codes as our goal to attain, but as a starting point from which to exceed. Our work Exceeds code requirements.

If you need information on the municipal codes for Galveston, Hitchcock, La Marque, Texas City, or Santa Fe just click on the city name in this sentence for the complete publication. You can also learn about code changes or take a class on the local construction codes from the City of Galveston's Energy Inspector Berry Smith. Find out more on Berry's web site at ResCom Consulting.

Below is a list of procedures we use in our air conditioning installations that go above and beyond what we are required to do.

  1. Using sealed supply air boxes – the only contractor in Galveston using them. Exceeds code.
  2. Tape and latex every duct connection, plenum connection, transition connection and supply air box to sheet rock. Exceeds code.
  3. Tape latex and plastic strap all start collars at the supply air plenum to insure air tightness and no leaks. Exceeds code.
  4. Install dampers on all ducts so that balance adjustment can be made at a later date to accommodate the occupant’s comfort. Exceeds code.
  5. High wind flue caps. Exceeds code.
  6. Install double wall flue piping with metal "stand off bracing" screwed to the attic framing for rigidity and safety, insuring the pipe cannot be moved when bumped and not touch a combustible surface. Exceeds code.
  7. Install power vents in difficult flue gas situations. Exceeds code.
  8. Install secondary pans under vertical installations with float switches. Exceeds code.
  9. Install secondary float switches in all installations as a back up for secondary pan drains. Exceeds code.
  10. Design duct systems according to National Balancing Institute protocol. Exceeds code.
  11. Design duct systems with larger sizes than normal (.05 wc friction rate) to insure adequate air flow for balancing after installation. Exceeds code.
  12. Balance airflow with internal static pressure (magnahelic meter) and air capture hood. Exceeds code.
  13. Condensers installed on wood platforms (beach areas) have rubber pads between condenser and wood decking to prevent sound and vibration transmission through frame of house. Exceeds code.
  14. Install digital non-programmable backlit thermostats as standard equipment. Exceeds code.
  15. Install 6 conductor instead of 4 conductor thermostat wire in all installations so walls do not have to be removed if thermostat wires need to be replaced because of a break. Exceeds code.
  16. Copper refrigerant piping insulation is glued together then taped to insure the insulation does not pull apart during hot weather allowing condensation to form and drip into the attic on the ceiling sheet rock. Exceeds code.
  17. Install plastic electrical disconnect boxes so that the box does not rust and corrode in our salt air climate instead of the common metal box. Exceeds code.
  18. Use the appropriate and excepted textbook charging methods of super heat, sub cooling and manufacturer charging charts of suction line pressure and temperature. Exceeds code.
  19. Record pressure and temperature readings on equipment during start up to insure proper procedures are used and Clayton Air can retrieve records in the future to compare the start up information with the new readings for an accurate diagnosis. Exceeds code.
  20. Tie down condensers and outside equipment with plastic coated steel cables and aluminum hardware because of the salt air environment, to exceed windstorm requirements. Exceeds code.
  21. Recommend and apply corrosion resistant coating to improve out door equipment life in our salt air environment. Clayton Air is a licensed "ADSIL" applicator. Exceeds code.