By definition in the 5th edition of the residential building code, does a living area/space have to be heated and cooled?
If it does have to be a heated and cooled area, can you direct me to the location where it is clarified?
Interpretation #7910
Published July 12, 2017
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2014
- Code
- RESIDENT
- Code Description
- Chapter
- 2
- Section
- Definitions
- Topic
- Living Area versus Conditioned Area
Question
Answer Published 07/12/2017 at 7:48 AM
Refer to Code section R303.9 which requires a dwelling to have heat. There is nothing on air conditioning. A dwelling either has to have natural ventilation or mechanical ventilation (air flow) it does not have to be cold. The heat cannot be provided by a portable source.
Commentary
Section R303 which is where the heating and ventilation requirements come from. In R303.1 the word that is used is "Habitable Rooms" not "living Areas". The requirements in this section of the code are for "Habitable Rooms" and it calls for Heating and Natural Ventilation only. AC is not a requirement.