Is code-compliant insulation required for mini split in attached garage?

[aunsafe2015]

I know this may vary somewhat depending on code used, but just curious if anybody can point me to relevant provisions in commonly used building or energy codes.

Question is: If I want to add a mini split for HVAC to my attached garage, am I technically required to fully insulate the garage up to code? I.e., R-13 walls, R-38 ceilings, R-10 floors (or whatever the exact numbers are these days).

Or does code allow me to add a mini split to my garage even if it's completely un-insulated?

My house was built about 7 years ago (I'm not the first owner). Garage is ~300 sq ft and shares only one wall with my house. I assume that one wall is probably insulated (it should have been, at least--R-13 I would assume). But none of the other 3 walls are insulated, and the slab is not insulated, and I assume the ceiling is not insulated (there is no house or shared attic space above the garage).

I want to add a mini split. Just trying to gauge whether I'm likely to be required to insulate everything if I want to do this by the book and get the required HVAC permit.

Thanks for any input.

 

[kd3pc]

I am not aware of VA regs that would require insulation in a garage....common sense would have you insulate to make the heat/cool process much easier and far more economical over time. Insulation is one of those things that actually does pay for itself in most cases.

You might start with the county folks where you live to make sure..

 

[MushCreek]

I think that code for energy efficiency only kicks in for living areas. I'd be surprised if they made you insulate the garage. That being said, the only 'right' answer is the one you get from the building department.

 

[tyme2par4]

Code doesn't require any insulation in the garage, regardless of whether or not you heat and cool it. Common sense however does.
If you don't insulate, you are going to be throwing away tons of money every year. The cost to insulate will probably pay for itself in a year.

 

[Jinks]

I have a similar situation in Fla. Mine is a bigger footprint (600 sq.ft.) & an air conditioned second floor above it, but no insulation in the exterior walls. I've been running a 12K mini split for several years now & never noticed it on my electric bill. If I had to replace it I'd go with a DIY unit & never even ask about insulation or code. YMMV.

 

[aunsafe2015]

Thanks for the responses.

I'm definitely going to insulate the exterior walls and ceiling. In fact, I'm going to do the walls with open cell spray foam.

But one of the walls will have the garage door on it. The garage door is only R-6.5 and is in perfect condition and doesn't need to be replaced.

I'm probably not going to insulate the slab though, and I may not be able to get the ceiling all the way up to R-38, so I was concerned that they might try to ding me for that (or the garage door wall) and deny an HVAC permit.

Sounds like hopefully not! I'll find out in a few weeks.

 

[benjamintmiller]

They're not going to deny you a permit for a garage door and uninsulated slab, and you probably don't even need a permit to install the insulation.