TR-8 Fireplaces

SIGN-ON / Inspect / SIGN-OFF (package)

Fireplaces are one of the most significant sources of uncontrolled air infiltration in New York City buildings. When a fireplace damper is left open, missing, or improperly fitted, it functions as a direct opening in the building envelope — allowing heated or cooled interior air to escape and unconditioned outdoor air to enter freely. This is why the NYC Energy Conservation Code specifically requires fireplace compliance to be verified during a TR-8 progress inspection.

 

What the NYC Energy Code Requires

 

Under 1RCNY §IB1 (Class 1 — 1- and 2-family homes and townhouses) and 1RCNY §IIB1 (Class 2 — multifamily residential), two fireplace elements must be verified by visual inspection:

 

• Provision of combustion air — the fireplace must have a dedicated, code-compliant source of combustion air that does not draw from the conditioned living space, reducing the depressurization of the building interior during fireplace use
• Tight-fitting fireplace doors — glass or metal doors must be present, properly installed, and capable of closing fully against the firebox face to restrict air infiltration when the fireplace is not in use

 

What EZTR1 Inspects

 

EZTR1's certified special inspectors verify both elements on-site against the approved DOB construction documents:

 

• Damper presence, condition, and operation (open/close mechanism intact)
• Tight-fitting door installation — no visible gaps at the frame or sweep
• Combustion air opening location, sizing, and compliance with the energy filing

 

All findings are documented in the TR-8 inspection report filed with the NYC Department of Buildings.

 

Ready to schedule your TR-8 fireplace inspection? Contact EZTR1 to confirm compliance before your DOB sign-off.