IECC Residential Energy Code Overview

Accelerating Implementation of Building Energy Codes

 Impact of Energy Codes

• Building energy consumption is almost 40% of total

energy
use in the US
~65.2% of total U.S. electricity consumption

• Buildings are the nation’s largest source of global

warming pollution
 The Average home emits twice as much greenhouse gases as the
average car.
 In 2006, 2.3 million housing units permitted in US (NAHB)

• Energy Prices continue to increase

 VALUE of Energy Codes

Affects ALL new buildings

By 2010:
• Almost 5 million new housing units
• Over 233 billion sq feet commercial floor space
By 2020:
• 23.4 million new housing units
• Over 1 trillion sq feet commercial floor space
By 2030:
• Over 41 million new housing units
• Over 2 trillion sq feet commercial floor space
Source: EIA, Annual Energy Outlook 2008
 VALUE of Energy Codes

Establish a foundation
for energy and green
programs:
• ENERGY STAR,
• LEED homes and
commercial buildings,
• ASHRAE Standard 189
• Building America/ federal tax incentive, and
• Net-zero energy buildings
 What is the IECC?

A Required
Minimum Level of
Energy Efficiency
In New Residential
and Commercial
Construction
Code Status
 Energy Code Requirements
Universal (Basic) requirements (apply everywhere):
 Duct insulation and sealing
 Infiltration control
• Including recessed cans

Climate Specific Requirements:

 Foundations
• Basements
• Slabs
• Crawlspaces
 Above grade walls
 Skylights, windows, and doors
 Roofs
 Solar Heat Gain Coefficient in warm climates
 Definition of Conditioned Space/ Thermal
Envelope

Outdoors

Conditioned
Space

The intent of the energy code is to regulate the design of the building
envelope to enable the effective use of energy.
 Building Envelope Specific
Requirements

• Building Envelope consists of:

• Fenestration
• Ceilings
• Walls attic

• Above grade
Conditioned space
• Below grade
• Mass walls
• Floors
• Slab
• Crawl space
 R-Values

• Higher R-value = Better

Insulated
R-30
• R-value Applies to:
All Walls

R-19
 Raised Floors
 Roofs R-11
 U-Values

• Lower U-value = Better

Insulated
Single Pane
• U-value applies to: U = 1.05
Windows
Double Pane
Skylights U = 0.50
Doors Double Pane
Low-E Film
• U=1/R U = 0.35
 Compliance
Who Must Comply?

Basic Requirements

Insulation & Window

Requirements

Prescriptive
Package REScheck
Software
 Scope
Residential Buildings:
• IRC only for single-family, duplex, and townhouses
• IECC has all low-rise (1-3 stories) houses, condos, and
apartments [R-2, R-3, R-4], but not hotels/motels [R-1]
• All buildings that are not ―residential‖ by definition are
―commercial‖
 Additions

• Treat as a stand-alone building

• Additions must meet the prescriptive
requirements in Table 402.1.1

Exisitng Kithen
Existing Family room Exisitng
Dining
NEW
Addition
SUNROOM

Exisitng Living Room

Exisitng Entry
Den
Exisitng Garage

N
 Other Areas that Must Comply

 Alterations, renovations
and repairs
e.g., window replacements
 Exceptions

•Very low energy use buildings

(<3.4 Btu/h-ft2 or 1 watt/ft2)
•Buildings (or portions of) that are
neither heated nor cooled
•Buildings designated as historic
(Section 101.4.2)
 Mixed Use Buildings
• Mixed occupancies
Treat the residential occupancy under the
applicable residential code
Treat the commercial occupancy under the
commercial code
 Change in Occupancy

• No action is required if alterations are not

made to the building systems

Mel’s Diner Kurt’s Five & Dime

 Compliance Path
Who Must Comply?

Basic Requirements

Insulation & Window

Requirements

Prescriptive
Package REScheck
Software
 Basic Requirements

• Air Leakage
• Vapor Retarder
• Materials and Equipment
Information
• Duct Insulation
• Duct Construction
• Temperature Controls Building Plans
• HVAC
• Piping Insulation
• Service Hot Water Systems
 Areas for Air Leakage (Infiltration)
• Windows and doors
• Between sole plates
• Floors and exterior
wall panels
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Service access doors
or hatches
• Recessed light
fixtures
 Air Infiltration

• Effects of Windwashing
 Reduces insulation's effectiveness/installed
R-value
 Reduces overall comfort
 Places unnecessary stress on HVAC system
 Increases energy consumption
 Effect of Wind on Installed R-Value

14
12 Effective R-Value of wall
Wall System
10 without proper air sealing
Installed R-Value
( F x ft.² x h/BTU) 8
6
4
2
0
0 5 10 15 20 25
*Test data by Holimetrix. ASTM Wind Speed (M.P.H.)
E283,ASTM E1424,C976
Infiltration Control
Infiltration Control
 Chimney Chase Air Sealing
Rock wool with heavy
Flashing, caulked duty aluminum foil
at each side rolled around it --
Caulk to chimney and
framing
Another Area To Be Sealed
Another Area To Be Sealed
Sealed !
Through Framing Air Sealing

blocking

conditioned
unconditioned
(e.g. - garage,
balcony)
 Foundations!

Seal
Foundation
Penetrations!
Air Infiltration
We have learned
much over the years
from the “Blower
Door Test”
 Blower Door Test
Depressurizes the House
to Measure the Over-all
Air Leakage Rate
 Attention to Air Sealing
is Important!
 Air Leakage can
account for a major
amount of home heat
loss, and lead to other
performance problems
Energy Star Labeled Homes
®

• Air Leakage Can Be More

Than a Third of the Total
Heat Loss in a
Conventionally Built Home
• An Important ENERGY STAR®
Requirement is an Air
Tightness Test or “Blower
Door Test”
 Recessed Lighting Fixtures

• Type IC rated, with no

penetrations between the
inside of the recessed
fixture and ceiling cavity
(sealed and caulked)
• Type IC or non-IC rated,
installed inside a sealed
box of ½" gypsum
wallboard or other
assembly manufactured
for this purpose
• Type IC rated, in
accordance with ASTM E
283 to be an “Air-Tight”
enclosure
 Basic Requirements

• Air Leakage
• Vapor Retarder
• Materials and Equipment
Information
• Duct Insulation
• Duct Construction
• Temperature Controls Building Plans
• HVAC
• Piping Insulation
• Service Hot Water Systems
 Basic Requirement
Vapor
Retarders Siding
 Install on “warm- Sheathing
in-winter side” of
Building Envelope Studs &
Insulation
 Use in unvented Vapor Vapor Retarder
Sheet
framed walls, Rock
floors, and ceilings

 Must have Perm

rating of  1.0 per Zone 4 Exempt
ASTM E96-80 residential
Zone 3 Exempt
 Careful here! Commercial
 Vapor Retarders
One Example:
Poly Vapor Retarder
(probably a bad
idea in any climate)

Another Example:
Kraft-Faced Vapor
Retarder
Crawl Floor Vapor Barrier
 Basic Requirements

• Air Leakage
• Vapor Retarder
• Materials and Equipment
Information
• Duct Insulation
• Duct Construction
• Temperature Controls Building Plans
• HVAC
• Piping Insulation
• Service Hot Water Systems
 NFRC Window Information
Old New

National Fenestration Rating

Council (NFRC) product
ratings are available
on-line at
www.nfrc.org
Material Identification
 Material Identification
This Attic Has Been Insulated To

R-
By A Professional Insulation Contractor
The insulation in this attic was installed by a qualified professional
Contractor to the R-value stated above

Certificate of Insulation
BUILDING ADDRESS: CONTRACTOR:
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
Installation Date: _______________ License #: _____________________

Area R-Value Installed Settled Installed No. Sq. Ft.

Insulated Thickness Thickness Density Bags
Attic
Walls
Floors

I, __________________________________________, (print name) certify that this

residence/building has been insulated to the stated R-value and that the installation is in
conformance with all applicable codes, standards, regulations and specifications.

Authorized Signature: _____________________________ Date: ____________

 Basic Requirements

• Air Leakage
• Vapor Retarder
• Materials and Equipment
Information
• Duct Insulation
• Duct Construction
• Temperature Controls Building Plans
• HVAC
• Piping Insulation
• Service Hot Water Systems
 Ducts

• Insulation
 Ducts outside the building
envelope shall be insulated
to R-8
 R-6 allowed for ducts in
floor trusses
• Sealing
• Building framing cavities shall not be used as supply
ducts
 Duct Sealing

• Seal and securely fasten all joints, longitudinal and

transverse seams and connections with:
 welds
 gaskets
 mastics
 mastic-plus-embedded fabric systems
 tapes
• Unlisted duct tape is not permitted as a sealant
on any metal ducts
Duct Systems Air Sealing
Example: Poor Code Details
 Solution: Code Details

•Duct Sealing
•Crawl floor Vapor barrier
 Duct Installation
• Avoid Tight
Bends
• Minimize
Sagging
• Size Properly
• Place Inside the
Envelope (good
practice)
 Basic Requirements

• Air Leakage
• Vapor Retarder
• Materials and Equipment
Information
• Duct Insulation
• Duct Construction
• Temperature Controls Building Plans
• HVAC
• Piping Insulation
• Service Hot Water Systems
 Mandatory Requirements Systems

• Controls – 1 T-stat for each separated

heating and cooling system.
• Heat pump supplementary heat
• HVAC piping insulation R-2 (>105 or <55 degrees)
• Circulating hot water systems: R-2
Circ. Pump on/off switch
 Ventilation and Equipment Sizing

• Ventilation
 Outdoor air intakes and exhausts shall have automatic or gravity
dampers that close when the ventilation system is not operating
• Equipment Sizing
 IECC references Section M1401.3 of the IRC
 Load calculations determine the proper capacity (size) of equipment
• Goal is big enough to ensure comfort but
no bigger
 Calculations shall be performed in accordance
with ACCA Manual J or other approved methods
 Compliance/Documentation/Inspections

• Code Official has final

authority
 Software, worksheets
 Above Code Programs
• Electronic media can
be used
• Construction work for which a
permit is required is subject
to inspection
• Certificate is required
 Certificate

• Permanently posted on the electrical

distribution panel
• Shall include the following:
R-values of insulation installed for the thermal
building envelope including ducts outside
conditioned spaces
U-factors for fenestration
SHGC for fenestration
HVAC efficiencies
SWH equipment
 Compliance Path
Who Must Comply?

Basic Requirements

Insulation & Window

Requirements
Prescriptive
Package REScheck
Software
 Compliance Options

Residential Bldgs

Compliance
Options

Performance Section 404 Component Method REScheck

Prescriptive Method
(HERS) Trade Off System
IECC Code Compliance–Three Options

Prescriptive U-Factor and Simulated

“UA” Performance
Alternatives
(software)
R-values
402.1.1
U-factor
402.1.3 Simulated
Performance
Total Building UA Alternative
402.1.4 404
 Code Compliance Tools

Prescriptive Total Building Energy Analysis

“UA” Trade Off

None Needed Software

For example:
REScheck Software
REM/Design
(Web-based &
Desktop) REM/Rate
EnergyGauge
 U-Factor and Total UA (REScheck Approach)

• U-factor Alternative
Similar to Prescriptive but uses U-factors
instead of R-values
• Allows for innovative or less common construction
techniques such as structural insulated panels or
log walls

• Total UA Alternative
Same as U-factor alternative but allows trade-
offs across all envelope components
• Approach used in REScheck software
Chapter 4 – Performance Approach
Proposed
Energy Use
Design
of Proposed
Design less
than

Energy
Standard Estimation Energy Use
Design Tool of Standard
Design

(“Proposed Building
Meeting the Energy Code
Requirements”)
 Simulated Performance
• Requires computer software with specified capabilities (local official
may approve other tools)
• Includes both envelope and equipment
• Allows greatest flexibility. Credits features such as:
 High efficiency furnaces, air-conditioners, etc.
 Tight ducts (must be leak tested) or hydronic systems
 Exterior shading, favorable orientation, thermal mass, SHGC,
etc.
• Section 404 specifies ―ground rules‖
 These will generally be ―hidden‖ in compliance software
calculation algorithms
 Very similar ground rules are used in new home federal tax
credits and ENERGY STAR Home guidelines
 Systems Approach

 Homes Meeting ENERGY STAR®

Requirements Meet and Exceed
the Energy Code Requirements in HERS
Chapter 4 of the IECC Home Report:
 Typically RemRate or RemDesign Homeowner ABC
 Calculations are Performed Using a Anywhere, USA
Sophisticated Computer Program
for Accuracy and Provided to You
 Should be approved by jurisdiction
for use in compliance; may require
groundwork with muni

www.resnet.org
 Thermal Envelope
Prescriptive Package

• Sets U-value or R-value requirements

based upon:
Zone
Building component (ceilings, walls,
floors, windows, doors)
Windows, Glazed Doors, and Skylights

U-factor
Requirements:
• NFRC Rating for all
Manufactured
Fenestration; or
• Tables N1101.5 U-
factor Default Table for
Windows, Glazed
Doors and Skylights
Exceptions:
Unrated double-pane with thermal
break comply in Zones 2 and 3
 Thermal Envelope Fenestration
• An area weighted average of fenestration can be
used to satisfy the U-factor & SHGC
requirements
 Area-weighted average U-factor and SHGC are
subject to hard limits, even in trade-offs
 NFRC rated and certified
 15 sq. ft. of glazing (and one opaque door) may be
exempted (prescriptive path only)
• For example, decorative glass on/near front door
 Windows – U-Factors

• Strict limits on U-factor in northern U.S.

(cannot be traded off)
U-0.48 maximum in Zones 4 and 5, U-0.40
maximum in Zones 6-8
U-0.75 for skylights in Zones 4-8
These are based on building average;
individual windows or skylights can be worse
if average meets these requirements
 Windows - SHGC

• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient Solar Heat

Gain Coefficient
SHGC of 0.40 or lower
required in the southern U.S.
(area-weighted average)
SHGC cannot exceed 0.50
even if performance path
trade-offs are used (area-
weighted average)
National Fenestration Rating
Council (NFRC) tested
Locations with Window SHGC
Requirements
 Roofs

• R- Value
Requirements
based on
 Continuous insulation
 Insulation between
framing (cavity)
• Meet or exceed R-
values
 Standard Roof Truss

Possibility of ice dam formations

• Ceiling insulation
code requirements
assume standard
truss systems

Cold corners contribute to

condensation and mold growth
Raised Heel Truss

• Raised Heel/Energy
Truss credit if
insulation is full
height over exterior
wall
 R-30 instead of R-38
 R-38 instead of R-49
 Above Grade Walls
Insulate walls including those
next to unconditioned spaces

Don’t
forget to
insulate
rim joists
 Insulation Installation
“Cut-To-Fit!” Right Wrong

For Wiring

Electric Boxes

Right Wrong
 Insulation Installation

NO GAPS!
 Insulation Voids

Insulation R-
Value

% of air voids in
cavity
Wall Insulation
Insulation Installation
Knee Wall Insulation
Wall Insulation
 Mass Walls
• What type
 Concrete block, concrete, insulated concrete form
(ICF), masonry cavity, brick (other than brick veneer),
earth, and solid timber/logs
• Provisions
 At least 50% of the required R-value must be on the
exterior or integral to the wall
 If insulation placement cannot be met, provisions for
wood frame wall insulation requirements apply (with
specific U-factor and R-value exceptions in zones 1—
3)
 Cold-Formed Steel
Wood Frame R-value Equivalent R-value
Steel Truss Ceilings
Steel-frame
R-30 R-38 or R-30 + 3 or R-26 +
5
R-38 R-49 or R-38 + 3
R-49 R-38 + 5
Ceilings,
Steel Joist Ceilings
R-30 R-38 in 2x4, 2x6, or 2x8 walls,
R-38
R-49 any framing
R-49 2x4, 2x6, 2x8, or 2x10
and
Steel Framed Wall floors
R-13 R-13 +5 or R-15 +4, or R-21
+3
R-19 R-13 + 9 or R-19 +8 or R-
25 +7
R-21 R-13 +10 or R-19 +9 or R-
25 +8
Steel Joist Floor
R-13 R-19, 2x6
R-19 +6 in 2x8 or 2x10
R-19 R-19 +6, 2x6
R-19 +12 in 2x8 or 2x10
 Below-Grade Walls

• > 50% below grade

• Zones 1—3: R0
• Zones 4—8: R10
(continuous) or
R13 (cavity)
 Basement Walls

4’

4’

Grade Line
4’

4’

 Above Grade per Basement Wall

Definition
 Basement Walls
Interior Studding
Exterior Foam
 Floors over Unconditioned Space
• Space can be
unheated basement
or a crawlspace or
outdoor air
• Zones 1—2: R13
• Zones 3—4ab: R19
• Zones 4c—8: R30

• Insulation must
maintain permanent
contact with underside
of subfloor
Crawlspaces
 Crawl Space Wall Insulation

Crawl Wall Insulation: This practice

eliminates the need for insulation in the
raised floor above the crawl.

Crawl space may not have ventilation

openings to the outside
Must be mechanically ventilated or
supplied with conditioned air (1cfm/50 sqft)
Crawl floor must be covered with an
approved vapor retarder material
Crawlspace Wall Insulation
When crawlspace walls are
insulated, foundation vents are
not required. Space should be
mechanically vented or
conditioned.
Crawl Space Wall Insulation
 Slab Perimeter R-value

Several Options:

flashing CONDITIONED CONDITIONED

SPACE SPACE CONDITIONED
protection
board SPACE
slab slab slab
finish finish finish
depth

depth

grade

depth
grade grade
rigid rigid
insulation insulation

R-10 Depth = 24” below Grade thru zone 4 and 5

 Slab Edge Insulation

• R-10 (typically 2 inches) insulation in Zones 4 and above

• Downward from top of slab a minimum of 24‖ (Zones 4 and 5) or
48‖ (Zones 6, 7, and 8)
• Insulation can be vertical or extend horizontally under the slab or
out from the building (must be under 10 inches of soil)
Slab Edge Insulation
 Compliance Path
Who Must Comply?

Basic Requirements

Insulation & Window

Requirements

Prescriptive
Package REScheck
Software
 Implementation Challenges

Codes are not being well

Implemented:
•Training Inadequate
•Misunderstanding of Requirements and
how to build them into buildings
•Compliance Low
We’re NOT getting the projected energy
savings OR building better buildings
 www.energycodes.gov
techsupport@becp.pnl.gov
Field Inspections

 Pre-Inspection
 Foundation
Inspection
 Framing &
Insulation
Inspection
 Final
Inspection
 Field Inspections (Section 105)

Floor Insulation
Above Grade Wall Insulation
Slab-Edge Insulation Ceiling Insulation
Basement Wall Insulation Duct Insulation
Crawl Space Wall Insulation Vapor Retarder

Pre-Inspection Foundation Inspection Framing Inspection Insulation Inspection Final Inspection

Approved Building Plans

Energy Code Compliance Certificate HVAC Efficiency
Thermostats
Windows/Doors
Service Water Heating
Air Sealing – Penetrations
Air Sealing
(plumbing, electrical)
Recessed Lighting
Duct Construction and Insulation
HVAC Piping and Insulation
 PRE-INSPECTION
Information on Plans:
 Insulation R-values
 Window U-factors
 Rough openings for windows and
skylights
 Equipment efficiencies (if credit has
been taken for high efficiency heating
and cooling systems)
 Duct insulation

Notes on:
 Duct sealing
 Air sealing for the building envelope
 Circulation loop pipe insulation for water
heating
 IC rated / air-tight recessed can lights
 Foundation Inspection
Types of Foundation Insulation:
 Slab-Edge
 Basement Exterior
Insulation (if installed)
 Crawl Space (Vented or
Un-vented)

Check:
 R-Value or Thickness of Insulation Compared to
Plans
 Depth of Insulation Compared to Code & Plans
 Exterior Insulation Must be Protected
 Remember Rim/Band Joist Area
 Framing & Insulation Inspection
Air sealing:
 Around all plumbing and electrical
penetrations, including between
the sheet-rock and electrical boxes
and where the wiring penetrates
the box
 Between the duct boot and the
sub-floor or sheetrock
 At the attic and crawlspace
panels
 Around Windows and Doors
 Between the top and bottom plates and also around
the perimeter joist on a floor assembly between two
conditioned floors
 Around tubs and showers
 At recessed lights
 Framing & Insulation Inspection

 Glazing area, U-factor

 Wall Insulation:
 Kneewalls in attics
 Perimeter joists
 The walls between the
house
and the garage
 Skylight wells
 Attic Insulation
 Basement Wall Interior
Insulation (if installed)
 Recessed can lights
 Final Inspection
 HVAC Equipment
Efficiency
 HVAC Ductwork
Insulation, Installation
and Air Sealing
 Piping Insulation
 Heat Pump Thermostats
 Circulating Hot Water
Systems
 Technical Support

• US-DOE website and Hotline:

www.energycode.org
Hotline: 1-800-270-CODE
• PNNL Codes Website
http://www.energycodes.gov/

• ICC Website
www.iccsafe.org
• BCAP
www.bcap-energy.org
 CONCLUSION
Energy Codes Benefit Your
Community!

Reduce Pollution, Save Energy &

Save Money!

THANK YOU!