There are two basic compliance paths (the prescriptive approach and the simulated performance alternative) used to make sure energy efficiency as well as compliance with the new federally mandated 2009 IECC (International Energy Conservation Code). Click here for a evaluate of the new IECC regulations.
How is 2009 IECC compliance measured?
There are ways that compliance with 2009 IECC may be measured: the prescriptive approach and the simulated performance approach. The prescriptive approach is the best way to demonstrate compliance with the code. The simulated performance approach is more technical. Compliance based mostly on simulated energy performance requires that a proposed design be shown to have an annual energy price that’s less than or equal to the annual energy value of a standard reference design.
Prescriptive compliance allows using an energy compliance program called REScheck. REScheck is a instrument made available by the U.S. Department of Energy, which additionally supervises the Energy Star® rating program for homes.
By means of REScheck, probably the most commonly used pre-construction compliance software, Katahdin is able to design a log house to make sure that it complies with the 2009 IECC codes for the home’s local weather zone. IECC has scaled its necessities primarily based on local weather zones, moisture and humidity and severity of winters. The zones are numbered 1 via 8. The higher the number the colder the climate, and in the end the more insulation required by the code. A REScheck evaluation will provide state or native code enforcement officers with documentation to confirm code compliance.
How does REScheck work?
The REScheck program is based on particular energy code necessities already programmed into the software. Particular energy codes, including the latest (2009 IECC) are available to test the home design. After opening the program, the designer or architect selects the applicable energy code after which enters particular information about the project being analyzed.
Since REScheck is evaluating the energy efficiency of the home, the information required for an analysis contains the “thermal envelope” of the house—foundations, floors, walls, and ceilings. The thermal envelope separates heated/cooled (conditioned) house from unconditioned space. First the appropriate building code is selected for the analysis. Then data is entered that identifies the project, including project location, project type (new development or addition/alteration), building characteristics (1 & 2 household or multi-household), square footage of heated/cooled floor area, and general project details and notes. The house being evaluated is compared in opposition to a “baseline” house of the same sq. footage that meets the minimal code requirements.
The designer then moves via the REScheck program entering information about the thermal envelope together with gross area, and insulating values for each part of the thermal envelope (foundations, floors, walls, and ceilings). The designer also enters the realm and insulation values of each exterior door, window and skylight. For log houses, REScheck additionally requires the user to pick out the wood species of the logs used in the partitions, as different log species have completely different insulating properties. Both beneath grade and above grade partitions are included within the analysis if they are enclosing heated/cooled areas.
One component that has modified in the most recent updates to the energy code (IECC 2009) relates to the mechanical equipment, such because the furnace, boiler, heat pump, and air conditioning unit. Prior to IECC 2009, code compliance allowed for a trade-off between insulation in the envelope and the mechanical components. For instance, a high-efficiency furnace could offset a lower, non-compliant R-worth within the partitions of the home. The energy code no longer allows mechanical trade offs. Therefore, the thermal envelope should conform to a higher standard.
When Katahdin developed the exclusive R-23 Energy Envelope System, we sought and received professional opinions from the builders of REScheck and 2009 IECC to make sure that this high-efficiency insulation system would meet the intent of of the new standards.
The IECC 2009 energy code additionally contains several necessary requirements, similar to, air leakage requirements, recessed lighting requirements, fenestration (doors and windows), fireplace requirements, mechanical system requirements, snow soften system necessities, pool necessities, fireplace necessities, and normal lighting system requirements that apply to all residential buildings.
The REScheck program consolidates all of the information entered and arrives at a percentage by which your project “passes” or “fails” the chosen energy code. The REScheck evaluation indicates whether or not the combined energy effectivity parts of the home meet or surpass the minimal necessities of the baseline home. As there are such a lot of variables to individual homes, chances are you’ll discover that some tweaking is critical in your residence design to satisfy code requirements. In some cases, a small change in window areas can impact a ample improve in a REScheck score.
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