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Energy Code Change

What is the key to cost neutral 2009 IECC or similar energy code compliance?  SkyeTec makes compliance a painless process for you by utilizing our comprehensive, objective approach to overall energy efficiency. We incorporate a financial strategy into the science of building energy efficient homes, which includes streamlining human efforts, maximizing financial rebates, leveraging available technology, and providing honest, objective consulting. 

Our building and energy science experts utilize a proven, synergistic process that produces cost effective, beneficial results to both you and your homebuyer.

How you can become Code Compliant—efficiently and effectively!

SkyeTec will help you comply with the 2009 IECC while turning it into a potentially cash flow positive situation. Because of our unmatched experience, proven expertise and objective approach, we are confident we can save you time and money with your code change challenges.

We would welcome the opportunity to evaluate your current energy efficiency processes, identify how the code changes directly impact you, discuss our comprehensive energy efficiency builder services, and create the optimal program that benefits you and your homebuyer.

Please give us a call today at 866-SKYETEC (759-3832) or contact us!

The referenced code information is subject to state or municipality revision, so check with your local permitting authority on the specific code requirements for your area.

About the 2009 IECC

Overview of Main Components

Builder Requirements

2009 IECC Requirements

Major Changes from previous versions of energy codes

Locations and Effective Dates

Overview of Main Components  

• Mandatory duct pressure testing coupled with maximum allowable duct leakage rates. These requirements are applicable when any portion of the ducts are outside the conditioned space.
• A requirement that 50% of lamps in a residence must be energy efficient
• Several improvements in basic envelope requirements
• Elimination of trade-off credits for high efficiency heating, cooling, or water heating equipment.

Builder Requirements (partial list)

• Provide construction documents as required by the code official
• Undergo inspections and approval process by code officials
• Have a certificate posted on the building listing R-values and other energy efficiency information

2009 IECC Requirements

• The duct system now has to be tested and the air leakage out of ducts must be kept to an acceptable maximum level. Testing is not required if all ducts are inside the building envelope (for example in heated basements), though the ducts still have to be sealed.
• 50% of the lighting “lamps” (bulbs, tubes, etc.) in a building have to be energy efficient. Compact fluorescents qualify, standard incandescent bulbs do not.
• Trade-off credit can no longer be obtained for high efficiency HVAC equipment. For example, if a high efficiency furnace is used, no reduction in wall insulation is allowed.
• Vertical fenestration U-factor requirements are reduced from 0.75 to 0.65 in Climate Zone 2, 0.65 to 0.5 in Climate Zone 3, and 0.4 to 0.35 in Climate Zone 4.
• The maximum allowable solar heat gain coefficient is reduced from 0.40 to 0.30 in Climate Zones 1, 2, and 3.
• R-20 walls in climate zones 5 and 6 (increased from R-19)
• Modest basement wall and floor insulation improvements
• R-3 pipe insulation on hydronic distribution systems (increased from R-2)
• Limitation on opaque door exemption both size and style (side hinged)
• Improved air-sealing language
• Controls for driveway/sidewalk snow melting systems
• Pool covers are required for heated pools

Major Changes

• Duct Testing

Section 403.2.2 of the 2009 IECC requires air ducts systems, where any of the ducts pass outside of the conditioned space (into attics, garages, etc.), to be pressure tested for leakage with maximum leakage rates specified. The duct system now has to be tested to prove that the air leakage out of ducts is kept to an acceptable level. Testing is not required if all ducts are inside the building envelope (for example in heated basements), though all ducts are required to be sealed.

• Lighting

The 2009 IECC requires 50% of lamps (bulbs, tubes) within a residence to be energy efficient. There were no requirements for lighting in single-family homes in previous versions of the IECC. This includes but is not limited to CFLs. Standard incandescent bulbs do not qualify.

• Envelope Improvements

The 2009 IECC has a number of improvements in basic envelope requirements over the 2006 IECC. Allowable glazed fenestration (windows and skylights) SHGC has been reduced to a maximum of 0.30, meaning that no more than 30% of the sun’s heat can pass through the window into the home. Fenestration U-factor requirements have improved in Climate Zones 2, 3, and 4. Wall insulation for wood frame walls has been bumped up from R-19 to R-20 in Climate Zones 5 and 6. Floor insulation and basement wall insulation have increased in the very coldest zones.

• Elimination of Equipment Trade-offs

Previous versions of the IECC allow reductions in envelope measures to below-code levels if heating and cooling equipment efficiency is improved to above-code levels. For example, a popular trade-off in colder climates is to use a high efficiency gas furnace allowing a reduction of wall insulation. The 2009 IECC eliminates these types of trade-offs. Since these trade-offs are by definition energy neutral, their elimination in theory would not impact energy use. However, building envelope measures often have longer lifetimes than heating and cooling equipment so there can be long-term impacts.

This information was summarized from the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Building Energy Codes Program, and The U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Energy Codes Impact of the 2009 IECC for Residential Buildings at State Level Program.