2009 IECC Energy Code Overview

WV Building Energy Code

West Virginia's residential building code is mandatory statewide; however, adoption by jurisdictions is voluntary. The 2013 West Virginia Legislature passed and Governor Earl Tomblin signed into law a bill updating the state’s building energy code to follow the 2009 IECC for residential buildings. The West Virginia Fire Commission, which promulgates the state’s building energy code, set the effective date for the new residential code to become effective November 30, 2013.

WV Building Energy Code Stakeholder Advisory Group: An informal partnership

of stakeholders in W.Va.’s built community worked together to effect the adoption of the 2009 IECC, evidenced by a slightly later effective date for the code. Parties agreed to a later implementation date so that the WV Division of Energy could provide training on the new code to as many home builders as possible. This partnership was formalized at the “Next Steps” meeting on May 16, 2013, at the offices of the WV Division of Energy. Representatives from the home builders, code officials, architects and, importantly, realtors met to determine the next steps for continuing education, including CE credits for each industry, on the codes. Appraisers have since joined the effort.

ACEEE 's 2012 State Scorecard Ranking for WV:

49

Prior to 11/30/2013

Post 11/30/2013ACEEE 's 2012 State Scorecard Ranking for WV:

46

US Climate Zones

WV Climate ZonesClimate Zone 4 Values

Ceiling R-value 38Wood Frame Wall R-value 13Mass Wall R-value 5/10Floor R-value 19Basement Wall R-value 10/13Slab R-value, Depth 10, 2 ftCrawlspace Wall R-value 10/13Fenestration U-Factor 0.35Skylight U-Factor 0.60Glazed fenestration SHGC NR

45

4

Notable Requirements in the 2009 IECC

Building envelope must be caulked and sealedSlab-on-grade insulation is R-10 to a depth of 2 feetSupply ducts in attic must be insulated to R-8. Return ducts in attics and all ducts in crawl spaces, unheated basements, garages and otherwise outside building envelope must be insulated to R-6.All ducts must be sealed and either:

Verified by pressure testing – the duct system must be tested and the air leakage out of the ducts must be kept to an acceptable maximum level. 6CFM/100 SF.Installed entirely with the building thermal envelope - testing is not required if all ducts are inside the building thermal envelope (for example, in heated basements) , though the ducts still have to be sealed.

50% of the lighting in a building must be high-efficacy. CFLs qualify, standard incandescent bulbs do not.

Cost Savings Relative to 2006 IECC

Life Cycle Cost Savings ($) Simple Payback (years)

2009 IECC

2012 IECC $ 7,301 4.9

$ 1,996 5

Life cycle cost is the primary measure by which DOE assesses the cost-effectiveness of the IECC. These savings assume that initial costs are mortgaged, that homeowners take advantage of the mortgage interest deductions and that long-lived efficiency measures retain a residual value after the 30 year analysis period.

Thermal Envelope

DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT

Diagnostic Equipment

Blower DoorThe Blower Door is a practical and effective way to test parts of the home’s air barrier to locate air leaks. The fan pressurizes/depressurizes the home to a standard pressure. Gauges then measure air leakage.Desired leakage is 4-5 ACH (Air Changes per Hour).

Diagnostic Equipment

Duct Leakage TestDuct leakage testers are actually small blower doors connected to the duct system of a home. They measure the severity of duct leakage and help to locate leaks. The average home has approx. 20-40% duct leakage.Desired leakage is 4% of SF of house.

Diagnostic Equipment

Infrared CameraMany energy auditors are now using infrared cameras to pinpoint air leakage areas in a home.IR cameras are not x-ray machines. They measure temperature differences. Many are sensitive enough to detect within .5° F or even less.

THERMAL IMAGES

Thermal Images

Missing insulation Lacking insulation

Thermal Images

Air Leakage through Receptacle Air Leakage through Can Light

Thermal Images

Air Leakage through Bath Exhaust Fan with Dysfunctioning

Damper

Air Leakage through Top Plate

Thermal Images

Air Leakage through Light Fixture Air Leakage through Attic Access Door