There are two basic compliance paths (the prescriptive approach and the simulated performance different) used to ensure energy efficiency as well as compliance with the new federally mandated 2009 IECC (Worldwide Energy Conservation Code). Click here for a overview of the new IECC regulations.
How is 2009 IECC compliance measured?
There are ways that compliance with 2009 IECC might be measured: the prescriptive approach and the simulated performance approach. The prescriptive approach is the only way to demonstrate compliance with the code. The simulated performance approach is more technical. Compliance primarily based on simulated energy performance requires that a proposed design be shown to have an annual energy cost that is less than or equal to the annual energy value of an ordinary reference design.
Prescriptive compliance permits the usage of an energy compliance program called REScheck. REScheck is a device made available by means of the U.S. Department of Energy, which additionally supervises the Energy Star® ranking program for homes.
Via REScheck, essentially the most commonly used pre-building compliance software, Katahdin is able to design a log house to ensure that it complies with the 2009 IECC codes for the house’s climate zone. IECC has scaled its necessities primarily based on climate 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 analysis will provide state or native code enforcement officers with documentation to confirm code compliance.
How does REScheck work?
The REScheck program is based on specific energy code requirements already programmed into the software. Specific energy codes, including the newest (2009 IECC) are available to test the house design. After opening the program, the designer or architect selects the applicable energy code and then enters specific information in regards to the project being analyzed.
Since REScheck is evaluating the energy efficiency of the house, the information required for an analysis includes the «thermal envelope» of the house—foundations, floors, walls, and ceilings. The thermal envelope separates heated/cooled (conditioned) area from unconditioned space. First the appropriate building code is chosen for the analysis. Then data is entered that identifies the project, including project location, project type (new development or addition/alteration), building traits (1 & 2 household or multi-household), sq. footage of heated/cooled floor area, and basic project particulars and notes. The house being evaluated is compared towards a «baseline» dwelling of the identical square footage that meets the minimum code requirements.
The designer then moves by the REScheck program getting into information concerning the thermal envelope including gross space, and insulating values for each element of the thermal envelope (foundations, floors, partitions, and ceilings). The designer also enters the area and insulation values of every exterior door, window and skylight. For log properties, REScheck additionally requires the consumer to pick the wood species of the logs used in the walls, as totally different log species have different insulating properties. Each below grade and above grade walls are included in the analysis if they are enclosing heated/cooled areas.
One element that has modified in the most recent updates to the energy code (IECC 2009) pertains to the mechanical equipment, such as the furnace, boiler, heat pump, and air conditioning unit. Previous to IECC 2009, code compliance allowed for a trade-off between insulation in the envelope and the mechanical components. For instance, a high-effectivity furnace could offset a lower, non-compliant R-value within the partitions of the home. The energy code no longer allows mechanical trade offs. Therefore, the thermal envelope must conform to a higher standard.
When Katahdin developed the exclusive R-23 Energy Envelope System, we sought and acquired professional opinions from the builders of REScheck and 2009 IECC to ensure that this high-efficiency insulation system would meet the intent of of the new standards.
The IECC 2009 energy code also consists of several obligatory necessities, resembling, air leakage necessities, recessed lighting necessities, fenestration (doors and windows), fireplace requirements, mechanical system requirements, snow melt system requirements, pool necessities, fireplace necessities, and common lighting system requirements that apply to all residential buildings.
The REScheck program consolidates all the information entered and arrives at a proportion 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 house meet or surpass the minimum requirements of the baseline home. As there are such a lot of variables to individual homes, it’s possible you’ll find that some tweaking is necessary to your home design to satisfy code requirements. In some instances, a small change in window areas can effect a enough enhance in a REScheck score.
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