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Notice Requesting Public Input on Potential IECC Code Changes
The U.S. Department of Energy is making preparations for the International Code Council's (ICC's) 2006/2007 code development cycle. In keeping with its legislative mandates, the Department promotes cost-effective code changes that improve the energy efficiency of U.S. residences. The Department also strives to maintain the codes' clarity, usability, and enforceability to encourage widespread adoption and compliance.
The Department specifically requests information from interested and affected parties related to the following topics:
- Duct leakage and efficiency
- Are ducts in new housing built under the I-codes properly sealed? Are code officials successfully determining if ducts are properly sealed using only visual inspection? Should verification of duct sealing using pressurization tests be required? If so, what testing protocol(s) and what minimum "scores" might be used to prove the quality of duct sealing?
- Use of durable/permanent sealing materials-should any sealing materials (e.g., duct tape) and/or techniques be banned by the code?
- Glazing orientation, shading, and related solar control techniques
- Should the code limit west-facing glass? If so, how?
- Roof overhangs are standard practice in new housing in some regions such as Florida. The IECC performance path gives credit to such overhangs as exceeding baseline requirements. Is such credit appropriate in these regions?
- Do recent changes in the market availability of solar-control glazings imply the need to modify the code's maximum Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)? Would a lower SHGC such as 0.35 or 0.30 be appropriate in climate zones 1, 2, and/or 3?
- Verification of HVAC equipment installation-are there simple (code official-friendly) testing/inspection protocols that could verify refrigerant charge, airflow, air balance, and other equipment performance parameters?
- Innovative construction techniques such as "conditioned" crawlspaces and attics-are there potential code provisions that would facilitate the use of such spaces as a means to bring ductwork and equipment inside the conditioned envelope? Are there pitfalls that must be avoided in any such provisions?
- Basement walls-Should there be an insulation requirement for heated basement walls climate zone 3?
- Crawlspace wall insulation-should crawlspace wall insulation levels match those of above-grade walls? The IECC's crawlspace wall insulation requirements are currently limited to R-13 even in the coldest climates.
- Trade-off limits on insulation levels-should the code establish hard minimums on insulation levels that must be met regardless of other trade-offs used? What minimum levels would achieve the goals (e.g., ensure a reasonable efficiency of the longest-lived house components, avoid comfort problems that might lead occupants to set higher indoor temperatures, etc.) yet be inclusive of all products construction types (e.g., log walls)?
- Hydronic distribution system credits-the IECC performance path gives substantial credit for hydronic systems, allowing significant reductions in other component efficiencies. Although hydronic systems are indeed more energy efficient than ducted air systems, they are standard practice in certain areas of upper New England and New York. Is the current credit justified in those regions?
- Residential lighting-would it be appropriate to add lighting to the scope of the IECC? What lighting requirements would be appropriate for the residential sector?
DOE welcomes all input on these topics, especially that related to the cost and energy performance of related efficiency enhancements.
Although the Department will not respond directly to all comments, information on planned code change proposals will be posted here and subsequent review comments will be considered as time permits. Please send comments by February 17, 2006, to:
Stephen P. Walder
Architect, Office of Building Technologies
EE-2J/Forrestal Building
U.S. Department of Energy
1000 Independence Ave, S.W.
Washington, DC 20585
Phone: 202-586-9209
Fax: 202-586-4617
Email: Stephen.walder@hq.doe.gov