Energy Code Compliance Inspections & Planning

What is the Energy Code?

Most folks are familiar with building codes which are designed to regulate construction and building practices for new buildings and homes. Very much like building codes, the Energy Codes were developed to regulate the design and construction of buildings for the effective use of energy. To put it simply, all construction materials have properties that have an impact on energy in construction. Such properties include thermal transmittance, insulating abilities, heat gain factors, and many others. Since construction is essentially an assembly of these materials to make up walls, ceilings, etc, these assemblies, depending on construction methods, will be impacted by climate. As an example, a ceiling assembly in very a cold climate would require more insulating properties (greater R-Value) than one in a warmer climate. Other factors in construction are also considered like windows and doors.

The Energy Code is based on prevailing climatic conditions throughout the country which has been categorized into Climate Zones. Depending on construction location, the Codes require that assemblies such as walls, doors, ceilings, windows, etc.,   be within the guidelines for energy efficiency for that particular zone. The Energy codes address three major areas in construction which are; (1) The Building Envelope which includes exterior walls, ceilings to the attic, and any assembly that separates conditioned from unconditioned space,  (2) Mechanical systems such as HVAC and water heating, and (3) Lighting. The governing body for the development of these codes is the International Code Council (ICC) and the codes themselves are specified in the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and specific sections in the International Residential Code (IRC).

Over the past five to six years, adaptation of the Energy Codes into building construction has become part of the total code compliance requirements for many jurisdictions throughout the country. As with the existing construction codes, newly constructed buildings and homes as well as new additions to existing homes are being required to comply with the Energy Codes before an occupancy certificate can be issued. In fact, in most large jurisdictions, the permit application for construction must include an Energy Schedule which details materials, placement, and how construction will be performed to meet the Energy Code requirements. In other words, the Energy Schedule will be required to demonstrate that the construction project meets the Energy requirements for Envelope, Systems and lighting. These plans will be reviewed by a Certified Building Official or designated person with knowledge and certification in the Energy Codes.

In some jurisdictions, the Plans Examinations and Inspections may be performed by a 3rd part inspection firm that is certified to do these. In these cases, the building officials in the town or city will notify the builder or owner that they will have to secure an Certified Energy Code Inspector. Real Horizons is fully certified by the International Code Council (ICC) to perform these services. These inspections are generally done during the rough in stage of construction and again at the final stage. With regard to Code specifics and at the discretion of the enforcing jurisdiction, some additional testing may be required such as "Blower Door Testing" and "Duct Leakage Testing". If duct leakage testing is required, then it is advisable to have that performed prior to the inspection with the results available to the inspector. Be advised that Real Horizons does NOT perform these tests but only verifies the results along with compliance of all other construction requirements.

If you are currently in this situation and require an inspector, please give us a call at 281-682-7747 or go to our CONTACTS page and leave a message. We will get back to you promptly.

Important Notes Prior to Inspection:

Prior to the inspection, it is important that the following are available:

1. Have all Building Plans/Drawings along with Energy Schedule available for the inspector
2. DO NOT remove stickers, attached papers, etc from any installed products such as doors, windows and lighting fixtures.  These tags/stickers provide information regarding several factors concerning their Energy Efficiency that are required by the inspector.
3. Be sure to have a "Manual J" performed on the property for adequate sizing of the HVAC system and the results available to the inspector.  This procedure is a Mandatory Requirement of the code. An excessively large or small system will impact energy efficiency as well as Code Compliance.  If you require a Manual 'J' for your project, Real Horizons can also provide this for you at an additional charge. 
4. Have documentation on hand (Manufacturers manuals) for all HVAC installed equipment including duct work. It is highly recommended that the HVAC system and associated duct work be fully installed prior to the inspection or another inspection may be required just for this.
5. Have an insulation certificate specifying the type(s) of applied insulation, where applied, the R-Values, Depth, and Amount.  All insulation applied at the attic floor (if blown in) should have markers which are clearly visible placed throughout the attic indicating the depth.  If insulation in the attic was applied by the builder/owner and not an insulation installer and is blown in, then the number of bags or amount used, the R-value attainable per Sq.Ft., the depth, and the attic floor area must be provided.