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Building Codes
Internationally, within last 10-yrs, code officials recognized the need for a modern, up-to-date building code addressing
the design and installation of building systems through requirements emphasizing performance. Two codes were established:
The International Residential Code®, IRC
The International Building Code®, IBC
The International Residential Code®, is designed to meet these needs through model code regulations that safeguard the
public health and safety in detached one- and two-family dwellings.
The International Building Code®, is designed to meet these needs through model code regulations that safeguard the public
health and safety in all communities, large and small.
These comprehensive building codes, establish minimum regulations for building systems using prescriptive and performance-
related provisions. They are devised and regulated by specific codes of:
- the International Code Council (ICC),
- International Code Council Electrical Code,
- International Energy Conservation Code,
- International Existing Building Code,
- International Fire Code,
- International Fuel Gas Code,
- International Mechanical Code,
- International Code Council Performance Code,
- International Plumbing Code,
- International Private Sewage Disposal Code,
- International Property Maintenance Code,
- International Residential Code,
- International Urban-Wildland Interface Code, and
- International Zoning Code.
Energy Conservation - essential part of new construction or renovations
All buildings shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the International Energy Conservation Code. This code
establishes minimum prescriptive and performance related regulations for the design of energy efficient buildings and
structures or portions thereof.
Minimum code requirements have been established for individual municipalities located within its geographical region, worldwide.
Your Code Enforcement Officer will provide you with the Table that you need to comply with at minimum levels. Most
of these tables are very stringent and sometimes do not apply to your situation.
In that case, the permitting applicant has an option to provide the Officer of jurisdiction with an
Energy Efficiency analysis that is specific for that job. To provide a uniform reporting system to inspecting officials,
the U.S. Department of Energy devised a computerized program analysis for the energy efficiency of structures.
Two computerized analysis, developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory for the Department of Housing and Urban Development
under direction of the U.S. Department of Energy are:
REScheck
and COMcheck.
REScheck is the computerized program that analyzes Energy Efficiency of up to 2-family residential dwellings.
COMcheck is the computerized program that analyzes Energy Efficiency of commercial structures.
Therefore, if you are planning to build a home, an addition or remodel, you are required to comply with building codes - meaning that
you are required to comply with the Energy Efficiency portion of the building code.
Energy Efficiency Envelope
Essentially, the Energy Efficiency Envelope is a thermal protection surrounding a dwelling. From foundation to the
roof, minimal requirements for thermal protection of heated / cooled spaces within a dwelling must comply
with minimum energy conservation requirements. The envelope can be described
as thermal protection of surfaces ( shown as "orange outline" in
the first image on top of this page) and thermal protection of air due to
infiltration ( shown as "arrow direction leaks" in
the second image on top of this page).
Basic thermal protection ( losses or gains ) in the Envelope contains:
- Insulation of Footer / Basement Floor
- Insulation of Foundation Walls
- Energy Efficiency of the HVAC System
- Insulation of Walls
- Thermal Efficiency of Windows / Doors
- Insulation of Ceiling
- Attic / Roof Ventilation
- Protection from Air Leaks
So, the envelope is the protection of your home by the use of insulation and by sealing of cracks!
How is your Energy Efficiency Envelope?
Inadequate insulation and air leakage are leading causes of energy waste in most homes !
INSULATION
Based on its molecular weight, heat flows naturally from a warmer to a cooler space. In the Winter, the heat moves directly
from all heated living spaces towards the outdoor cooler air. During the Summer, heat moves from outdoors towards the interior
of the house. To maintain indoor comfort, the heat lost in the Winter must be replaced by your heating system; similarly,
the heat gained in the Summer must be tempered by your air conditioner.
Insulation saves money and our nation's limited energy resources, while it makes your home more comfortable by maintaining
a uniform temperature throughout.
Insulating your Footer, Basement Floor, Foundation Walls, HVAC System Ductwork, Walls, Ceiling and Attic floor will promote
good Energy Efficiency Envelope!
How much is enough ? The more the better ! Once the energy savings have paid for the installation cost, energy conserved is money saved - and saving energy
will be even more important as utility rates continually rise.
AIR LEAKAGE
The ability of insulation to limit air movement should not be confused with air sealing of "cracks" ! The insulation reduces
air movement only within the space it occupies. It will not reduce air movement through other cracks within the home.
There is no reason to have those "cracks" bring-in more of the outside air, because every time you open the exterior door is enough
to start-up your HVAC system.
Every penetration through the "envelope" should be sealed to prevent infiltration of outside air into your home, thus promoting
good Energy Efficiency Envelope!
Of course, the amount of energy you conserve will depend on several factors. Your local climate; the size, shape, and construction
of your home; and the living habits of your family.
REScheck and COMcheck Analysis
Before you pick-up a building permit and start building your home, please contact us for your REScheck Analysis !
Before you pick-up a building permit and start building your commercial structure, please contact us for your COMcheck Analysis !
ANA & Associates has analyzed numerous structures for Energy Efficiency in residential and commercial industries. We will
analyze your proposed structure, evaluate the Energy Efficiency Envelope and provide you with a Report that is submitted with your
permit application.
Call us, or Click here to request your REScheck Analysis Report
Call us, or Click here to request your COMcheck Analysis Report
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