|
Understanding building codes is an important
part of building or retrofitting homes to become more energy efficient. Below is just a portion of some of
those codes and are made available as a reference for viewing.
International Residential Code (IRC)
Many states, counties, cities and townships around the U.S. are now following some version of the IRC code. The International Residential Code (IRC) is a comprehensive, stand-alone residential code that creates minimum regulations for one and two family dwellings of three stories or less. It brings together all building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, energy and electrical provisions for one- and two-family residences. The IRC also provides a prescriptive approach (i.e., a set of measures) and a performance approach (i.e., energy modeling) for determining compliance.
Both Manual J and Manual S are now included in the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC). Chapter 14 of the IRC, Heating and Cooling Equipment: M1401.3 Sizing. Heating and cooling equipment shall be sized in acordance with ACCA Manual S based on building loads calculated with ACCA Manual J or other approved heating and cooling methodologies. Use Rhvac to help comply with both the Manual J and Manual S requirements of the 2009 IRC. See more about the IRC here: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.nh_IRC
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) encourages energy conservation through efficiency in envelope design, mechanical systems, lighting systems and the use of new materials and techniques. The IECC is similar to the energy related components of the IRC and is even referenced within the IRC, though the two codes are not always identical.
Each state has its own energy code requirements. State energy codes are often based on a version of MEC or IECC (e.g., the 1992 MEC, the 2001 IECC, etc.); though it is worth noting that a few states have no requirements or may only have an energy code as a recommended practice. To see what your state follows concerning the IRC and IECC, check this web page at the Building Codes Assistance Project.
Rhvac helps you comply with state energy codes by creating input files that energy code compliance programs such as ResCheck, Energy Gauge, and RemRate can import. The advantage of this feature in Rhvac is that you do not have to reenter the data over again for any Rhvac project that you wish to use in one of the above energy programs.
Code Enforcement
Many states have code laws that technically cover the entire
state, but are often not enforced in certain areas of the state simply due to lack of resources. Some contractors take advantage
of this lack of enforcement and disregard various code points as they believe there are no potential repercussions from doing
so. While it is true that no immediate penalties are likely to occur in a low enforcement area, it is quite possible that
some future problem with the building will arise that causes the owner to investigate details of the installation. If the
investigation, even done years later, determines that various points of the governing state code were flagrantly ignored at
the time of the installation, a Mechanical Integrity violation could be invoked causing significant fines and penalties.
The Mechanical Integrity concept is a general requirement that a contractor follow all applicable standards in the
performance of his work relating to equipment, piping, instrumentation, electrical systems, and other physical items. Contractors
who ignore their state's own implementation of the IRC and IECC codes, no matter how laxly enforced, run the risk of a
future Mechanical Integrity violation.