2012 Kentucky Energy Code

Based on the 2009 IECC By: Eric N. George

o o o o o o o o

Main focus is on the building “envelope” There are 3 “Compliance Paths” = Prescriptive, UA Alternative, and Performance Path Windows = U-factor .35, max = .48 Basement walls = R10 from footer to top Slab insulation – R10 2 feet deep Recessed lights – Must be ICAT-labeled (air-tight) Attic Insulation over exterior top plates = R30 Ducts located in unconditioned space o Supply ducts = R8 o All other ducts = R6 minimum

o

Ducts in unconditioned space must be visually inspected for air-sealing OR duct-blaster tested o Max leakage to outside = 8 CFM/100 SF floor area

o

Air-tightness of building must be visually inspected before drywall and/or blower-door tested o Max air-leakage rate = 7 ACH@50 Pa

o

Attic hatches & doors to unconditioned space must be weather-stripped and insulated to same R-value as surrounding area

o

o

Fireplaces must have gasketed doors & provide outside combustion air Using the Performance Path, the efficiency of the HVAC system is not considered for compliance. o The building envelope’s annual energy use must be equal to the same-size house meeting the prescriptive requirements.

Conditioned Space: Any area or room within a building that is heated or cooled, regardless of whether or not the area or room is considered “finished space”. Ex) Most unfinished basements are “conditioned”

Building Thermal Envelope:

The basement walls, exterior walls, floor, ceilings, and any other building element that enclose the conditioned space & separate indoors from outdoors

The new energy code will effect all residential builders and their subs. Each sub needs to know what is expected o o o o o o o

Builders Framers Windows & doors Electricians, Plumbers, and HVAC Insulators Foundation crews HERS Raters*

o o

Which compliance path to choose? Will there be an HVAC system in the attic? o What type of HVAC system & efficiency ratings?

o

o

o o

Where and how will the thermal boundary be established (insulation)? Where and how the air-barriers will be installed? What sub will be responsible for each function? Must ensure that ALL mandatory provisions are met

o

Provide blueprints with all insulation levels, window & door U-factors o Blueprints should include square footage per floor, all exterior dimensions, including window & door R.O. o Identify areas on blueprints that will need attention before drywall is installed o Knee walls facing attic space o Fireplaces & tubs/showers on exterior walls o Cantilevers o Bulkheads, soffits, and chase cavities o Double walls o Staircase walls

o o o

R10 perimeter insulation required (2” thick) Downward from top of slab 24” minimum Insulation can be vertical or extend horizontally under the slab or out from the building o For horizontal, insulation must be under 10” of soil o Can be angled or tapered off at 45 degree angle at edge





For unfinished basements, you will need to insulate to R5 minimum, either exterior or interior Prescriptively, R10 is required from footer to top of wall ◦ Using the Performance Path, R5 on the top 4’ around the entire perimeter often passes



For “conditioned crawlspaces”, R5-R10 on the inside of the wall from footer to top

o

Optimal framing practices o “California corners”, ladder-T’s, insulated headers, etc

o

o o

Will there be an HVAC system in the attic? Is there an attic access inside the home? Where blocking is needed for air-barriers o Knee walls – On attic side, includes a top & bottom plate o Cantilevered floors – Fill completely & block above foundation wall o Bonus rooms over garages – Block & seal openings to side attic spaces

Exterior 

Interior

All wall cavities MUST have a six-sided air-barrier! Top, Bottom, Left, Right, Front, and Back No top-plate!

All wall cavities MUST have a six-sided air-barrier! Gable End Walls No top-plate!

How to insulate properly? Should be filled completely with blown-in insulation or batt that is thick enough to fill cavity.

Air-seal blocking to framing with foam or silicone caulk

Must install blocking above and behind soffits if on exterior walls, or if unconditioned space is directly above.

Easiest way to insulate skylights is with spray-foam insulation, otherwise it’s very difficult to get the air-barrier right!

Must extend the FULL height & width of shower or tub! Must be SECURED & SEALED to framing!

How will this be insulated? Who will need to do it?

o

Install R2 on water lines in a circulating system o Must install automatic or manual shut-off for when system is not in use

o

Be conscious of the SIZE of the holes they cut! o Don’t make it any bigger than it has to be!

o

Ensure exterior walls behind tubs/showers are insulated with an interior air-barrier PRIOR to tub installation. ◦ Can also blow-in insulation through air-barrier, then seal the holes

o

Install ICAT-labeled recessed lights adjacent to unconditioned space o ICAT = Insulation Contact Air-Tight

o

Prescriptively, install 50% or more CFL or LED lights in permanent fixtures o These do not have to be Energy Star “pin-based” fixtures

o

o

IC-Rated and labeled with no penetrations between inside and outside of can. Sealed with a gasket and/or can is caulked/foamed to drywall ceiling.

o o o

o

Location of the thermal boundary Estimated air-leakage rate (for Manual J sizing) Insulation levels throughout, including window & door performance data (for Manual J sizing) Will there be a system located in an unconditioned attic?

o

o

Heating & cooling load calcs using Manual J or other approved software R-8 supply ducts in unconditioned space o If using Performance Path, use R-6

o o

R-6 for return air ducts in unconditioned spaces Sealed duct work with mastic, UL-181 metal tape, and/or silicone caulk

o

o

o

One programmable thermostat for each forced-air system Heat-pumps must have a control to prevent emergency heat from coming on too early R-3 insulation on all piping carrying fluids over 105 degrees or under 55 These are all mandatory requirements!

o

o

o

o

ALL duct work must be sealed, including those located inside conditioned space! If all ducts are inside conditioned space, no duct leakage testing required, however must still do a visual inspection by independent 3rd party (HERS Rater) Leakage to outside must be less than 8 CFM/100 SF of floor space serviced (each system) A Duct Blaster will be used to quantify leakage to outdoors

HERS Rater must provide certification that ducts meet Post-Construction standards: o Leakage to outside