What is the IECC building code?

The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is a building code created by the International Code Council in 2000. It is a model code adopted by many states and municipal governments in the United States for the establishment of minimum design and construction requirements for energy efficiency.

What is the 2009 IECC energy code?

The Energy Conservation Code 2009 (IECC 2009) is a model code produced by the International Code Council (ICC). This document provides the foundation for many state and city codes. The IECC 2009 combined with local jurisdiction amendments form the state codes.

What R value do I need in Texas?

Basement Walls The IRC and current Texas code require continuous basement insulation to at least R-10 or cavity insulation to a value of R-15. Basement spaces can be damp and prone to mold, so many homeowners prefer to install rigid foam insulation instead of fiberglass batting, which mildew when wet.

Do Texas homes have insulation?

Texas homes built before the 1980s typically have little to no insulation. New residential construction from 2001 to the present falls under the IECC code adopted in 2001 and subsequently replaced by the IRC code in 2009 that mandates the installation of insulation.

What does the IECC set minimum standards for?

About the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) America’s model energy code — called the International Energy Conservation Code — sets out minimum efficiency standards for new construction for a structure’s walls, floors, ceilings, lighting, windows, doors, duct leakage and air leakage.

What is IECC compliance?

The IECC is the national model standard for energy-efficient residential construction recognized by federal law. Users of this guide are strongly recommended to obtain a copy of the IECC and refer to it for any questions and further details on compliance.

What energy code does Wisconsin use?

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), is responsible for the adoption of Wisconsin’s building, fire safety and energy efficiency codes. They recently adopted the ’15 I-Codes, effective May 1, 2018. Although WI uses their “own” codes, they base them on the I-Codes.

How thick should attic insulation be in Texas?

The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.

How much blown in insulation do I need in Texas?

With blown in fiberglass insulation, this means a minimum of 12 inches of attic insulation, up to 20 inches of fiberglass insulation. Increasing the R-Value of your attic insulation will help limit the need for a new air conditioning installation in Plano, TX and surrounding communities.

Why are Texas homes poorly insulated?

Poor Insulation “Older houses are colder because of two big reasons: warm air wants to get out, cold air wants in,” says John Hawkins, the “Hawkins” of CandysDirt.com Approved Builder Hawkins-Welwood Homes. “Warm air rises and most older homes are poorly insulated in attics and ceilings.

Do Texas homes have heat?

Yes, it gets hot in Texas, but the typical indoor/outdoor temperature differential on hot days tends to be much smaller than the typical temperature differential on cold days, so homes in colder parts of the country are insulated to a higher standard. Many homes in Texas are also being built with heat pumps.

What is an IECC climate zone?

Every three years, the International Code Council (ICC) updates the building codes in the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Climate zones dictate many of the energy efficiency measures that a building must include, and they are especially relevant to the building envelope.

What are the IECC requirements for steel frame walls and ceilings?

Steel-frame ceilings, walls, and floors shall meet the insulation levels of 2009 IECC Table 402.2.5. In CZ 1 and 2, the continuous insulation requirements in this table shall be permitted to be reduced to R-3 for steel-frame wall assemblies with studs spaced at 24 in. on center.

What are the requirements for the ENERGY STAR certified homes program?

The ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Program Version 3.0, Revision 09 requires that ceiling, wall, floor, and slab insulation levels meet or exceed those specified in the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with some alternatives and exceptions. See the Compliance Tab for more details.

What states have adopted IECC insulation requirements?

States that have adopted IECC 2012, 2015, or 2018 must meet the requirements of ENERGY STAR Version 3.1, which specifies that homes meet or exceed 2012 IECC insulation levels. Regional program requirements, and associated implementation timelines, have been developed for homes in CA, FL, GU, HI, the Northern Mariana Islands, OR, PR, and WA.

What are the DOE zero energy ready home program requirements?

The DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Program, Version 07, requires homes to meet or exceed 2015 IECC insulation levels. See the guide 2015 IECC Code Level Insulation – DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Requirements for more details.