New Energy Code in Connecticut and Nationwide.

New Energy Code in Connecticut and Nationwide.

In Connecticut as well as in other states the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (2009 IECC) has been adopted. Adoption of this code will save approximately 12 to 15% energy consumption for new homes.

Energy codes are the easiest and most cost effective way for improving the building sector’s energy efficiency.

New changes in the Residential 2009 IECC code are:

• 50% or more of lighting needs to be high efficacy
• Mandatory duct system pressure tests unless the duct system is located entirely inside the thermal envelope.
• Improved air tightness of the new home by either following a checklist of measures or have a blower door test.
• HVAC equipment sizing mandatory along with minimum one programmable thermostat where primary heating system is forced air.
• Certificate posted on electrical distribution panel and will list:
• R-values of insulation.
• U-factors of fenestration and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC).
• Types and efficiencies of heating, cooling and water heating equipment.

Connecticut is committed to a better energy future and is planning to adopt the 2012 IECC code by July 1^st, 2013. According to the DOE the 2012 IECC code will create a 30% improvement in energy efficiency compared to the 2006 IECC.

New changes in the Residential 2012 IECC codes are:

• Mandatory whole house pressure test (blower door)
• Duct leakage rates lowered
• Domestic hot water piping be insulated or short and skinny runs
• 75% of lighting fixtures will be high efficacy fixtures.
• Wall insulation requirements have become more stringent.
• Better windows depending on which climate zone you are in.

To read more on building energy codes click here.

Example:

Darien, Ct. population is approximately 20,000 in about 6,000 residences. Let just assume that each one of those residences uses:

• 700 gallons of oil per year
• 18,000 kWh of electricity per year.

1. If each home where brought up to 2009 IECC standards the savings would be about 12%

700 gallons of oil at $4/gal. = $2,800 * 12% = savings of $336 per year

18,000 kWh @ 15cents/kWh = $2,700 * 12% = savings of $324 per year.

2. Now let’s up it to the 2012 IECC standard where savings would be approximately 30%

700 gallons of oil at $4/gal. = $2,800 * 30% = savings of $840 per year

18,000 kWh @ 15cents/kWh = $2,700 * 30% = savings of $810 per year.

Now let’s see what the whole town would save.

2009 IECC (12% savings)

6,000 homes * $336 = $2,016,000 in oil, that is over 500,000 gallons of less oil used per year for just one town.

6,000 homes would save 12.9 million kWh which in our example power 720 homes for a year.

2012 IECC (30% savings)

6,000 homes * $840 = $5,040,000 in oil, that is over 1,260,000 gallons of less oil used per year for just one town.

6,000 homes would save 32.4 million kWh of electricity which in our example power 1,800 homes for a year.

THINK ABOUT IT.

David Popoff is a Connecticut license real estate agent in lower Fairfield County. He has lived and worked in the area for over 30 years and now reside in Darien since 2004.

• Green Affiliations.
• Realtor GREEN designation by the National Association of Realtors.
• David Popoff is an accredited LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) Homes and USGBC member of the Connecticut chapter (CTGBC).  
• Associate member and an accredited Certified Green Professional (CGP) of National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the local chapter HBRA-Fairfield County, Ct.
• Member of the HBA CT Green Homes Council.
• Member of the Multiple Listing Service, MLS.
• Darien
•  Greenwich
•  Greater Fairfield County
• Member of the Connecticut Association of Realtors, CAR.
• Member of the National Association of Realtors, NAR.
• Contact David Popoff at William Pitt Sotheby’s for all your real estate needs in Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Rowayton and the rest of lower Fairfield County.