Overview of the IECC Residential Energy Code
CEUs: 0.5 ICC | RESNET: 5 PDUs
This course is focused on the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) Residential Chapters and why this energy code is important in construction. We also cover what areas of the structure the code is focused on and the building science behind why we need to ensure energy items are properly installed and verified. We cover evaluation of these items as well as the testing that is involved in compliance oversight and what causes tests and verifications to fail. If you are going to be evaluating a structure for compliance to the energy code, this course will help you understand why these code items are in place and how to evaluate them.
Course Objectives
- Gain an understanding of what is included in the International Energy Conservation Code
- Consider how energy efficiency impacts the health and safety of the building occupants and building durability, as well as energy efficiency
- Identify the areas of the structure that require verification to the IECC and why this verification is important
- Obtain an idea of what to expect in the future iterations of the IECC
Course Outline
| Module 1 | The Energy Code: A Brief History |
|---|---|
The Energy Code: A Brief History | |
| Unit 1 | The Energy Code: A Brief History |
| Unit 2 | Energy Code History Quiz |
| Module 2 | Objectives of the Energy Code |
Objectives of the Energy Code | |
| Unit 1 | Energy Code Objectives |
| Unit 2 | Energy Code Objectives Quiz |
| Module 3 | The Energy Code and the Building Envelope |
This module provides an understanding of what a building thermal envelope is and why it is important. It explains how variations in the envelope affect its thermal performance and considers the impacts of increased R-Values on envelope construction. | |
| Unit 1 | The Energy Code: Envelope Definition |
| Unit 2 | Advanced Framing and Thermal Values |
| Unit 3 | Insulation Installation Evaluation |
| Unit 4 | Insulation Application Requirements |
| Unit 5 | Insulation Material Requirements |
| Unit 6 | Final Insulation Evaluation |
| Unit 7 | The Building Envelope in the Energy Code Quiz |
| Module 4 | Inspections and Testing for IECC Code Compliance |
In this module we discuss the inspections and testing required to determine compliance with the energy codes. We will learn who is responsible and dive into what tests are performed, what third-parties might be available to perform these tests, and what the common causes of test failures include. | |
| Unit 1 | Inspections and Testing - Who does what? |
| Unit 2 | Third-Party Verifications |
| Unit 3 | Air Leakage Testing |
| Unit 4 | Duct Leakage Testing |
| Unit 5 | Mechanical Ventilation Testing |
| Unit 6 | Energy Code Inspections and Testing Quiz |
| Module 5 | What to Expect Next in the Energy Code |
The IECC keeps changing. We don't have a crystal ball, but we do have some ideas about what the future of Energy Codes looks like. | |
| Unit 1 | What's next with the Energy Code? |
| Unit 2 | Overview of the IECC Final Exam |