2018 WSEC Delayed to 2-1-2021
At a meeting of the Special Council of the Washington State Building Code Council, the Council voted to delay the effective date of the Washington State Energy Code (WSEC) to February 1, 2021.
The 2015 WSEC will remain in effect until February 1, 2021.
For updates about the code and training opportunities, join our distribution list by emailing us at energycode@energy.wsu.edu.
2018 WSEC-R Training Opportunities
Please see our Events & Training page for one-hour recorded webinars on Residential Energy Code Compliance and Duct Testing.
Questions about commercial portions of the code?
Call Evergreen Technology Consulting at 360-539-5300 or
email com.techsupport@WAenergycodes.com.
Versions of the Washington State Energy Code
A building permit is vetted under the code in effect at the time a completed application is submitted.
- If your building permit is submitted on or after February 1, 2021, it must meet requirements of 2018 WSEC-R
- If your building permit is submitted before February 1, 2021, it must meet requirements of 2015 WSEC-R
Energy Code Worksheets
Forms and worksheets for the 2015 WSEC have changed. Instead of being group into one workbook, the Prescriptive Worksheet, Glazing Schedule, and Heating System Sizing Calculator are now independent documents. If you have trouble using any of these worksheets, view the webinar in the Webinars and Videos section of this page, which explains how to complete these worksheets.
Prescriptive Method. This approach is the simplest method of WSEC code compliance. A project complies with building envelope requirements if it meets all minimum insulation levels required for the applicable climate zone. This Excel file provides a method for documenting compliance with the prescriptive standards.
Prescriptive Worksheet – All Climate Zones: right-click the link and select "Save target as" so you can complete this worksheet on your computer
Table R406.2 2015 Energy Credits
2015 Prescriptive Energy Code Checklist
Suggested Option Combinations: This document contains combinations of options from Table 406.2 to achieve 3.5 credits, which is the amount needed for an average-size house in Washington (1,500 to 5,000 square feet). Numerous other combinations are available, but the following utilize readily available equipment and/or some minor upgrades to the building envelope.
Energy Credit Option Combinations
Glazing Schedule: Using the Prescriptive Method, all glazing must have an “area weighted average” U-Factor of 0.30. This means that some windows can have a higher U-factor than 0.30 and some can have a lower U-factor than 0.30, as long as the area weighted average is U-0.30 or lower. You may need to complete this form to document glazing compliance when applying for your building permit.
Glazing Schedule
Heating System Sizing Calculator: This calculator - a simpler version of previous worksheets for newly constructed buildings - assumes that your glazing products have an area weighted average of U-0.30. Use the dropdown boxes to choose insulation levels and enter the areas of each building component. This calculator sizes heating systems only; it will not accurately size cooling systems.
The form has embedded instructions; hover your cursor over the red triangles to see the help notes. An instruction sheet is also provided below.
Heating System Sizing Worksheet
Heating System Sizing Instructions
Another option is the HVAC sizing tool based on Manual J from Better Built NW. You will need to create an account to use this tool.
Total UA Alternative Worksheet (formerly Component Performance): The Total UA Alternative worksheet has been updated to provide the user with error prompts when information is incorrect or missing. If you are having trouble using the worksheet, view the webinar in the Webinars and Videos section, which explains how to complete the worksheet.
Total UA Alternative Worksheet
Alterations: Requirements for alterations or remodels of existing structures differ from the requirements for new construction. No credits from Table 406.2 are required and existing buildings are not necessarily required to meet all of the requirements of the energy code. This worksheet will show what is required for your remodel and may be filled out using Excel or by hand.
Alterations (Remodel) Worksheet
Code Text
We provide support for the residential code only.
2015 Washington State Energy Code – Residential – 2nd printing
2015 Washington State Energy Code – Commercial
2015 Washington State Energy Code – Appendices
Compliance Publications and Tools
These resources pertain to the residential sections of the 2015 WSEC.
Appendix Ruleset for TSPR - Total System Performance Ratio
Blower Door Test Results Form
Duct and Blower Door Test Hand Calculator
Duct and Blower Door Test Calculator
Duct Testing Standard (RS-33)
Duct Testing Affidavit (New Construction)
Duct Testing Affidavit (Existing Construction) - Jurisdictions, please contact us for a modifiable copy of the Duct Testing Affidavit
Air Leakage Testing
WSEC 2015 Certificate 1/4 Sheet (Avery 6878)
WSEC 2015 Certificate 1/2 Sheet (Avery 6573)
Insulation Certificate
Getting to Know Your Ventilation System: Exhaust Type - Whole House
Benefits of Duct Sealing brochure
Scheduled Trainings
We offer training on the residential sections of the WSEC and on duct testing protocols.
Training Details and Schedule
List of Duct Testers
We updated our list of duct testers (updated 9-4-2020) who attended the one-day duct testing training offered by the WSU Energy Program or completed the online training, and meet the minimum requirements to test ducts for the WSEC.
Technicians who can verify that they have successfully completed duct testing training provided by the Northwest ENERGY STAR Program or Performance Tested Comfort Systems (PTCS) may also be qualified to test ducts under the 2015 WSEC. Please contact JonesJ@energy.wsu.edu for more information.
Database of PTCS Technicians
Home Energy Raters (HERS)
This list provides contact information for certified home energy raters (updated 9-4-2020)
The Energy Program has supported home energy raters since 2005. A flier is available that details:
- The programs supported by NW home energy raters
- The benefits of home energy ratings to builders and their customers
- How WSU ensures the credibility of home energy raters and their equipment
- Contact information for RESNET-certified home energy raters in the Northwest under the WSU RESNET providership
Webinars and Videos
Webinars
This webinar is for the 2012 WSEC.
Washington State Energy Code Forms: Prescriptive Worksheet, Glazing Schedule, Heating System Sizing Calculator
Washington State Energy Code Forms: Total UA Alternative Approach (formerly Component Performance)
Duct Sealing Video
"Duct Sealing for Comfort, Energy, and Indoor Air Quality" (16:45 min.)
Air Leakage In Homes: The Invisible Thief
Our air sealing video is divided into seven chapters:
Introduction
Why Air Seal?
Air Sealing For New Homes
Measuring Building Tightness
Air Sealing for Existing Homes
Combustion Safety
Final Thoughts
Fresh Air for a Healthier Home
This consumer’s guide to ventilation systems video is divided into six chapters. You can choose to view an individual chapter or select Play All.
Why Ventilate?
Exhaust-only Systems
Integrated Systems
HRV/ERV Systems
Installation & Inspection
Upgrading Existing Homes
Play All
Presentations
These presentations are frequently modified to meet jurisdictional needs and improve quality. Past presentations include:
WSEC 2015 Residential Energy Code Updates
Duct Testing Training
Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Training
"Hot Topic" Archives
ACEEE Ducts Inside
Additions and Ducts
Comparing the Moisture Performance of Wood-Framed Wall Systems
Conditioned Crawl Spaces
Efficient Water Heating
Electric Heat Lock Out on Heat Pumps
Energy Efficient Home Cooling
Externally Applied Building Insulation
Indoor Air Quality - Keeping Homes Dry
Inspecting Attic Insulation
Principles of Heat Transfer
Unvented Attics
Insuladd - Ceramic-Based Paint Additive
UltraCBF rFOIL - Foil-Faced Bubble Wrap