2018 Washington State Energy Code (update 1-8-2020)
Our code experts provide support to those who use the residential sections of the Washington State Energy Code (WSEC). The 2018 code will go into effect July 1, 2020. All residential structures permitted on or after July 1, 2020, must meet the requirements of the 2018 code.
We are working with stakeholders to determine the most effective way to provide technical assistance and training about the 2018 code. We anticipate receiving a high volume of requests for assistance in early 2020; thank you in advance for your patience as we prepare this information.
To receive the latest updates and training opportunity details, please join our distribution list by sending your name and email address to energycode@energy.wsu.edu.
For non-residential code resources, contact Evergreen Technology Consulting at 360-539-5300 or email com.techsupport@WAenergycodes.com.
Previous Versions of the Washington State Energy Code
The 2015 code went into effect July 1, 2016 (visit the Washington State Building Code Council website for updates). For 2012 Residential Energy Code information and forms, click here.
Have questions about the residential code?
Email energycode@energy.wsu.edu or call the WSEC Residential Code Hotline at 360-956-2042. Resources that will be updated for the 2018 code include:
Energy Code Worksheets
Code Text
Compliance Publications & Tools
Scheduled Trainings
List of Duct Testers
List of Home Energy Raters (HERS)
Presentations & Videos
Hot Topics
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 Presentations 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
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. The form has embedded instructions; hover your cursor over the red triangles to see the help notes. This calculator sizes heating systems only; it will not accurately size cooling systems.
Heating System Sizing Worksheet
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 Presentations 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 2015 WSEC and on duct testing protocols.
Training Details and Schedule
List of Duct Testers
We have compiled a list of individuals who attended the one-day duct testing training offered by the WSU Energy Program and meet the minimum requirements to test ducts for the 2015 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.
Database of PTCS Technicians
Home Energy Raters (HERS)
This list provides contact information for certified home energy raters in Washington who meet the minimum requirements as defined by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) Mortgage Industry National Home Rating Standards, and operate under the rating providership of the WSU Energy Program. These Raters are trained to provide residential home performance evaluations and are certified to perform blower door and duct tests for energy code and/or beyond code programs such as Energy Star Homes. Raters are also certified in the use of energy modeling software and some have expertise in modeling for energy code compliance.
Presentations 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
Washington State Energy Code Presentations
These trainings 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