2015 Washington State Energy Code

For 2012 Residential Energy Code information and forms click here.

Our code experts provide support to those who use the residential sections of the Washington State Energy Code (WSEC). The 2015 code went into effect July 1, 2016 (visit the Washington State Building Code Council website for updates).

Have questions about the residential code?

Energy Code Worksheets

Listserv

Code Text

Compliance Publications & Tools

Solar

Scheduled Trainings

List of Duct Testers

List of Home Energy Raters (HERS)

Presentations & Videos

Hot Topics

For non-residential code resources, contact the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council.

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

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 under the Presentations and Videos section of this page, 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

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). There are numerous other combinations available but the following utilize readily available equipment and/or some minor upgrades to the building envelope.

Energy Credit Option Combinations

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Sign up to receive email updates about energy code changes and educational opportunities from the Energy Code listserv.

Code Text

We provide support regarding the residential code only.

2015 Washington State Energy Code – Residential – 2^nd printing

2015 Washington State Energy Code – Commercial

2015 Washington State Energy Code – Appendices

Compliance Publications & Tools

These resources pertain to the residential sections of the 2015 WSEC.

Blower Door Test Results Form

2015 Prescriptive Energy Code Checklist

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

Solar

The Washington State Building Code Council recently passed an emergency rule regarding installation of residential rooftop solar photovoltaic systems. The links below explain the rule change and provide checklists that are available for jurisdictional use.

Explanation of Rule Change

Building Permit Checklist

Electrical Permit Checklist

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. A new 2015 version is coming soon.

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