2015 Washington State Energy Code

If your building permit is submitted before February 1, 2021, it must meet requirements of 2015 WSEC-R.

Questions about commercial portions of the code?

Call Evergreen Technology Consulting at 360-539-5300 or
email com.techsupport@WAenergycodes.com.

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 – 2^nd 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

Duct Testers

Our list of duct testers includes those 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.

Please contact JonesJ@energy.wsu.edu for more information.