Northwest ENERGY STAR's New Standards

Northwest ENERGY STAR Verifier Update Training started in November 2010 to educated certified Verifiers about the new standards for ENERGY STAR Homes, with a roll-out date of January 1, 2011. In the November/December 2010 "Builder News" Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes said that, "due to the changing energy codes across the Northwest, the January 1 roll-out of the enhanced specifications was necessary to maintain the high level of quality and performance associated with the Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes label."


Our company owner, Aaron Schreiner, attended the update training in Olympia in January.  For more information about the new standards visit the ENERGY STAR Insider News page.  Aaron's professional achievement was highlighted in the Wenatchee World People & Places article on March 5th.

-Rebecca Darley

WA State Energy Code's New HVAC Requirement

     This week one of our staff went to a WSU Extension Energy Program training in Wenatchee with a focus on duct sealing and testing requirements for the 2009 Washington State Energy Code for HVAC: 503.10.3 Sealing.  We have two Energy Star Performance Technicians on staff so this class was more of a refresher course on duct testing but we did benefit from understanding more about the changes to the new HVAC requirements.  Basically, the code is in a trial period.  Contractors must test the HVAC now but do not have to meet the target rate of allowable leakage during this 120-day testing period.  In April 2011 a judicial committee will listen to arguments from all sides and make a decision about the 503.10.3 Sealing WA State Energy Code. 
     We performed a HVAC leakage test on a home in South Wenatchee.  The new construction home performed well.  It would have passed the new requirements.  It was interesting to note the small leakages that could be easily fixed by mastic.  The equipment used for testing the HVAC includes a duct blaster, manometer and blower door which could add up to $5,000.  This is a new expense to contractors.  There is also discussion about requiring third party testing due to conflict of interest.  Should HVAC contractors be able to test their own work? 
     Here are a few interesting facts we learned in class this week.  Did you know that 40% of a home's fresh air comes from the crawl space or garage?  Thinking about cleaning those spaces right now...aren't you!?  This is also a good time to remind you to open your garage door any time the car is on.  A family of four can emit up to 3 gallons of water into a home daily from sweating, showering, cooking, etc.  Where do the 12 gallons of water go?  Be sure to use your oven and bathroom exhaust fans regularly!

Heating & Cooling: Is it time for an upgrade?

There are plenty of ways to heat and cool a home: natural gas, pellet, oil, electric, propane, wood, coal, solar, hydronic, evaporative, absorption, radiant, and many others. Older systems may not be as efficient as newer ones. Either they have been poorly maintained or have run their course. Faulty heating and cooling systems could be the cause of serious safety or health issues. Upgrading to a new system can be quite an investment, but you’ll realize gains in your energy savings. In Seattle you may not need a central cooling system but in Wenatchee you’ll definitely be glad you had air conditioning during July. When you decide to upgrade check out the US Department of Energy’s website. They have some really helpful information about sizing your system, average BTU, fuel types, costs, etc.  If you're concerned about your current heating and/or cooling system, give AMS a call for a maintenance home inspection.  We'll give you a professional opinion.

Builders Versus WA State Over New Energy Code

It’s the Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) against the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) in fight over new energy code adoption originally set for July 1st. Gov. Gregoire requested a delay of 9 months but builders are guaranteed 3 months.

This issue comes after the SBCC adopted a new code increasing energy efficiency by 18% to 26% in new homes. The SBCC’s actions resulted from Gov. Gregoire’s orders to improve energy code with a 30% reduction in energy use.

Builders argue that the new code would increase new construction from $4,000-$15,000 per unit. During a time when this industry is trying to recover in a down economy the Governor has decided to grant a reprieve and postpone the adoption until the builders have time to recuperate.

Overall, I think we can all agree that energy efficiency is important. Our dependence on oil is embarrassing and the spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a harsh reminder of the affects. As an Energy Star Verifier it would be our company’s best interest for the new code to pass, but we are struggling in this economy like everyone else. Therefore, I think any actions by the SBCC that may increase costs to builders substantially, should be postponed until our economy is doing better.

More info:

http://www.biaw.com/

http://www.sbcc.wa.gov/

http://www.publicola.net/