Welcome to the Utah Energy Code Blog
2021 IECC & IRC: DUCT SEALING
July 17, 2024
True or False: Duct sealing is not important when the duct is inside the thermal envelope, as there is no leakage to outside.
Hopefully your response is False. Over the past several years, Mitch Richardson with Building Science West have tested duct systems in at least six problem homes where the duct system leakage rate was excessive to the point that they could not attain the 25-pascal test pressure…
FORCED AIR HEATING & COOLING SYSTEMS – ENERGY EFFICIENT DUCT INSTALLATION PRACTICES
June 14, 2024
Previous discussions have reviewed ACCA/ANSI Manual D – Residential Duct Systems, primarily focusing on pressure drops across devices, duct sizing, and fitting design. This discussion will concentrate on installation practices as identified in the SMACNA – HVAC Duct Construction Standard…
IS A RETURN AIR INLET REQUIRED IN EVERY BEDROOM?
June 14, 2024
A Building Inspector recently called asking for clarification on the requirement for return air inlets in bedrooms. The HVAC contractor insists a 1” to 1-1/2” space under the door will provide a path back to return air inlets in virtually every residential application…
DUCT LEAKAGE TESTING
June 14, 2024
Duct leakage testing, or duct blaster testing, is required for new duct systems installed outside the thermal envelope of a home. The current amended Utah energy code requires duct leakage testing for residential HVAC systems with air handlers and those with at least 20% of their duct system (measured by length) located in an attic, crawlspace or outside…
THE LEAST SEXY EFFICIENCY UPGRADE FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION JUST MAY BE ONE OF THE BEST
June 14, 2024
Many years ago, Dr. Energy worked as part of an electric utility solar incentive program. One of the tasks for Dr. Energy was to visit each proposed installation site and confirm that there was not an existing solar array because one of the program requirements was that the project must be preapproved before the installation could happen…
BALANCED MECHANICAL VENTILATION
April 8, 2023
Building science experts have identified reducing air leakage as a key component in improving building energy efficiency and occupant comfort…
2023-2024
2021 IECC & IRC: Duct Sealing
July 17, 2024
Forced Air Heating & Cooling Systems – Energy Efficient Duct Installation Practices
June 14, 2024
Is a Return Air Inlet Required in Every Bedroom?
June 14, 2024
Duct Leakage Testing
June 14, 2024
The Least Sexy Efficiency Upgrade for New Construction Just May Be One of the Best
June 14, 2024
Balanced Mechanical Ventilation
April 8, 2023
The Devil is in the Details
March 15, 2023
The Forgotten Air Barrier – Garage Partition Walls
February 8, 2023
Ventilation for a Healthy and Comfortable Home
January 30, 2023
Poor HVAC Airflow – Part 2
January 16, 2023
2020-2022
Building Air Leakage, Testing, and Mechanical Ventilation
December 20, 2022
Energy & Mechanical Code Failure – Poor Access to HVAC Systems in Attics
August 4, 2022
ACCA Manual J Load Calculations
August 3, 2022
Poor HVAC Airflow – Part 1
June 29, 2022
Questions from an HVAC Contractor – Energy Recovery Ventilators and Make-Up Air
May 12, 2022
Utah’s Residential Energy Code Field Study Shows a Big Opportunity for Cost Savings and Emissions Reductions
April 13, 2022
HVAC Systems, Ventilation, Filtration and COVID-19
February 10, 2022
Drawing Combustion Air out of Air Sealed Buildings – is it Safe?
February 2, 2022
Foil-Faced Bubble Wrap Duct “Insulation”
October 2, 2021
Introduction to the Energy Code – Is My Project Commercial or Residential?
February 2, 2021
Townhouses and the RES Check Compliance Option
January 14, 2021
Thermal Factors – R-values, U-factors & SHGCs – Consistency on all Construction Documents
September 29, 2020
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