Houston Energy Code and does it apply to residential homes?
Here is a quick highlight of the City of Houston Energy Code:
Scope: This guideline is to help the Houston building industry to better understand the requirements set forth in the 2000 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the 2000 International Residential Code (IRC) Chapter 11.
Purpose of the Energy Code: The Energy Code is mandated by state law in an effort to reduce the air pollutant emissions, moderate future peak electric power demand, and to help control energy costs.
Overview: The IECC specifies thermal envelope requirements for new construction, and additions and alterations to existing buildings. The Energy Code primarily focuses on the following requirements:
- Building Envelope
- Insulation R-values, Densities, and Thickness
- Window & Door Area, Solar Heat Gain Coefficients, and U-Factors
- Heating and Cooling System Efficiency
- Duct Insulation
- Electrical Lighting Loads
There are some requirements for residential applications that must comply with the energy code for new construction and remodel situations.
One is the penetration of the ceiling cavity with recessed lighting, article (502.1.3) that reads:
All fixtures shall be type IC rated, manufactured with no penetrations between the inside of the recessed fixture and the ceiling cavity and sealed to prevent air leakage, or shall be installed in a sealed box maintaining the required clearances of not less than 1" from combustible material and not less than 3" from insulation material.
Another is the electrical energy consumption for units with multiple tenants, article (505.1) that reads:
In Type A-2 residential buildings having individuals dwelling units, provisions shall be made to determine the electrical energy consumption consumed by each tenant by separately metering individual dwelling units.
And finally, all pools should have time clock controls, article (504.4) that reads:
All pools shall have time clocks installed to allow the pumps to run in off peak electrical demand periods and can be set to maintain the water clear and sanitary.
There are three types of generally accepted ways to calculate the energy code requirements: Simplified Prescriptive Approach, Component Performance Approach or a System Analysis Approach
Simplified prescriptive approach follows the simplified prescriptive requirements set forth in Chapter 11 of the IRC, which corresponds with Chapter 6 of the IECC.
Component Performance Approach allows varying insulation levels, glazing and door areas, and glazing and door U-values. (See Chapter 5 or Chapter 8, sections 801 through 805 of the IECC) In this approach builders/designers may choose to utilize a software program.
System Analysis Approach allows compliance to be demonstrated by an analysis of the proposed building's annual energy usage. The building is considered to be in compliance if the calculated energy consumption is not greater than a "standard design" meeting the minimum performance requirements of the code. Generally, this comparison uses engineering calculations or a computer simulation. (See Chapter 4 or Chapter 8, section 806 of the IECC)
For more information regarding these approaches, interpretations, calculations, or compliance with the City of Houston electric code, contact the professionals at Illuminations Lighting Design. Our staff of experienced lighting consultants are highly qualified to assist you with meeting the minimum requirements of the Energy Code not only here in Texas but around the country. We can be reached at 713-863-1133 or by email by contacting Tom Kretzschmar in the lighting design department.
Labels: Architectural Lighting Houston Texas, Houston Energy Codes, Houston Lighting Design Company, Outdoor Restaurant Lighting
posted by xinger at
4:34 PM
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