Residential Energy Code Checklist2018 Washington State Energy Code – Residential
Prescriptive Energy Code Compliance for All Climate Zones in Washington
Prescriptive Path – Single Family 2018 Washington State Energy Code-R 1
Project Information Contact Information
Instructions: This single-family project will use the requirements of the Prescriptive Path below and
incorporate the minimum values listed. Based on the size of the structure, the appropriate number of
additional credits are checked as chosen by the permit applicant.
Authorized Representative Date
n/a n/a
a
R-values are minimums. U-factors and SHGC are maximums. When insulation is installed in a cavity that is less
than the label or design thickness of the insulation, the compressed R-value of the insulation from Appendix
Table A101.4 shall not be less than the R-value specified in the table.
b The fenestration U-factor column excludes skylights.
c
"10/15/21 +5TB" means R-10 continuous insulation on the exterior of the wall, or R-15 continuous insulation on
the interior of the wall, or R-21 cavity insulation plus a thermal break between the slab and the basement wall at
the interior of the basement wall. "10/15/21 +5TB" shall be permitted to be met with R-13 cavity insulation on
the interior of the basement wall plus R-5 continuous insulation on the interior or exterior of the wall. "5TB"
means R-5 thermal break between floor slab and basement wall.
g For log structures developed in compliance with Standard ICC 400, log walls shall meet the requirements for
climate zone 5 of ICC 400.
h
Int. (intermediate framing) denotes framing and insulation as described in Section A103.2.2 including standard
framing 16 inches on center, 78% of the wall cavity insulated and headers insulated with a minimum of R-10
insulation.
These requirements apply to all IRC building types, including detached one- and two-family
dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses).
Provide all information from the following tables as building permit drawings: Table R402.1 - Insulation and
Fenestration Requirements by Component, Table R406.2 - Fuel Normalization Credits and 406.3 - Energy Credits.
All Climate Zones (Table R402.1.1)
R-Value a U-Factor a
Fenestration U-Factor b n/a 0.30
Skylight U-Factor b n/a 0.50
Glazed Fenestration SHGC b,e
d R-10 continuous insulation is required under heated slab on grade floors. See Section R402.2.9.1.
e
f
R-7.5 continuous insulation installed over an existing slab is deemed to be equivalent to the required perimeter
slab insulation when applied to existing slabs complying with Section R503.1.1. If foam plastic is used, it shall
meet the requirements for thermal barriers protecting foam plastics.
For single rafter- or joist-vaulted ceilings, the insulation may be reduced to R-38 if the full insulation depth
extends over the top plate of the exterior wall.
Single Family – New & Additions (effective February 1, 2021)
Ceiling e 49 0.026
Wood Frame Wall g,h 21 int 0.056
Floor 30 0.029
Below Grade Wall c,h 10/15/21 int + TB 0.042
Slab d,f R-Value & Depth 10, 2 ft n/a
2018 Washington State Energy Code – Residential
Prescriptive Energy Code Compliance for All Climate Zones in Washington
Prescriptive Path – Single Family 2018 Washington State Energy Code-R 2
2. Medium Dwelling Unit: 6 credits
All dwelling units that are not included in #1 or #3
3. Large Dwelling Unit: 7 credits
Dwelling units exceeding 5,000 sf of conditioned floor area
4. Additions less than 500 square feet: 1.5 credits
All other additions shall meet 1-3 above
Before selecting your credits on this Summary table, review the details in Table 406.3 (Single Family), on page 4.
Summary of Table R406.2
Heating
Options Fuel Normalization Descriptions Credits - select ONE
heating option User Notes
4 DHP with zonal electric resistance per option 3.4 0.5
5 All other heating systems -1.0
Energy
Options Energy Credit Option Descriptions
Credits - select ONE
energy option from each
category d
1.3 Efficient Building Envelope 0.5
1.5 Efficient Building Envelope 2.0
1.6 Efficient Building Envelope 3.0
1.7 Efficient Building Envelope 0.5
2.1 Air Leakage Control and Efficient Ventilation 0.5
2.2 Air Leakage Control and Efficient Ventilation 1.0
2.3 Air Leakage Control and Efficient Ventilation 1.5
2.4 Air Leakage Control and Efficient Ventilation 2.0
3.1a High Efficiency HVAC 1.0
3.2 High Efficiency HVAC 1.0
3.3a High Efficiency HVAC 1.5
3.4 High Efficiency HVAC 1.5
3.5 High Efficiency HVAC 1.5
3.6a High Efficiency HVAC 2.0
4.1 High Efficiency HVAC Distribution System 0.5
4.2 High Efficiency HVAC Distribution System 1.0
1.2 Efficient Building Envelope 1.0
1 Combustion heating minimum NAECAb 0.0
1.1 Efficient Building Envelope 0.5
1.4 Efficient Building Envelope 1.0
2 Heat pumpc 1.0
3 Electric resistance heat only - furnace or zonal -1.0
1. Small Dwelling Unit: 3 credits
Dwelling units less than 1,500 sf in conditioned floor area with less than 300 sf of fenestration area.
Additions to existing building that are greater than 500 sf of heated floor area but less than 1,500 sf.
Single Family – New & Additions (effective February 1, 2021)
Each dwelling unit in a residential building shall comply with sufficient options from Table R406.2 (fuel
normalization credits) and Table 406.3 (energy credits) to achieve the following minimum number of
credits. To claim this credit, the building permit drawings shall specify the option selected and the
maximum tested building air leakage, and show the qualifying ventilation system and its control sequence
of operation.
2018 Washington State Energy Code – Residential
Prescriptive Energy Code Compliance for All Climate Zones in Washington
Prescriptive Path – Single Family 2018 Washington State Energy Code-R 3
Summary of Table R406.2 (cont.)
Energy
Options Energy Credit Option Descriptions (cont.)
Credits - select ONE
energy option from
each category d
User Notes
5.1d Efficient Water Heating 0.5
5.2 Efficient Water Heating 0.5
5.3 Efficient Water Heating 1.0
5.4 Efficient Water Heating 1.5
5.5 Efficient Water Heating 2.0
5.6 Efficient Water Heating 2.5
6.1e Renewable Electric Energy (3 credits max) 1.0
7.1 Appliance Package 0.5
Total Credits
a. An alternative heating source sized at a maximum of 0.5 W/sf (equivalent) of heated floor area or 500 W,
whichever is bigger, may be installed in the dwelling unit.
b. Equipment listed in Table C403.3.2(4) or C403.3.2(5)
d. You cannot select more than one option from any category EXCEPT in category 5. Option 5.1 may be combined
with options 5.2 through 5.6. See Table 406.3.
c. Equipment listed in Table C403.3.2(1) or C403.3.2(2)
e. 1.0 credit for each 1,200 kWh of electrical generation provided annually, up to 3 credits max.
See the complete Table R406.2 for all requirements and option descriptions.
Single Family – New & Additions (effective February 1, 2021)
2018 Washington State Energy Code – Residential
Prescriptive Energy Code Compliance for All Climate Zones in Washington
Prescriptive Path – Single Family 2018 Washington State Energy Code-R 4
Table 406.3 – Energy Credits (Single Family)
Option Description Credits: SF
1. EFFICIENT BUILDING ENVELOPE OPTIONS
Only one option from Items 1.1 through 1.7 may be selected in this category.
Compliance with the conductive UA targets is demonstrated using Section R402.1.4, Total UA alternative, where [1-
(Proposed UA/Target UA)] > the required %UA reduction.
1.1 Prescriptive compliance is based on Table R402.1.1 with the following modifications:
Vertical fenestration U = 0.24 0.5
1.2 Prescriptive compliance is based on Table R402.1.1 with the following modifications:
Vertical fenestration U = 0.20 1.0
1.3
Prescriptive compliance is based on Table R402.1.1 with the following modifications:
Vertical fenestration U = 0.28
Floor R-38
Slab on grade R-10 perimeter and under entire slab below grade slab R-10 perimeter and
under entire slab or
Compliance based on Section R402.1.4: Reduce the Total conductive UA by 5%
0.5
1.4
Prescriptive compliance is based on Table R402.1.1 with the following modifications:
Vertical fenestration U = 0.25
Wall R-21 plus R-4 ci
Floor R-38
Basement wall R-21 int plus R-5 ci
Slab on grade R-10 perimeter and under entire slab Below grade slab R-10 perimeter and
under entire slab or
Compliance based on Section R402.1.4: Reduce the Total conductive UA by 15%
1.0
1.5
Prescriptive compliance is based on Table R402.1.1 with the following modifications:
Vertical fenestration U = 0.22
Ceiling and single-rafter or joist-vaulted R-49 advanced
Wood frame wall R-21 int plus R-12 ci Floor R-38
Basement wall R-21 int plus R-12 ci
Slab on grade R-10 perimeter and under entire slab Below grade slab R-10 perimeter and
under entire slab or
Compliance based on Section R402.1.4: Reduce the Total conductive UA by 30%
2.0
1.6
Prescriptive compliance is based on Table R402.1.1 with the following modifications:
Vertical fenestration U = 0.18
Ceiling and single-rafter or joist-vaulted R-60 advanced
Wood frame wall R-21 int plus R-16 ci
Floor R-48
Basement wall R-21 int plus R-16 ci
Slab on grade R-20 perimeter and under entire slab Below grade slab R-20 perimeter and
under entire slab or
Compliance based on Section R402.1.4: Reduce the Total conductive UA by 40%.
3.0
1.7
Advanced framing and raised heel trusses or rafters
Vertical Glazing U-0.28
R-49 Advanced (U-0.020) as listed in Section A102.2.1, Ceilings below a vented attic and
R-49 vaulted ceilings with full height of uncompressed insulation extending over the wall
top plate at the eaves.
0.5
Single Family – New & Additions (effective February 1, 2021)
2018 Washington State Energy Code – Residential
Prescriptive Energy Code Compliance for All Climate Zones in Washington
Prescriptive Path – Single Family 2018 Washington State Energy Code-R 5
Table 406.3 – Energy Credits (Single Family)
Option Description Credits: SF
2. AIR LEAKAGE CONTROL AND EFFICIENT VENTILATION OPTIONS
Only one option from Items 2.1 through 2.4 may be selected in this category.
2.1
For R-2 Occupancies, optional compliance based on Section R402.4.1.2: Reduce the tested
air leakage to 0.3 cfm/sf maximum at 50 Pascals and
All whole house ventilation requirements as determined by Section M1507.3 of the
International Residential Code or Section 403.8 of the International Mechanical Code shall
be met with a high efficiency fan(s) (maximum 0.35 watts/cfm), not interlocked with the
furnace fan (if present). Ventilation systems using a furnace including an ECM motor are
allowed, provided that they are controlled to operate at low speed in ventilation only
mode.
To qualify to claim this credit, the building permit drawings shall specify the option being
selected and the maximum tested building air leakage, and shall show the qualifying
ventilation system and its control sequence of operation.
0.5
2.2
For R-2 Occupancies, optional compliance based on Section R402.4.1.2: Reduce the tested
air leakage to 0.25 cfm/sf maximum at 50 Pascals and
All whole house ventilation requirements as determined by Section M1507.3 of the
International Residential Code or Section 403.8 of the International Mechanical Code shall
be met with a heat recovery ventilation system with minimum sensible heat recovery
efficiency of 0.65. 1
1.0
2.3
Compliance based on Section R402.4.1.2:
Reduce the tested air leakage to 1.5 air changes per hour maximum at 50 Pascals or
For R-2 Occupancies, optional compliance based on Section R402.4.1.2: Reduce the tested
air leakage to 0.25 cfm/sf maximum at 50 Pascals and
All whole house ventilation requirements as determined by Section M1507.3 of the
International Residential Code or Section 403.8 of the International Mechanical Code shall
be met with a heat recovery ventilation system with minimum sensible heat recovery
efficiency of 0.75. 1
1.5
2.4
Compliance based on Section R402.4.1.2:
Reduce the tested air leakage to 0.6 air changes per hour maximum at 50 Pascals or
For R-2 Occupancies, optional compliance based on Section R402.4.1.2: Reduce the tested
air leakage to 0.15 cfm/sf maximum at 50 Pascals and
All whole house ventilation requirements as determined by Section M1507.3 of the
International Residential Code or Section 403.8 of the International Mechanical Code shall
be met with a heat recovery ventilation system with minimum sensible heat recovery
efficiency of 0.80. Duct installation shall comply with Section R403.3.7. 1
2.0
1 To qualify to claim this credit, the building permit drawings shall specify the option being selected and shall
specify the maximum tested building air leakage and shall show the heat recovery ventilation system.
Compliance based on R402.4.1.2: Reduce the tested air leakage to 3.0 air changes per hour
maximum at 50 Pascals or
Single Family – New & Additions (effective February 1, 2021)
Complianc
maximum at 50 Pascals
e based on Section R402.4.1.2: Reduce the tested air leakage to 2.0 air changes
per hour or
2018 Washington State Energy Code – Residential
Prescriptive Energy Code Compliance for All Climate Zones in Washington
Prescriptive Path – Single Family 2018 Washington State Energy Code-R 6
Table 406.3 – Energy Credits (Single Family)
Option Description Credits: SF
3. HIGH EFFICIENCY HVAC EQUIPMENT OPTIONS
Only one option from Items 3.1 through 3.6 may be selected in this category.
1.5
3.4
housing unit. 4
1.5
3.5 2 Air-source, centrally ducted heat pump with minimum HSPF of 11.0. 4 1.5
3.6 2
To qualify to claim this credit, the building permit drawings shall specify the option being
selected, the heated floor area calculation, the heating equipment type(s), the minimum
equipment efficiency, and total installed heat capacity (by equipment type).
2.0
3 To qualify to claim this credit, the building permit drawings shall specify the option being selected and shall specify
the heating equipment type and the minimum equipment efficiency.
4 To qualify to claim this credit, the building permit drawings shall specify the option being selected and shall specify
the heating equipment type and the minimum equipment efficiency.
4. HIGH EFFICIENCY HVAC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPTIONS
4.1
All supply and return ducts located in an unconditioned attic shall be deeply buried in
ceiling insulation in accordance with Section R403.3.7.
Duct leakage shall be limited to 3 cfm per 100 square feet of conditioned floor area.
Air handler(s) shall be located within the conditioned space.
0.5
4.2
HVAC equipment and associated duct system(s) installation shall comply with the
requirements of Section R403.3.7.
Locating system components in conditioned crawl spaces is not permitted under this
option.
Electric resistance heat and ductless heat pumps are not permitted under this option.
Direct combustion heating equipment with AFUE less than 80% is not permitted under this
option.
To qualify to claim this credit, the building permit drawings shall specify the option being
selected and shall specify the heating equipment type and shall show the location of the
heating and cooling equipment and all the ductwork.
1.0
Single Family – New & Additions (effective February 1, 2021)
2 An alternative heating source sized at a maximum of 0.5 W/sf(equivalent) of heated floor area or 500 W, whichever is
bigger, may be installed in the dwelling unit.
For mechanical equipment located outside the conditioned space, a maximum of 10 linear
feet of return duct and 5 linear feet of supply duct connections to the equipment may be
outside the deeply buried insulation. All metallic ducts located outside the conditioned
space must have both transverse and longitudinal joints sealed with mastic. If flex ducts
are used, they cannot contain splices.
Ductless split system heat pumps with no electric resistance heating in the primary living
areas. A ductless heat pump system with a minimum HSPF of 10 shall be sized and
installed to provide heat to entire dwelling unit at the design outdoor air temperature.
Ene1 2 rgy Star rated (U.S. North) Gas or propane furnace with minimum AFUE of 95% or 3.
3.2 2 Air-source centrally ducted heat pump with minimum HSPF of 9.5. 3 1.0
3.32
Closed-loop ground source heat pump; with a minimum COP of 3.3 or
Open loop water source heat pump with a maximum pumping hydraulic head of 150 feet
and minimum COP of 3.6. 3
Ductless mini-split heat pump system, zonal control: In homes where the primary space
heating system is zonal electric heating, a ductless mini-split heat pump system with a
minimum HSPF of 10.0 shall be installed and provide heating to the largest zone of the
1.0 Energy Star rated (U.S. North) Gas or propane boiler with minimum AFUE of 90%. 2
2018 Washington State Energy Code – Residential
Prescriptive Energy Code Compliance for All Climate Zones in Washington
Prescriptive Path – Single Family 2018 Washington State Energy Code-R 7
Table 406.3 – Energy Credits (Single Family)
Option Description Credits: SF
5. EFFICIENT WATER HEATING OPTIONS
Only one option from Items 5.2 through 5.6 may be selected in this category. Item 5.1 may be combined with any option.
5.1
A drain water heat recovery unit(s) shall be installed, which captures waste water heat from
all and only the showers, and has a minimum efficiency of 40% if installed for equal flow or a
minimum efficiency of 54% if installed for unequal flow. Such units shall be rated in
accordance with CSA B55.1 or IAPMO IGC 346-2017 and be so labeled.
0.5
5.2 Water heating system shall include one of the following:
Energy Star rated gas or propane water heater with a minimum UEF of 0.80. 5 0.5
5.3
Water heating system shall include one of the following:
Energy Star rated gas or propane water heater with a minimum UEF of 0.91 or
Solar water heating supplementing a minimum standard water heater. Solar water heating
will provide a rated minimum savings of 85 therms or 2000 kWh based on the Solar Rating and
Certification Corporation (SRCC) Annual Performance of OG-300 Certified Solar Water Heating
Systems or
Water heater heated by ground source heat pump meeting requirements of Option 3.3.
To qualify to claim this credit, the building permit drawings shall specify the option being
selected and shall specify the water heater equipment type and the minimum equipment
efficiency and, for solar water heating systems, the calculation of minimum energy savings.
1.0
5.4
Water heating system shall include one of the following:
Electric heat pump water heater meeting the standards for Tier I of NEEA's advanced water
heating specification or
For R-2 Occupancy, electric heat pump water heater(s), meeting the standards for Tier I of
NEEA's advanced water heating specification, shall supply domestic hot water to all units. If
one water heater is serving more than one dwelling unit, all hot water supply and
recirculation piping shall be insulated with R-8 minimum pipe insulation. 5
1.5
5.5
Water heating system shall include one of the following: Electric heat pump water heater
meeting the standards for Tier III of NEEA's advanced water heating specification or
For R-2 Occupancy, electric heat pump water heater(s), meeting the standards for Tier III of
NEEA's advanced water heating specification, shall supply domestic hot water to all units. If
one water heater is serving more than one dwelling unit, all hot water supply and
recirculation piping shall be insulated with R-8 minimum pipe insulation. 5
2.0
5.6
Water heating system shall include one of the following:
Electric heat pump water heater with a minimum UEF of 2.9 and utilizing a split system
configuration with the air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger located outdoors. Equipment shall
meet Section 4, requirements for all units, of the NEEA standard Advanced Water Heating
Specification with the UEF noted above or
For R-2 Occupancy, electric heat pump water heater(s), meeting the standards for Tier III of
NEEA's advanced water heating specification and utilizing a split system configuration with
the air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger located outdoors, shall supply domestic hot water to all
units. If one water heater is serving more than one dwelling unit, all hot water supply and
recirculation piping shall be insulated with R-8 minimum pipe insulation. 5
2.5
5 To qualify to claim this credit, the building permit drawings shall specify the option being selected and shall
specify the water heater equipment type and the minimum equipment efficiency.
To qualify to claim this credit, the building permit drawings shall include a plumbing diagram
that specifies the drain water heat recovery units and the plumbing layout needed to install it.
Labels or other documentation shall be provided that demonstrates that the unit complies
with the standard.
Single Family – New & Additions (effective February 1, 2021)
2018 Washington State Energy Code – Residential
Prescriptive Energy Code Compliance for All Climate Zones in Washington
Prescriptive Path – Single Family 2018 Washington State Energy Code-R 8
Table 406.3 – Energy Credits (Single Family)
Option Description Credits: SF
6. RENEWABLE ELECTRIC ENERGY OPTION
6.1
Documentation noting solar access shall be included on the plans. For wind generation
projects designs shall document annual power generation based on the following factors:
the wind turbine power curve; average annual wind speed at the site;
frequency distribution of the wind speed at the site and height of the tower.
To qualify to claim this credit, the building permit drawings shall specify the option being
selected and shall show the photovoltaic or wind turbine equipment type, provide
documentation of solar and wind access, and include a calculation of the minimum annual
energy power production.
1.0
7. APPLIANCE PACKAGE OPTION
7.1
To qualify to claim this credit, the building permit drawings shall specify the option being
selected and shall show the appliance type and provide documentation of Energy Star
compliance. At the time of inspection, all appliances shall be installed and connected to
utilities. Dryer ducts and exterior dryer vent caps are not permitted to be installed in the
dwelling unit.
0.5
For solar electric systems, the design shall be demonstrated to meet this requirement using
the National Renewable Energy Laboratory calculator PVWATTs or approved alternate by
the code official.
Single Family – New & Additions (effective February 1, 2021)
All of the following appliances shall be new and installed in the dwelling unit and shall meet
the following standards:
Dishwasher – Energy Star rated
Refrigerator (if provided) – Energy Star rated
Washing machine – Energy Star rated
Dryer – Energy Star rated, ventless dryer with minimum CEF rating of 5.2
For each 1200 kWh of electrical generation per housing unit provided annually by on-site
wind or solar equipment a 1.0 credit shall be allowed, up to 3 credits. Generation shall be
calculated as follows: