WSR 13-20-121
PERMANENT RULES
BUILDING CODE COUNCIL
[Filed October 1, 2013, 3:36 p.m., effective November 1, 2013]
Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.
Purpose: Editorial changes to chapter 51-11R WAC, 2012 Washington State Energy Code—Residential.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 51-11R-40211, 51-11R-40340, and 51-11R-40621.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 19.27A.025, 19.27A.045.
Other Authority: RCW 19.27.074.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 13-14-119 on July 3, 2013.
Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: Under WAC 51-11R-40211, the footnotes under "ceiling" and "mass wall" were corrected. In WAC 51-11R-40621, the duplicated sentence at the end of Option 2a was deleted.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 3, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: September 20, 2013.
C. Ray Allshouse
Council Chair
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 13-04-055, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13)
WAC 51-11R-40211 Table R402.1.1—Insulation and fenestration requirements by component.
TABLE R402.1.1
INSULATION AND FENESTRATION REQUIREMENTS BY COMPONENTa
Climate Zone
Fenestration
U-Factorb
Skylightb
U-Factor
Glazed
Fenestration SHGCb, e
Ceiling
R-Value((i)) k
Wood Frame Wallg, ((k, l)) m, n
R-Value
Mass Wall
R-Valuei
Floor
R-Value
Below-
Gradec, ((k)) m Wall R-Value
Slabd
R-Value & Depth
5 and Marine 4
0.30
0.50
NR
49
21 int
21/ 21h
30g
10/15/
21int+TB
10, 2 ft
6
0.30
0.50
NR
49
21+5ci
21+5h
30g
10/15/
21int+TB
10, 4 ft
For SI:
1 foot = 304.8 mm, ci = continuous insulation, int = intermediate framing.
 
a R-values are minimums. U-factors and SHGC are maximums. When insulation is installed in a cavity which 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. The SHGC column applies to all glazed fenestration. Exception: Skylights may be excluded from glazed fenestration SHGC requirements in Climate Zones 1 through 3 where the SHGC for such skylights does not exceed 0.30.
 
c "10/15/21+TB" means R-10 continuous insulation on the exterior of the wall, or R-15 on the 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+TB" 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. "10/13" means R-10 continuous insulation on the interior or exterior of the home or R-13 cavity insulation at the interior of the basement wall. "TB" means thermal break between floor slab and basement wall.
 
d R-10 continuous insulation is required under heated slab on grade floors. See R402.2.9.1.
 
e There are no SHGC requirements in the Marine Zone.
 
f Basement wall insulation is not required in warm-humid locations as defined by Figure R301.1 and Table R301.1.
 
g Reserved.
 
h First value is cavity insulation, second is continuous insulation or insulated siding, so "13+5" means R-13 cavity insulation plus R-5 continuous insulation or insulated siding. If structural sheathing covers 40 percent or less of the exterior, continuous insulation R-value shall be permitted to be reduced by no more than R-3 in the locations where structural sheathing is used to maintain a consistent total sheathing thickness.
 
i The second R-value applies when more than half the insulation is on the interior of the mass wall.
 
((j)) k For single rafter- or joist-vaulted ceilings, the insulation may be reduced to R-38.
 
((k)) m Int. (intermediate framing) denotes standard framing 16 inches on center with headers insulated with a minimum of R-10 insulation.
 
((l)) n Log and solid timber walls with a minimum average thickness of 3.5 inches are exempt from this insulation requirement.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 13-04-055, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13)
WAC 51-11R-40340 Section R403.4—Service hot water systems.
R403.4 Service hot water systems. Energy conservation measures for service hot water systems shall be in accordance with Sections R403.4.1 ((and R403.4.2)) through R403.4.3.
R403.4.1 Circulating hot water systems (Mandatory). Circulating hot water systems shall be provided with an automatic or readily accessible manual switch that can turn off the hot water circulating pump when the system is not in use.
R403.4.2 Hot water pipe insulation (Prescriptive). Insulation for hot water pipe shall have a minimum thermal resistance (R-value) of R-4.
R403.4.3 Electric water heater insulation. All electric water heaters in unheated spaces or on concrete floors shall be placed on an incompressible, insulated surface with a minimum thermal resistance of R-10.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 13-04-055, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13)
WAC 51-11R-40621 Table R406.2—Energy credits.
TABLE 406.2
ENERGY CREDITS (DEBITS)
OPTION
DESCRIPTION
CREDIT(S)
1a
EFFICIENT BUILDING ENVELOPE 1a:
Prescriptive compliance is based on Table R402.1.1 with the following modifications:
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 UA by 5%.
0.5
1b
EFFICIENT BUILDING ENVELOPE 1b:
Prescriptive compliance is based on Table R402.1.1 with the following modifications:
Fenestration U = 0.25
Wall R-21 plus R-4
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 UA by 15%.
1.0
1c
EFFICIENT BUILDING ENVELOPE 1c:
Prescriptive compliance is based on Table R402.1.1 with the following modifications: 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 UA by 30%.
2.0
2a
AIR LEAKAGE CONTROL AND EFFICIENT VENTILATION 2a:
Compliance based on R402.4.1.2: Reduce the tested air leakage to 4.0 air changes per hour maximum
and
All whole house ventilation requirements as determined by Section M1507.3 of the International Residential Code shall be met with a high efficiency fan (maximum 0.35 watts/cfm), not interlocked with the furnace fan. 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 shall specify the option being selected)) and shall specify the maximum tested building air leakage and shall show the ((heat recovery)) qualified ventilation system.
0.5
2b
AIR LEAKAGE CONTROL AND EFFICIENT VENTILATION 2b:
Compliance based on Section R402.4.1.2: Reduce the tested air leakage to 2.0 air changes per hour maximum
and
All whole house ventilation requirements as determined by Section M1507.3 of the International Residential Code shall be met with a heat recovery ventilation system with minimum sensible heat recovery efficiency of 0.70.
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.
1.0
2c
AIR LEAKAGE CONTROL AND EFFICIENT VENTILATION 2c:
Compliance based on Section R402.4.1.2: Reduce the tested air leakage to 1.5 air changes per hour maximum
and
All whole house ventilation requirements as determined by Section M1507.3 of the International Residential Code shall be met with a heat recovery ventilation system with minimum sensible heat recovery efficiency of 0.85.
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.
1.5
3a
HIGH EFFICIENCY HVAC EQUIPMENT 3a:
Gas, propane or oil-fired furnace with minimum AFUE of 95%
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.
0.5
3b
HIGH EFFICIENCY HVAC EQUIPMENT 3b:
Air-source heat pump with minimum HSPF of 8.5
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.
1.0
3c
HIGH EFFICIENCY HVAC EQUIPMENT 3c:
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
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.
2.0
3d
HIGH EFFICIENCY HVAC EQUIPMENT 3d:
DUCTLESS SPLIT SYSTEM HEAT PUMPS, ZONAL CONTROL:
In homes where the primary space heating system is zonal electric heating, a ductless heat pump system shall be installed and provide heating to at least one zone of the housing unit.
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.
1.0
4
HIGH EFFICIENCY HVAC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM:a
All heating and cooling system components installed inside the conditioned space. All combustion equipment shall be direct vent or sealed combustion.
Locating system components in conditioned crawl spaces is not permitted under this option.
Electric resistance heat is 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
5a
EFFICIENT WATER HEATING 5a:
Water heating system shall include one of the following:
Gas, propane or oil water heater with a minimum EF of 0.62
or
Electric water heater with a minimum EF of 0.93.
and for both cases
All showerhead and kitchen sink faucets installed in the house shall be rated at 1.75 GPM or less. All other lavatory faucets shall be rated at 1.0 GPM or less.b
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 shall specify the maximum flow rates for all showerheads, kitchen sink faucets, and other lavatory faucets.
0.5
5b
EFFICIENT WATER HEATING 5b:
Water heating system shall include one of the following:
Gas, propane or oil water heater with a minimum EF of 0.82
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
Electric heat pump water heater with a minimum EF of 2.0 and meeting the standards of NEEA's Northern Climate Specifications for Heat Pump Water Heaters
or
Water heater heated by ground source heat pump meeting the requirements of Option 3c.
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 the minimum energy savings.
1.5
6
RENEWABLE ELECTRIC ENERGY:
For each 1200 kWh of electrical generation provided annually by on-site wind or solar equipment a 0.5 credit shall be allowed, up to 3 credits. Generation shall be calculated as follows:
For solar electric systems, the design shall be demonstrated to meet this requirement using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory calculator PVWATTs. 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.
0.5
Footnotes:
a Interior Duct Placement. Ducts included as Option 4 of Table R406.2 shall be placed wholly within the heated envelope of the housing unit. The placement shall be inspected and certified to receive the credits associated with this option.
EXCEPTION:
Ducts complying with this section may have up to 5% of the total linear feet of ducts located in the exterior cavities or buffer spaces of the dwelling. If this exception is used the ducts will be tested to the following standards:
 
Post-construction test: Leakage to outdoors shall be less than or equal to 1 CFM per 100 ft2 of conditioned floor area when tested at a pressure differential of 0.1 inches w.g. (25 Pa) across the entire system, including the manufacturer's air handler enclosure. All register boots shall be taped or otherwise sealed during the test.
 
b Plumbing Fixtures Flow Ratings. Low flow plumbing fixtures (water closets and urinals) and fittings (faucets and showerheads) shall comply with the following requirements:
 
1 Residential bathroom lavatory sink faucets: Maximum flow rate - 3.8 L/min (1.0 gal/min) when tested in accordance with ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1.
 
2 Residential kitchen faucets: Maximum flow rate - 6.6 L/min (1.75 gal/min) when tested in accordance with ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1.
 
3 Residential showerheads: Maximum flow rate - 6.6 L/min (1.75 gal/min) when tested in accordance with ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1.