Professional Services: 2018 NC Energy Code and Other Services
Above and Beyond Energy provides consultation for the new 2018 North Carolina Energy Code and other professional services.
What is the 2018 NC Energy Code?
The North Carolina Building Code Council has recently adopted the 2018 NC Residential Energy Code that will increase the energy efficiency of all residential dwellings constructed in the state. As of January 1, 2019, it became mandatory to meet the NC Energy Code. These changes will have an impact not only on builders and subcontractors but also on building suppliers, architects, engineers, and home energy raters. The new ERI Pathway or Section 406 of the 2018 NC Energy Code allows builders flexibility in meeting the requirements of the energy code. Using this pathway, builders may opt to overbuild in some areas and to underbuild in others. For example, to avoid having to spray full depth spray foam as the prescriptive code would call for, utilizing the ERI pathway, a home may only need an R-30 to qualify the home instead of R-38. But Section 405 allows builders true flexibility in meeting the energy code. Essentially a HERS Rating is a section 405 performance path annual cost analysis and has no backstop and would allow spray foam contractors a way to meet the energy code without having to meet the R-Value table of the 2012 NC Energy Code. But, that requires an architect or engineer’s stamp on our HERS Rating report demonstrating 2018 NC Energy Code Compliance.
What is Blower Door Testing?
Home energy professionals use a blower door as a diagnostic tool to determine how much air is entering or escaping from your home. Professional energy auditors use blower door tests to help determine a home’s airtightness. The blower door test is conducted as part of the energy assessment of your home. Your contractor may also operate the blower door while performing air sealing (a method known as blower door assisted air sealing) and after to measure and verify the level of air leakage reduction achieved.
What is Duct Blaster Testing?
Duct envelope tightness (DET) testing uses a duct blaster to detect leaks in the ducts and insulation. Our team is experienced in identifying duct problems and providing the best solutions for your home. Duct blaster testing involves pressure testing your ducts for air leaks. It is an essential tool for building homes with energy-efficient duct work and finding leaks in existing ducts, which waste energy. The only way to know if your home’s duct-work is leaky or tight is to measure its leakage rate with a duct blaster.
What is the ERI Pathway?
The ERI compares new homes to a “standard” home built to the 2006 code. It’s a new code approval path added to the 2015 IECC. The ERI is continued in the 2018 IECC, but the requirements are actually lightened up. With an ERI Pathway, you can see how changes would affect your score and your rating.
Which Other Services Can We Help With?
Above and Beyond can help HVAC contractors and builders with other services, such as Infrared Imaging/IR Thermography, Framing Consultation, and Insulation Inspections/Energy Code Inspection Checklists.
Where Can Above and Beyond Energy Help?
We provide Blower Door Testing and Duct Blaster Testing services for the following cities and counties: Wilmington, NC, Raleigh, NC, Chapel Hill, NC, Durham, NC, Fayetteville, NC, Smithfield, NC, New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, Onslow, and many other surrounding areas. Give us a call today to schedule your testing, consulting, and or inspection needs to ensure you meet the NC Energy Code. We now provide SC Energy Code Testing as well as other services in the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area to help builders meet their mandatory residential energy code.
