By Mike Berry, PE, Apex Technology
Many of you are already aware that the newest version of the Florida Building Code recently took effect. July 1 brought us the new Florida Building Code, 5th Edition.
All matters relating to energy efficiency still reside in the Energy Conservation section (the green book) of the code. In this section you’ll find details about climate zones, design temperatures, fenestration, insulation, water heaters, duct leakage and building infiltration. This is an especially important section when it comes time to permit your project.
Local building departments expect to see the Energy Performance Level card and one of two energy code compliance forms in your submittals. To generate these necessary forms, you’ll need to use Building Commission-approved software.
EnergyGauge USA created by the Florida Solar Energy Center is the only option for the fifth edition of the code at the moment.
There are two major paths to energy code compliance. Both paths have a required list of mandatory items that must be implemented. In addition to those items you can select, the prescriptive path has an additional list of items that if completed result in the building meeting the energy code.
Or you can select the performance path which allows for trade-offs in various aspects of the building components that will result in code compliance as long as the proposed building’s energy use is less than a reference design home.
The reference design home is created by the software and represents a similar building without the energy related trade-offs. EnergyGauge USA will provide a report for each of these two code compliances paths.
Form 402 and its checklists are for the prescriptive path. Form 405 and its checklists are for the performance path.
Leading up to the FBC 5th Edition taking effect there was much discussion regarding the new stipulation that all homes would require building infiltration testing. At the last moment this requirement was postponed by the Building Commission for one year. However, the building must still not exceed five air changes per hour.
The existing requirement to test duct systems located in unconditioned space, or if you choose the prescriptive path, is still required. The duct test may be conducted at either the rough-in or post construction phase.
The data inputs required by EnergyGauge USA for the infiltration and duct leakage testing impact the ability of a building meeting the energy code. As energy code requirements increase, these inputs can be the difference between a building passing and failing.
Working with a professional who understands how these inputs affect the energy budget of the home is especially important when pursuing the performance path of code compliance. With their assistance, you’ll be able to make informed decisions on the most cost-effective way to meet the energy code.
The E-Council will be hosting a lunch-and-learn in mid-October at the NEFBA offices. Apex Technology will be providing an informative session on the tips and tricks of using EnergyGauge USA for Florida Building Code 5th Edition compliance. Please join us to learn more and network with local building professionals. Check ecounciljax.org or email [email protected] for more details.
Mike Berry, PE, Mechanical Design & Building Science Lead with Apex Technology, is a member of NEFBA’s E-Council and regular contributor to Builder News. Contact him via email at [email protected].