ICC Res Energy case studies
ICC Res Energy · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The ICC Residential Energy Inspector credential is a professional certification offered by the International Code Council for individuals who inspect one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses for compliance with the residential energy provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code. It is aimed at municipal and third-party inspectors, plan reviewers, energy raters and verifiers, builders' quality-control staff, and tradespeople moving into code-enforcement roles. The ICC Res Energy case studies are 5 cases and about 3,725 words.
1The Grandfathered Split-Level: Addition, Window Swap, and Opened Walls
A single permit is issued for a 1,960 ft² split-level built in 1968 in Climate Zone 4A. The scope: a 400 ft² conditioned family-room addition with five new windows and one sliding glass door; replacement of 11 existing windows in the original house; and re-piping that will open about 700 ft² of exterior wall cavity (2×4, currently uninsulated) before drywall goes back.
765 words, about 4 min2Vaulted Ceiling, R-19 Walls, and a 6.5 ACH50 Blower Door
A 2,400 ft² single-story house in Climate Zone 5A is framed with 2×10 rafters at 16 inches on center over a 620 ft² vaulted great room. The owner refuses furring or dropped soffits, so the finished ceiling follows the rafter underside with only a 1-inch vent channel above the insulation.
727 words, about 4 min3Attic Ducts, 4 Tons on 2,700 Square Feet, and No Ventilation
A 2,700 ft² house in Climate Zone 3A gets a 4-ton split system with the air handler and all supply and return ducts in a vented attic. The plans specify R-8 duct wrap.
766 words, about 4 min4Tankless Heater, a 65-Foot Recirculation Loop, and a Substituted Water Heater
A 3,400 ft², four-and-a-half-bath house has a condensing tankless water heater on the garage wall. The 1-inch trunk runs about 65 feet through a conditioned chase to the master bath, where the owner wants instant hot water.
728 words, about 4 min5The Window Downgrade and Three Ways to Justify It
A 2,600 ft² house in Climate Zone 4A was submitted prescriptively: R-60 attic, 2×6 walls with R-20 cavity plus R-5 continuous, and windows meeting the table U-factor. Mid-construction the builder switches to a cheaper window line rated U-0.45, which is above the maximum the component table permits for this climate zone, and proposes to 'pay it back' with R-10 continuous insulation on the walls and an extra inch of attic insulation.
739 words, about 4 min