SUMMARY OF THE 2021 IECC CODE & UTAH ICF SOLUTIONS
“Utah is growing. Fast. As Utah continues its meteoric rise, the demand for accessible and affordable housing and commercial buildings continues to compound. This growth also means new energy demands, and with it, pollution. We need smart public policy to manage this growth. As luck would have it, an opportunity is around the corner that, if seized, will unlock millions of dollars in energy savings, while also bolstering affordable housing, cleaner air, and local climate solutions here in Utah.” Quote Kevin Emerson Director of Building Efficiency & Decarbonization
POINTS TO PONDER:-
- Building codes set the minimum standards for new construction and renovations.
- Utah Clean Energy Commission is especially interested in the International Energy Conservation Code, or the “2021 IECC”.
- This code focuses on ensuring homes are not needlessly wasting energy while increasing comfort, making them more affordable to operate, and cutting climate emissions and pollution.
- Reducing emissions from our homes is a recognized solution to Utah’s air quality and climate challenges.
Q: How will the updated energy codes impact affordability for new homes in Utah?
Homeowners are expected to save approximately $150 each year in energy bills. Over the life of the home, homeowners will save approximately $7,435
Q: What is the current 2015 IECC compliance code for R-Value?
The “R” in R-value stands for “resistance”; resistance to the movement in temperature (convection, conduction, and radiation) through walls, ceilings, and floors in your home or commercial building. The US Department of Energy estimates that up to 40% or more of your homes energy loss is due to air leakage.
LOGIX ICF, with a typical wall assembly effective R-value of R25, exceeds other competitor ICF products and the ASHRAE 90.1 minimum R-value requirements for continuous insulation in all climate zones.
The following table is based upon the thermal envelope requirements in the 2015 IECC’s prescriptive compliance option for the appropriate climate zones.
Q: Does constructing a home to the newest energy code cost more?
Yes, and at the same time, no. As with most energy efficiency improvements, there are associated up-front costs. In this case, the incremental construction cost is approximately $4,000 for a single-family home. However, by using the buying power of a mortgage and spreading those costs out over the life of the loan, the energy savings exceed the new mortgage costs. So, in terms of whole-house cost, the cost of owning and operating a home built to the updated code does not cost more. In fact, it increases home affordability while also improving comfort and reducing emissions!
Q: How soon would these changes take effect?
The soonest that the updated energy code would be required for new construction would be summer 2023.
Q: How can building with Utah ICF’s Logix ICF Block help me achieve IECC Code Compliance?
Logix ICF is a complete construction solution with built-in savings, resilience, and comfort. Our engineered products are designed to conform with accepted conventions and standards and can be installed by DIY homeowners or their favorite General Contractor.
When it comes to “ResCheck” compliance with the 2021 IECC, Logix is engineered to outperform previous 2015 and 2018 IBC conventional construction. Logix ICF are designed with thicker 2.75” panels for higher R-Value. Plus, our walls go up straighter and faster and contain wiring channels every 16” o/c with no webs to cut through.
Utah ICF’s products are the solution to drafts, cold spots, and traditional heat loss associated with conventional concrete construction and insulation batts.
Sound transfer is reduced to a whisper. When it comes to sound transfer the difference between an STC rating of 38 and 50 may not seem like much, but the decibel scale is logarithmic, meaning that 50 decibels is ten times as loud as 40 decibels. With a Logic ICF wall, only about one-quarter to one-eighth as much sound penetrates our blocks when compared to wood frame.
Logix ICF walls are generally inherently airtight and so humidity is more easily controlled in warm, moist climates. Plus our EPS foam and concrete system does not off-gas unhealthy, allergy-aggravating emissions.
Between the two 2.75” thick panels of continuous foam insulation, an air-tight wall assembly, and a temperature moderating thermal mass of concrete, Logix ICF delivers up to 50% energy savings.
In addition to Code Compliance, Utah ICF products are Less Labor Intensive; Lower your construction costs; and are significantly Fast to Build with. You can build anything better with Logix.
Q: How can building with Utah ICF’s HALO Products help me achieve IECC Code Compliance?
Utah ICF’s HALO Insulation System is the most advanced rigid insulation system available in today’s market. Other insulation solutions offer a cookie-cutter approach for all heat loss situations.
HALO’s three specialized products allow DIY Homeowners and General Contractors to customize their applications.
HALO EXTERRA – Advanced Breathable Exterior Insulating Sheathing.
HALO INTERRA – Advanced Reflective Interior Rigid Insulation.
- Halo® GPS (graphite polystyrene) has a continuous GPS insulation, creating a thermal break which delivers a long-term R-5 per nominal inch•
- Breathable — perforated laminate allows vapor to escape the wall assembly, so walls stay dry and healthy•
- Built-in water-resistive barrier where water is kept to the exterior when joints and fasteners are adequately taped.
HALO SUBTERRA – Advanced Below-Ground Rigid Insulation.
- Halo® GPS (graphite polystyrene) delivers a long-term R-5 per nominal inch•
- Subterra® is also available with a thick polypropylene laminate or with an extra-tough cross-woven laminate (Subterra®Plus)• Subterra Plus also functions as a soil-gas retarder as well.
- Job site tough — able to withstand severe foot and equipment traffic without breaking•
- Built-in water-resistive barrier.
Conclusion: –
The IECC Code Comparison analysis shows significant energy savings, utility cost savings, and emissions reductions when building a home to IECC 2021 code as compared to IECC 2015 code. The results are 11.5%-25% gas savings, 4.7%-10.3% electric savings, and 7.8%-16.7% utility cost savings. Homeowners can save a potential of $7,435 over the life of a 30-year mortgage.
Additionally, carbon dioxide emissions from the home will be reduced by 7.9%-15.8%.
