Written by The Model Energy Code
Throughout the United States when it comes to building a new home, putting on an addition or renovating an existing home, there has been a Model Energy Code enforcement through the building departments of your city or county.
Every homeowner should be well aware of this code before they begin a building project. You can find out more about this by talking to your contractor or going to the Model Energy Code web site which will be listed below.
To put it simply, what this code enforces is that in your home, you have a certain percentage of insulated heated wall and ceiling space, as compared to the amount of exterior doors, windows, skylights, and other exterior glass – areas where you would usually get heat loss.
There is a formula which a building contractor or HVAC contractor can calculate using a special program which can be downloaded from the Model Energy Code web site. By making the calculations using this program which apply to your particular project, several things can be determined to make your home meet the code.
To help make your house meet the code, you may need to:
1. Increase the R–Value of the wall, ceiling or foundation insulation.
2. Reduce the number of exterior doors, windows, skylights or other glass.
3. Purchase windows or doors using Low-E glass and lower U-Factors or Values.
4. Install a 90% direct vent furnace which is very efficient.
When a building permit is applied for, the contractor or other person applying for the permit must present a completed MEC form along with the building plans.
I realize this probably sounds a little complicated, and somewhat intimidating, because you may feel that this is your home and you should be able to build it the way that you want. However, in the long run, this is truly in your best interest.
Having an energy efficient home can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in energy costs over the space of time, you live in the home.
To find out more about the Model Energy Code, go to: http://www.energycodes.gov/
For a better understanding of Low-E glass and U-Factors or Values go to: http://www.efficientwindows.org/lowe.cfm
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