On behalf of Viridiant, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance, we are pleased to announce the following resources available to aid in the Virginia Residential Energy Code implementation.
Thanks to the support of participating jurisdictions, we worked with urban, rural and suburban localities both large and small across Virginia for diverse participation and to ensure that the voices of Virginia’s communities were heard. Each of their unique perspectives was crucial in compiling information to guide resource development.
The following resources have been identified and/or developed to aid in Residential Energy Code implementation across Virginia.
A guide from ACCA on the key fields to review on a Manual J and which have the largest impact on the loads. Submit feedback here.
RESIDENTIAL PLANS EXAMINER HVAC FORM CHEAT SHEET
A quick overview of key items to review on the Residential Plans Examiner Review Form for HVAC System Design form. Submit feedback here.
A guide from ACCA on the importance of good duct layout and how to read Manual D documentation. Submit feedback here.
A guide from ACCA on HVAC equipment selection and the importance of selecting correctly sized equipment. Submit feedback here.
UNDERSTANDING AND USING THE HVAC DESIGN REVIEW FORM
A detailed guide to reviewing the Residential Plans Examiner Review Form for HVAC System Design form (source: James City County). Submit feedback here.
RECOMMENDED PRACTICES FOR REMOTE VIRTUAL INSPECTIONS
A guide from ICC on conducting virtual inspections (source: International Code Council). Submit feedback here.
HVAC INSTALLATION TIPS FOR MEETING VIRGINIA RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CODE
Best practices for installing duct work and HVAC systems. Submit feedback here.
INSULATION INSTALLATION TIPS FOR MEETING VIRGINIA RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CODE
Best practices for code-compliance insulation installations. Submit feedback here.
LIGHTING TIPS FOR MEETING VIRGINIA RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CODE
Best practices for code-compliant lighting installations and verification. Submit feedback here.
VIRGINIA ENERGY CODE INSULATION TECH TIPS
Tips for compliance with the insulation requirements of the energy code. Submit feedback here.
DUCT TEST REPORT FORM (FILLABLE)
A sample fillable PDF form for collecting key information as part of the duct testing process. Submit feedback here.
DUCT TEST REPORT FORM (EDITABLE WORD VERSION)
A template duct testing report that can be edited as needed by the jurisdiction. Submit feedback here.
DUCT BLASTER TEST TRAINING VIDEO
Training video on staying compliant with the 2015 Virginia Residential Energy Code duct leakage verification through duct blaster test. Submit feedback here.
INDOOR AIR QUALITY, CODE AND COVID GUIDE
This document provides an overview of ventilation and filtration best practices with consideration of COVID-19. Submit feedback here.
INSULATION & AIR BARRIER FIELD CHECKLIST
A checklist intended to help Building Inspectors identify and verify pertinent inspection points covered by the 2015 VAECC as it relates to Insulation and Air Barrier installation and Air Sealing execution. Submit feedback here.
INSULATION & AIR BARRIER GUIDE
The 2015 VA Residential and Energy Conservation codes give inspectors and plan reviewers the authority to inspect for and assess installation quality and execution. The intent of this document is to provide more context around the authority granted to code enforcement and assist in building the body of knowledge necessary to identify discrepancies on site. Submit feedback here.
WHOLE-HOUSE FRESH AIR VENTILATION GUIDE
This document is intended to provide an overview of Whole-house mechanical ventilation requirements incorporated into the 2015 Code Cycle. It covers the various strategies and systems commonly utilized to achieve this code requirement and the pros and cons of each. Submit feedback here.
Though the requirements have remained the same since 2009, questions about placement of insulation, depth of insulation, the thermal break between conditioned and unconditioned spaces, and how additions or retrofits to existing homes should be handled remain. The intent of this document is to assist Plans Examiners and Field Inspectors and provide additional information concerning this problematic, and often overlooked detail. Submit feedback here.
DUCT SEALING AND TESTING GUIDE
Uncontrolled duct leakage is not only an energy penalty, but it also increases infiltration, causes comfort problems for occupants, and can lead to long-term durability concerns for structural components if left unchecked. Virginia’s new requirement of 4% Duct Leakage will be challenging but will have cumulative positive effects across the Commonwealth if effectively enforced. This document is intended to provide focus points and greater context around duct leakage. Submit feedback here.
SUGGESTED WEBSITE LAYOUT FOR EASY NAVIGATING
The website template is meant to serve as jumping off point for a jurisdiction to use when considering updating the structure and content of the building permit section of their website. It is intended to reduce common, repetitive questions that staff receive from permit applicants, while improving the quality of application and plan submissions. A “How to Use” summary can be found here to help navigate the Suggested Website Layout resource. Submit feedback here.
JACK A. PROCTOR VIRGINIA BUILDING CODE ACADEMY
The Jack A. Proctor Virginia Building Code Academy delivers administrative and technical code training programs for mandated certification requirements for over 3,500 statewide professional certifications in various code enforcement disciplines including code official, inspection and plan review. In conjunction with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Viridiant currently has a (2) and (4)* hour trainings on the 2015 Virginia Residential Energy Code.
*The (4) hour 2015 Virginia Residential Energy Code and Its Enforcement is required by DHCD for Code Officials.
These resources are intended to support and provide deeper context and understanding of the implementation of the 2015 Virginia Residential Energy Code (Energy Code). Should there be a conflict between these resources and the Energy Code, the Energy Code takes precedence.
For more information or questions, please contact Viridiant at admin@viridiant.org or 804.225.9843.
