URGENT: PA and PHL Code Change
Pennsylvania has adopted the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) in place of the PA-amended version of the 2015 IECC. The grace period enables developers to comply with the PA-amended version of the 2015 IECC until August 2022. The grace period applies to projects with design or construction contracts signed prior to February 14, 2022, and permits applied for by August 14, 2022. If your project is contracted after February 13, 2022, or permitted after August 14, 2022, the 2018 IECC will be required.
Notable changes for residential and commercial buildings with the adoption of the 2018 IECC include:
Residential
All buildings are required to have an envelope leakage test that is equal to or less than 3 Air Changes/Hour (ACH) before the certificate of occupancy is issued. Pennsylvania previously allowed for 5 ACH under the 2015 IECC. Builders should begin prepping for this significant change as soon as possible, despite the grace period. The ReVireo team is ready to assist with onsite training, a detailed air sealing plan, and field testing on homes permitted under the 2015 IECC to prepare your team for success under the 2018 IECC. To learn more, click here.
Commercial
ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2016 offers a new compliance pathway, Performance Rating Method, at the permit stage. This compliance pathway uses Appendix G energy modeling. Projects pursuing an above-code program under this pathway can utilize the energy model to demonstrate compliance instead of completing a COMcheck or an Energy Cost Budget energy model.
2018 Philadelphia
Energy Code
The 2018 Philadelphia Energy Code has many new requirements. The Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) is enforcing these requirements with forms/checklists that must be completed and submitted to L&I during permitting and construction.
All forms/checklists are available at the L&I website.
ReVireo’s team includes RESNET Certified HERS Raters & Rating Field Inspectors, AEE Certified Building Commissioning Professionals (CBCP), and Licensed Professional Engineers that can complete the required L&I forms/checklists.
2018 IECC Residential Forms & Checklists
L&I Air Barrier & Insulation Installation Checklist
Effective July 1, 2019, (as detailed on this L&I information sheet) air barrier and insulation inspections shall be performed by an L&I Approved Third Party, such as ReVireo.
As indicated, the L&I Air Barrier & Insulation Checklist for Pre-Drywall Inspection must be completed and provided to the inspector prior to the wallboard inspection.
ReVireo can perform all inspections and complete checklist. Contact ReVireo today to request this service.
L&I Duct & Envelope Testing (DET) Form
Effective July 1, 2019, (as detailed on this L&I information sheet) duct leakage and blower door (envelope) testing shall be performed by an L&I Approved Third Party, such as ReVireo.
Effective April 1, 2019, the L&I Residential Duct & Envelope Testing (DET) Form shall be completed and signed by the entity performing the test and provided to the inspector prior to scheduling the final inspection.
ReVireo can perform all testing and complete the form. Contact ReVireo today to request this service.
HVAC Equipment Design Forms (1-2 Family & Multifamily)
There are different L&I HVAC Equipment Design Forms for multifamily and for one/two family projects.
As detailed on this L&I information sheet, the applicable L&I HVAC Equipment Design Form (multifamily or one/two family) shall be submitted with each mechanical permit application to confirm a) that HVAC design is in accordance with Manual J, S, and D Calculations, and b) that Whole-House Mechanical Ventilation is designed correctly. ReVireo can verify and approve proper residential HVAC system sizing selection and ventilation during inspections.
ReVireo can perform all HVAC Design & Manual J, S, and D Calculations and Whole-House Mechanical Ventilation Design required for completion of applicable L&I HVAC Equipment Design Form (multifamily or one/two family). Contact ReVireo today to request this service.
2018 IECC Commercial/ASHRAE 90.1 - 2016 Forms & Checklists
L&I Commissioning Compliance Checklist
Commissioning must be performed by L&I Approved Commissioning Agent (holding a certification listed on this L&I information sheet), such as ReVireo.
The building owner must sign the L&I Commissioning Compliance Checklist, certifying that Commissioning (as detailed on this L&I information sheet) has been performed. This process begins in the design stage.
ReVireo can perform all Commissioning work required for the owner to complete the checklist. Contact ReVireo today to request this service.
L&I Information Sheet
Effective July 1, 2019, the company name and contact information of an L&I Approved Commissioning Agent shall be included on the construction document notes.
A Commissioning plan shall be developed and provided to the owner and be made available for L&I review upon request for buildings requiring mechanical systems commissioning.
The following documents shall be provided prior to final inspection:
- Commissioning Compliance Checklist
- Preliminary Commissioning Report
- Building Operations and Maintenance Documents
Final Commissioning report shall be provided to the owner within 90 days of the date of receipt of the certificate of occupancy.
Pennsylvania Energy Code
ReVireo has successfully guided design and construction professionals throughout the tri-state area to achieve energy code compliance. ReVireo is uniquely qualified to help design and construction professionals reduce the cost, difficulty, and risk involved with the Pennsylvania energy code compliance.
ReVireo offers a full suite of energy code compliance services including energy modeling, design consulting, REScheck/COMcheck & permit pathway documentation, HVAC manual calculations, visual air sealing & insulation inspections, duct leakage & envelope (blower door) testing, commissioning, and HVAC testing & balancing. Contact ReVireo today to request your services.
Residential Services
Our residential energy code compliance services include energy modeling, design consulting, REScheck & permit pathway documentation, HVAC manual calculations, inspections, envelope (blower door) testing, and duct leakage testing. ReVireo can complete all energy code forms.
Contact Us
Commercial Services
Our commercial energy code compliance services include energy modeling, design consulting, COMcheck & permit pathway documentation, commissioning, and HVAC testing & balancing. ReVireo can complete all energy code forms.
Contact Us