DEMONSTRATING COMPLIANCE WITH OHIO ENERGY CONSERVATION STANDARDS
FOR 1, 2 AND 3 FAMILY DWELLINGS
Based upon the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code or Section 1104 of the 2006 Residential Code of Ohio for 1, 2 and 3 Family Dwellings

Effective January 1, 2009, the Ohio Board of Building Standards requires that all construction of 1, 2 and 3 family dwellings comply with the requirements of the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or 2006 Residential Code of Ohio for 1, 2 and 3 Family Dwellings (RCO), Section R-1104.  You may use three different ways to demonstrate compliance, by using the Prescriptive, the Trade-Off, or the Performance approach. 

You can choose to have your insulation contractor or other design professional to prepare your energy analysis for you. If you have questions, contact our residential plans examiner Joe Mangan at 937-438-2767 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, or at 937-225-5038 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

If you wish to do your own energy analysis, Montgomery County Building Regulations has prepared three customized forms based upon requirements in the 2006 IECC or the 2006 RCO R-1104 to help you show compliance with the first two methods.  (The Performance method involves more detailed professional analysis.)

The first form, Prescriptive Energy Code Requirements for 1, 2 and 3 Family Dwellings based upon the 2006 IECC , is a simplified list detailing what must be complied with, but does not allow any trade-offs. To use this option, your plans must show insulation values and window (fenestration) U-factors that are as good as or better than those shown in the table. This form also has important notes to help you comply with the requirements. Your windows must be factory labeled with the tested U-factors for our inspectors to verify compliance.

The second form, Prescriptive Energy Code Requirements for 1, 2 and 3 Family Dwellings based upon the 2006 RCO, Section R-1104 , is a simplified list detailing what must be complied with, but does not allow any trade-offs. To use this option, your plans must show insulation values and window (fenestration) U-factors that are as good as or better than those shown in the table. This form also has important notes to help you comply with the requirements. Your windows must be factory labeled with the tested U-factors for our inspectors to verify compliance.

The Third form, Trade-Off Energy Analysis for 1, 2 and 3 Family Dwellings based upon the 2006 IECC, is more complex but offers more options than the prescriptive method. To use this approach you must submit two copies the completed trade-off work sheet. Be sure your plans also show the insulation values and fenestration U-factors shown in the analysis. This form also has important notes to help you comply with the requirements.  Note that if you use fenestration U-factors better than default values in IECC Table 102.1.3(1), your windows must be factory labeled with the tested U-factors for our inspectors to verify compliance.

Several computer programs are available to help with the Trade-Off and Performance analyses.  One of the most popular programs for demonstrating Trade-Off compliance is REScheck, available free from the Department of Energy at www.energycodes.gov.  (Be aware that it is a lengthy download.) They also have an online program you can use and printout without downloading the whole program, and their website contains lots of other good information about constructing energy tight buildings. For other ways to show compliance you may reference the 2006 International Energy Code.

The 2006 IECC requires an energy efficiency certificate be attached too or in the electrical panel for the final inspection. Some computer programs such as Rescheck have there own energy analysis certificate. You may fill out and use the one provided.