1. Residential Review Montgomery County, Maryland Prepared for Maryland Energy Administration January 2013 Prepared by Newport Partners LLC

2. This report was prepared by Newport Partners LLC for the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA). The contents of the report are the responsibility of the contractor and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Maryland Energy Administration. January 2013

3. Background

4. Maryland committed to 90% energy code compliance as a condition of SEP funding under ARRA MEA supported the development of a Roadmap with significant stakeholder involvement Through the Roadmap process it became clear that code adoption and enforcement varied widely across the state. The Compliance Roadmap (http://energy.maryland.gov/codes/index.ht ml) suggested a county by county approach to assessing compliance.http://energy.maryland.gov/codes/index.ht ml

5. Background Montgomery County expressed a willingness and interest to test compliance with the 2009 code Under this task, MEA initiated a 90% code compliance test out residential new construction pilot, in Montgomery County, Maryland Goals were to assess compliance, as well as to establish a methodology to use throughout the state moving forward

6. Methodology Measure residential compliance with 2009 IECC Measure commercial compliance with 2009 IECC or ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Use DOEs sample generation tool for 90% compliance evaluations to generate state-wide buildings https://energycode.pnl.gov/SampleGen/ Base the Plan Review and Site Inspection criteria and scoring on DOE Residential & Commercial checklists 90% compliance will be measured by showing that of the sampled buildings; the average compliance is at least 90%

7. Methodology Notes Field Inspections Extensive use of hybrid inspection system Analysts ensured that insulation-inspected home was same home as plan-reviewed home. This was necessary to verify UA Tradeoff compliance approach. Minimized use of the Not Observable option, although timing of foundation inspections proved challenging. Accepted Field Inspection compliance even if Plan Review did not indicate compliance for a given provision; however Plan Review points were still deducted when documentation was lacking.

8. Methodology Adjustments Plan Review On a few provisions, the analysts applied a 3-tiered methodology of point allocation rather than simply compliant or non-compliant. This scoring model allowed partial credit and was based on how the DOE scoring protocol handled some other provisions (e.g. air sealing). Mechanical calculations were allowed to be submitted with mechanical permit, usually after building permit was issued.

9. Collaboration Strategy 1. Develop collaborative relationship with Montgomery County (MC) Department of Permitting Service to: Understand Plan Review & Site Inspection practices; documentation; scheduling & work flow; Select appropriate sample of residential buildings balancing builder type; house type; 2. Review & Inspect only those buildings already approved by the county. Inspect buildings at key stages as dictated by inspection checklists (e.g. foundation; pre- insulation; pre-drywall; final) 3. Respect builder participants Our inspections do not constitute code compliance Timely inspections by our staff are critical; cannot hold up schedule; Complete confidentiality of builders; plans; 4. Develop findings to document compliance and ALSO provide constructive feedback to the jurisdiction

11. Generate Sample New Residential New Residential Construction LocationSample Size State Total44 Climate Zone 444 Anne Arundel County6 Baltimore County1 Calvert County1 Carroll County1 Charles County2 Frederick County4 Harford County4 Howard County7 Kent County2 Montgomery County7 Prince Georges County2 Queen Annes County1 Somerset County1 Talbot County4 Wicomico County1 Needed 7 new residential per DOE Sample Generator Sought representative mix of detached and attached; production and custom; No exclusion of homes participating in ENERGY STAR 2012 IECC Permits would have been accepted, although none were sampled due to timing

12. Coordinate and Communicate Coordinate with County to ensure minimal disruptions Be on call; have ability to review and inspect on short notice Communicate with Builders for additional inspection by third party after Countys inspection was complete Informal Findings; communicate with County throughout review process

13. Review and Inspect Hybrid Sample Selection Greatly expedites assessment Followed DOE guidance on using multiple buildings to constitute 1 sample Plan Reviews Work within Countys constraints Allowance of delayed mechanical calcs Inspections Required Foundation (fdn./slab insul.) Framing (air sealing, ducts) Insulation (levels, locations, installation quality) Final (lighting, mechanicals, ceiling insul., Manual J, panel certificate, duct leakage, attic access, programmable thermostat, SHW controls, manuf. manuals)

14. Review and Inspect – Using the Checklist 2009 IECC Section # Pre-Inspection/Plan Review Prescriptive Code Value Plans Verified Value Field Verified Value Complies?Comments/Assumptions Total Possible Points Project Total Possible Points Project Earned Points 103.2 [PR1]1Construction drawings and documentation sufficiently demonstrates energy code compliance for the building envelope. no air sealing notes/details no slab edge insul REScheck checklist not filled out 332 103.2, 403.7 [PR3]1 Construction drawings and documentation sufficiently demonstrates energy code compliance for lighting and mechanical systems. Systems serving multiple dwelling units must demonstrate compliance with the commercial code. no duct testing notes, hvac control notes no 50% hi eff lamp notes REScheck checklist not filled out 331 403.6 [PR2]2Heating and cooling equipment is sized per ACCA Manual S based on loads per ACCA Manual J or other approved methods. Heating: Btu/hr 39,000 out Cooling: Btu/hr 1.5 tons Heating: Btu/hr 39,000 out Cooling: Btu/hr 18,000 222 Additional Comments/Assumptions: Version 3.0 1 High Impact (Tier 1) 2Medium Impact (Tier 2)3 Low Impact (Tier 3)

15. Results Sample #Type Total Possible Points Total Earned Points Compliance Percentage Residence 1Single Family Detached 6562 95.4% Residence 2Single Family Attached666293.9% Residence 3Single Family Attached575393.0% Residence 4Single Family Detached706694.3% Residence 5Single Family Attached645890.6% Residence 6Single Family Attached554989.1% Residence 7Single Family Detached716490.1% Compliance Average92.3%

16. Findings: Plan Review Common Plan Review Issues Issue Potential Energy Impact Ease of Plan Review Showing/calling out insulation in sectionsHIGHEASY Slab edge insulation detail(s)HIGHEASY Duct sealing note(s)HIGHEASY Duct insulation note(s)HIGHEASY Programmable thermostatMEDIUMEASY High efficacy lamp noteHIGHEASY Manual J Calc.sMEDIUMEASY REScheck matches plansHIGHEASY

17. Findings: Field Inspections Common Field Inspection Issues Issue Potential Energy Impact Ease of Field Inspection Slab edge insulationHIGHMEDIUM Quality insulation installationHIGHMEDIUM Posted compliance certificateLOWEASY High efficacy lampHIGHEASY Manufacturer manualsMEDIUMEASY

18. Slab Edge Insulation Newport Ventures

19. Insulation Installation Common Issues Newport Ventures

20. Posted Compliance Certificate – Common Issues Newport Ventures

21. High Efficacy Lamps Common Issues Newport Ventures

22. Manufacturer Manuals Common Issues Newport Ventures

23. Findings Plan Review Good Needs Some Attention Needs More Attention Needs Most Attention Not Applicable Not Observable 2009 IECC Section # Pre-Inspection/Plan Review Total Possible Points Project Total Earned Points Percentage Earned 103.2 [PR1]1 Construction drawings and documentation sufficiently demonstrates energy code compliance for the building envelope. 211466.67% 103.2, 403.7 [PR3]1 Construction drawings and documentation sufficiently demonstrates energy code compliance for lighting and mechanical systems. Systems serving multiple dwelling units must demonstrate compliance with the commercial code. 211780.95% 403.6 [PR2]2 Heating and cooling equipment is sized per ACCA Manual S based on loads per ACCA Manual J or other approved methods. 10880.00%

24. Findings Foundation Inspection Good Needs Some Attention Needs More Attention Needs Most Attention Not Applicable Not Observable 2009 IECC Section # Foundation Inspection Total Possible Points Project Total Earned Points Percentage Earned 402.1.1 [FO1]1 Slab edge insulation R-value. 300.00% 303.2, 402.2.8 [FO2]1 Slab edge insulation installed per manufacturer's instructions. 0N/O 402.1.1 [FO3]1 Slab edge insulation depth/length. 3266.67% 402.1.1 [FO4]1 Conditioned basement wall insulation R-value. Where internal insulation is used, verification may need to occur during Insulation Inspection. Not required in warm-humid locations in Climate Zone 3. 66100.00% 303.2 [FO5]1 Conditioned basement wall insulation installed per manufacturers instructions. 66100.00% 402.2.7 [FO6]1 Conditioned basement wall insulation depth from top of wall. 99100.00% 402.2.9 [FO7]1 Unvented crawl space wall insulation R-value. 0N/A

25. Findings Framing Inspection Good Needs Some Attention Needs More Attention Needs Most Attention Not Applicable Not Observable 2009 IECC Section # Framing / Rough-In Inspection Total Possible Points Project Total Earned Points Percentage Earned 402.1.1, 402.3.4 [FR1]1 Door U-factor. 15 100.00% 402.1.1, 402.3.1, 402.3.3, 402.5 [FR2]1 Glazing U-factor (area- weighted average). 21 100.00% 402.1.1, 402.3.2, 402.3.3, 402.5 [FR3]1 Glazing SHGC value (area- weighted average). 0N/A 303.1.3 [FR4]1 U-factors of fenestration products are determined in accordance with the NFRC test procedure or taken from the default table. 21 100.00% 402.1.1, 402.3.3, 402.5 [FR5]1 Skylight U-factor. 0N/A 402.1.1, 402.3.3, 402.5 [FR6]1 Skylight SHGC value. 0N/A

26. Findings Framing Inspection (continued) Good Needs Some Attention Needs More Attention Needs Most Attention Not Applicable Not Observable 2009 IECC Section # Framing / Rough-In Inspection Total Possible Points Project Total Earned Points Percentage Earned 303.1.3 [FR7]1Skylight SHGC values are determined in accordance with the NFRC test procedure or taken from the default table. 0N/A 402.1.1 [FR10]1Mass wall exterior insulation R- value. If more than 1/2 of the insulation is on the wall interior, the interior insulation requirement applies and verification may need to occur during Insulation Inspection. 0N/A 303.2 [FR11]1Mass wall exterior insulation installed per manufacturers instructions. 0N/A 402.3.5 [FR8]1Sunrooms enclosing conditioned space have a maximum fenestration U-factor of 0.50 in Climate Zones 4-8. New glazing separating the sunroom from conditioned space must meet code requirements. 0N/A 402.3.5 [FR9]1Sunrooms enclosing conditioned space have a maximum skylight U-factor of 0.75 in Climate Zones 4-8. 0N/A 402.4.4 [FR20]1 Fenestration that is not site built is listed and labeled as meeting AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S. 2/A440 or has infiltration rates per NFRC 400 that do not exceed code limits. 15 100.00%

27. Findings Framing Inspection (continued) Good Needs Some Attention Needs More Attention Needs Most Attention Not Applicable Not Observable 2009 IECC Section # Framing / Rough-In Inspection Total Possible Points Project Total Earned Points Percentage Earned 402.4.5 [FR16]2 IC-rated recessed lighting fixtures sealed at housing/interior finish and labeled to indicate <= 2.0 cfm leakage at 75 Pa. 14 100.00% 403.2.1 [FR12]1 Supply ducts in attics are insulated to R-8. All other ducts in unconditioned spaces or outside the building envelope are insulated to R-6. Not applicable if all systems are ductless. 21 100.00% 403.2.2 [FR13]1 All joints and seams of air ducts, air handlers, filter boxes, and building cavities used as return ducts are sealed. 18 100.00% 403.2.3 [FR15]3 Building cavities are not used as ducts or plenums. 77100.00% 403.3 [FR17]2 HVAC piping conveying fluids above 105 ºF or chilled fluids below 55 ºF are insulated to R-3. 66100.00% 403.4 [FR18]2 Circulating service hot water pipes are insulated to R-2. 0N/A 403.5 [FR19]2 Automatic or gravity dampers are installed on all outdoor air intakes and exhausts. 22100.00%

28. Findings Insulation Inspection Good Needs Some Attention Needs More Attention Needs Most Attention Not Applicable Not Observable 2009 IECC Section # Insulation Inspection Total Possible Points Project Total Earned Points Percentage Earned 303.1 [IN13]2 All installed insulation labeled or installed R-values provided. 14 100.00% 402.1.1, 402.2.5, 402.2.6 [IN1]1 Floor insulation R-value. 15 100.00% 303.2, 402.2.6 [IN2]1 Floor insulation installed per manufacturer's instructions, and in substantial contact with the underside of the subfloor. 151173.33% 402.1.1, 402.2.4, 402.2.5 [IN3]1 Wall insulation R-value. If this is a mass wall with at least 1/2 of the wall insulation on the wall exterior, use FR10 and mark this 0. 21 100.00% 303.2 [IN4]1 Wall insulation installed per manufacturer's instructions. 211780.95% 402.2.11 [IN8]1 Sunroom wall insulation has a minimum R-value of R-13. New walls separating the sunroom from conditioned space must meet code requirements. 0N/A

29. Findings Final Inspection Good Needs Some Attention Needs More Attention Needs Most Attention Not Applicable Not Observable 2009 IECC Section # Final Inspection Provisions Total Possible Points Project Total Earned Points Percentage Earned 402.1.1, 402.2.1, 402.2.2 [FI1]1 Ceiling insulation R-value. 212095.24% 303.1.1.1, 303.2 [FI2]1 Ceiling insulation installed per manufacturer's instructions. Blown insulation marked every 300 ft2. 15 100.00% 402.2.3 [FI3]1 Attic access hatch and door insulation >=R-value of the adjacent assembly. 18 100.00% 402.4.2, 402.4.2.1 [FI17]1 Building envelope tightness verified by blower door test result of <7 ACH at 50 Pa. This requirement may instead be met via visual inspection, in which case verification may need to occur during Insulation Inspection. 66100.00% 402.4.3 [FI8]2 Wood-burning fireplaces have gasketed doors and outdoor combustion air. 0N/A

30. Findings Final Inspection (continued) Good Needs Some Attention Needs More Attention Needs Most Attention Not Applicable Not Observable 2009 IECC Section # Final Inspection Provisions Total Possible Points Project Total Earned Points Percentage Earned 403.2.2 [FI4]1 Duct tightness via post- construction with maximum leakage of 8 cfm to outdoors, or 12 cfm across systems. For rough- in tests, verification may need to occur during Framing Inspection, with maximum leakage of 6 cfm across systems and 4 cfm without air handler. 15 100.00% 403.6 [FI5]1 Heating and cooling equipment type and capacity as per plans. 12 100.00% 403.1.1 [FI9]2 Programmable thermostats installed on forced air furnaces. 14 100.00% 403.1.2 [FI10]2 Heat pump thermostat installed on heat pumps. 0N/A 403.4 [FI11]2 Circulating service hot water systems have automatic or accessible manual controls. 0N/A 403.9.1 [FI12]3 Readily accessible switch on heaters for swimming pools. 0N/A

31. Findings Final Inspection (continued) Good Needs Some Attention Needs More Attention Needs Most Attention Not Applicable Not Observable 2009 IECC Section # Final Inspection Provisions Total Possible Points Project Total Earned Points Percentage Earned 403.9.2 [FI19]3 Timer switches on pool heaters and pumps are present. 0N/A 403.9.3 [FI20]3 Heated swimming pools have a cover. Covers on pools heated over 90 ºF are insulated to R-12. 0N/A 404.1 [FI6]1 50% of lamps in permanent fixtures are high efficacy lamps. 211885.71% 401.3 [FI7]2 Compliance certificate posted. 141071.43% 303.3 [FI18]3 Manufacturer manuals for mechanical and water heating equipment have been provided. 7685.71%

32. Summary & Lessons Learned Montgomery County Residential Compliance Rate: 92.3% CEOs cover dozens of inspections per site daily; energy code is a small portion of that - yet most IECC provisions are met consistently Prioritize energy code issues by red, orange and yellow shaded areas in above checklist compilation Training/education should be provided for issues that are lacking

33. Summary & Lessons Learned Needs Some Attention Plan Review: Lighting & Mechanical Plan Review: Mech. Equip. Sized per ACCA Mans. S&J Framing Inspection: Wall Insulation Installed per Manufacturers Instructions Final Inspection: 50% High Efficacy Lamps Final Inspection: Provide Manufacturer Manuals Needs More Attention Plan Review: Building Envelope Insulation Inspection: Floor Insulation installed in substantial contact with the underside of the subfloor Final Inspection: Posted Compliance Certificate Needs Most Attention Foundation Inspection: Slab Edge Insulation

34. Summary & Lessons Learned Needs Most Attention Foundation Inspection: Slab Edge Insulation In pilot unobservable in 6 of 7 homes but important for energy savings. Need to revisit protocol to observe and train on this requirement.

35. Slab-on-grade Edge Details 402.2.8 Slab-on-grade floors. …The insulation shall extend downward from the top of the slab on the outside or inside of the foundation wall…

36. Modeling Details: 1.5-story, 1685 ft2, single-family home with slab-on-grade foundation; (slab is 1038 ft2) Home meets 2009 IECC Model with R-10 includes 24 lineal inches of slab edge insulation, from top edge of slab downward; Modeled in REM Rate Version 14 * Does not meet 2009 IECC Energy Impact of Slab Edge Insulation Climate Zone 4 Energy Consumption No Slab Ins. R-0 R-10 –24R-10 – Full 24 only horizontal under slab*from top edge of slab (% Change from R-0) Whole House Energy (MMBtu/yr) 81.4 76.264.6 -6%-21% Whole House Heating (MMBtu/yr) 48 42.630.7 -11%-36%

37. Modeling Details: 1.5-story, 1685 ft2, single-family home with slab-on-grade foundation; (slab is 1038 ft2) Home meets 2009 IECC Model with R-10 includes 24 lineal inches of slab edge insulation, from top edge of slab downward; Modeled in REM Rate Version 14 * Does not meet 2009 IECC Energy Impact of Slab Edge Insulation Climate Zone 5 Energy Consumption No Slab Ins. R-0 R-10 –24R-10 – Full 24 only horizontal under slab*from top edge of slab (% Change from R-0) Whole House Energy (MMBtu/yr) 92.3 86.372.9 -7%-21% Whole House Heating (MMBtu/yr) 58.2 5238.2 -11%-34%

38. Code Ambiguity Table 402.4.2 – Air Barrier and Insulation Inspection Component Criteria Shower/tub on exterior wall: showers and tubs on exterior walls have insulation and an air barrier separating them from the exterior wall Line item can be interpreted as meaning that an exterior air barrier is sufficient for this line item OR An air barrier is required on the inside face of the wall directly behind the tub/shower separating it from the exterior wall

39. Air Barrier at Exterior Tub/Shower Code Interpretation? Newport Ventures

40. Suggested Methodology Changes Lessons Learned Checklist Line Item 402.4.2, 402.4.2.1 [FI17]: Building envelope tightness should be split and provide an either/or approach. Air sealing and visual inspection should be verified during Framing Inspection, OR the building envelope test result verified during final inspection Checklist Line Items 403.3, 403.4 & 403.5 [FR17, 18 & 19] Piping insulation and gravity dampers should be verified during final inspection Checklist Line Item402.4.5 [FR16] IC-rated recessed fixtures should be split into two inspections, verify the fixture is correct at framing inspection then verify that it is sealed to the finishes at final inspection Plan Review construction drawing line items should be scored on a 3-point, tiered basis

41. Commercial Energy Code Compliance (Preliminary) Currently in Preliminary Plan Review Stage Began with Commercial Renovations Sample requires 6 renovations Preliminary Plan Review Findings Building envelope generally not involved Missing mechanical load calculations Missing detailed mechanical controls narrative Missing lighting power allowance calculations Missing lighting controls narrative