MODEL

MODEL # 97-2

MECcheck CODE COMPLIANCE MATERIALS AND SOFTWARE
US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, WASHINGTON, DC
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

REGULATORY AREA:
Energy

PROBLEM:

Energy Code Compliance - Residential

Determining compliance with the Model Energy Code (MEC) can be a complex process and there is a deficiency of simple tools to verify compliance. Lack of understanding by the building community is an obstacle to residential building energy code compliance.

BACKGROUND:

By 1994, each state was required by federal law to certify that it had "reviewed the provisions of its residential building code regarding energy efficiency and made a determination as to whether it was appropriate for such State to revise such residential building code provisions to meet or exceed" the 1992 edition of the Model Energy Code maintained by the Council of American Building Officials (CABO). This includes a requirement to give public notice, and to hold a hearing on the subject. A state could decline to revise its code to meet or exceed the 1992 edition of CABO and submit to the Secretary of Energy the reasons for this determination. Whenever the CABO Model Energy Code is revised, the Secretary has 12 months to decide whether to use it, and the states then have two years to review their codes again and make a determination as to whether it is appropriate to make revisions to those codes.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) loan guarantee program requires compliance with the Model Energy Code. The Rural Economic and Community Development (RECD, formerly the Farmer's Home Administration) loan guarantee program requires that single-family buildings comply with the Mechanical Energy Code.

SOLUTION:

Guides - Printed Manuals - Prescriptive Packages - Worksheets - Software Package

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) realized that determining energy compliance can be difficult. DOE developed MECcheck-EZ as a tool that can be used to simplify and clarify the residential energy code compliance process. Contractors and designers can use the system to save time and effort in documenting energy code compliance. Code officials can use these submissions as "deemed to comply" with the code where the system is adopted.

DESCRIPTION:

Included in the submitted package are:

1) The MECcheck Manual, which gives an overview of the entire line of MECcheck materials including forms to facilitate the compliance process. Chapters 6 and 7 are specifically geared toward building department and enforcement personnel.

2) The MECcheck Prescriptive Packages, which gives detailed directions on using the prescriptive package approach. It allows builders or designers to select from various combinations of energy conservation measures based on "climate zone" location. Each combination or "package" specifies insulation levels, glazing areas, glazing U-values (thermal performance), and sometimes heating and cooling equipment efficiency. By locating the correct climate zone and looking up the appropriate table of packages, builders and officials can ensure the project meets on of the packages listed for that zone.

3) The MECcheck Trade-Off Worksheet Approach, which enables builders to vary insulation levels in the ceiling, wall, floor, basement wall, slab-edge, and crawl space; glazing and door areas; and glazing and door U-values. Based on the proposed plans and specifications, the builder enters simple information on a MECcheck worksheet and then hand-calculates a total "UA value" for the project. By comparing the project's UA-value to the value required for the climate zone, the builder can determine if the project passes the MEC requirements. If the project does not pass, the builder can use the worksheet to examine a different combination of insulation levels, window or door products, and areas for compliance. The worksheet is suitable for use during the plan check and field inspection phases of the project.

4) The MECcheck software and software user's guide. The software does the same calculations as the trade-off worksheet but automates the procedure using an IBM PC. Special features allow builders to trade off heating and air conditioning equipment efficiency, as well as windows and insulation. The software generates a report that is suitable for plan checking and field inspection.

EVALUATION BY STREAMLINING COMMITTEES:

Advantages:
The Energy Task Group noted that the outstanding points of this model are its simplicity and understandability. It automates a complex process, provides simplified acceptable solutions, and allows changes after the initial approval to be checked quickly.

Limitations:
Attic ventilation is not addressed. Use of lowest efficiency unit when doing calculations with alternative energy sources.

IMPLEMENTATION:

MECcheck can be downloaded at no cost from the internet at www.energycodes.org. Software and materials may be purchased for a nominal fee by calling (800) 270-CODE (2633).

Depending on the regulatory system in place, the tool can be adopted administratively, by regulation, or through legislative adoption. It can be used at the municipal, regional, county, or state level.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE IN CONSIDERING THE USE OF THIS MODEL, PLEASE CONTACT:

Department of Energy
MECcheck Customer Service
(800) 270-CODE (2633)