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 2018 Virginia Residential Energy Code implementation.
Guide overviewing the several code-approved options to ensure that unvented crawl spaces maintain acceptable humidity levels. Submit feedback here.
A sample fillable PDF form for collecting key information and displaying mandatory energy certificates. Submit feedback here.
INSULATION & AIR BARRIER GUIDE
The 2018 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.
INSULATION INSTALLATION DETAILS AND TIPS
Tips for compliance with the insulation requirements of the energy code. Submit feedback here.
INSULATION, AIR BARRIER, & AIR SEALING INSPECTION CHECKLIST
A checklist intended to help Building Inspectors identify and verify pertinent inspection points covered by the 2018 VAECC as it relates to Insulation and Air Barrier installation and Air Sealing execution. Submit feedback here.
BLOWER DOOR TEST TRAINING VIDEO
A video demonstrating how to perform a blower door test, for training and reference purposes.
BLOWER DOOR TEST REPORT FORM (FILLABLE)
A sample fillable PDF form for collecting key information as part of the blower door, building tightness, process. Submit feedback here.
Though the requirements have been the same since 2009, questions remain about the 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.
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 the key fields to review on a Manual J and which have the largest impact on the loads. 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.
UNDERSTANDING SELECT FIELDS ON THE RESIDENTIAL PLANS EXAMINER REVIEW FORM FOR HVAC SYSTEMATIC DESIGN
A quick overview of key items to review on the Residential Plans Examiner Review Form for HVAC System Design form. Submit feedback here.
Best practices for installing duct work and HVAC systems. Submit feedback here.
DUCT SEALING & TESTING INSPECTION 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 requirement of 4% Duct Leakage is challenging but has cumulative positive effects across the Commonwealth when effectively enforced. This document is intended to provide focus points and greater context around duct leakage. 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.
Training video on staying compliant with the 2015 Virginia Residential Energy Code duct leakage verification through duct blaster test
2018 IECC with Virginia-specific amendments. 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 2018 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.
INDOOR AIR QUALITY, CODE & COVID GUIDE
This document provides an overview of ventilation and filtration best practices with consideration of COVID-19. Submit feedback here.
HOT WATER PIPE INSULATION GUIDE
Guide for hot water pipe insulation to reduce energy cost burden and improve efficiency.
LIGHTING TIPS FOR MEETING VIRGINIA RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CODE
Best practices for code-compliant lighting installations and verification. 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. THESE RESOURCES WILL BE UPDATED TO REFLECT THE 2018 RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CODE.
*The (4) hour 2015 Virginia Residential Energy Code and Its Enforcement is required by DHCD for Code Officials.
RECOMMENDED PRACTICES FOR REMOTE VIRTUAL INSPECTION
A guide from ICC on conducting virtual inspections (source: International Code Council).
These resources are intended to support and provide deeper context and understanding of the implementation of the 2018 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.
