Energy Conservation Code:
FAQs
Q: What code do I need to comply to?
Throughout the State of New Mexico, 2009 New Mexico Energy Conservation code that was published in June, 2011 is now effective. If you are building outside the CID jurisdiction please contact your local jurisdiction to verify if there are above the state code provisions specific to your location.
Q: Where can I get the energy conservations code?
The New Mexico Energy Conservation Code can be found at
2009 NMECC and the 2009 IECC
˂http://publicecodes.citation.com/icod/iecc/2009/index.htm?bu=IC-P-2009-000014&bu2=IC-P-2009-000019 ˃
Q: Do I need an additional Energy Conservation permit?
No additional permit is required to comply with the Energy Conservation Code. Plan review and inspections for the NMECC will occur simultaneously with other building code plan review and inspections.
Residential Construction:
Q: What are the minimum insulation and window requirements for my building?
Minimum insulation levels and window requirements depend on your climate zone. You will need the information from Table 402.1.1, unless you have a steel framed building and you need to see Table 402.2.5. See Chapter 4 Tables. ˂ http://publicecodes.citation.com/icod/iecc/2009/index.htm?bu=IC-P-2009-000014&bu2=IC-P-2009-000019 ˃
Q: What do I need to know about duct testing?
Beginning with the 2009 IECC, if any of the ducts and air handler are OUTSIDE the conditioned space (e.g. in the garage, crawlspace, attic, etc.), the duct tightness must be verified with a duct leakage test.
Q: Am I required to test air leakage?
Yes, as of the 2009 IECC you are required to test for air leakage. There are two options - the testing (blower door method) or the visual inspection option. See Section 2009 IECC, section 402.4.2.2. Visual Inspection Option, it refers to Table 402.4.2, which includes a checklist list to be used, as applicable.
Q: What are the minimum insulation requirements between conditioned and unconditioned spaces under the 2009 NMECC? When insulating the basement, does the 8" concrete wall that separates the basement and garage need to have a minimum of an R10 insulation value?
Interior walls that separate conditioned from unconditioned space are treated the same as an exterior wall that separates outside from the conditioned building thermal envelope and must meet the same energy provisions. Therefore a below grade wall that separates the basement from the garage would need to meet the same provisions and insulation levels based on the climate zone.
Q: What does the 2009 NMECC say about ducts in conditioned crawlspaces?
The 2009 IECC ducts or portions of ducts located completely within the building envelope (i.e. conditioned crawl space) are exempt from having to be insulated; however, they still must be sealed properly
Commercial Construction:
Q: What are the minimum insulation and window requirements for my building?
Minimum insulation levels and window requirements depend on your climate zone, whether you are complying with the IECC or ASHRAE 90.1. In the IECC you will need the information from Table 502.2 (1) and Table 502.3. See Chapter 5 Tables. ˂ http://publicecodes.citation.com/icod/iecc/2009/index.htm?bu=IC-P-2009-000014&bu2=IC-P-2009-000019 ˃
Q: My project has both businesses and homes, is it residential or commercial?
For mixed use buildings that are three stories or less and have residential and commercial, the way to determine if the entire building can be shown to meet code under residential or commercial is the percentage of the space types. If the residential space is 10% or less of the overall building then the entire building can fall under commercial. It is always easier to show compliance for the entire exterior thermal building envelope instead of breaking the building apart. If using COMcheck, the apartments would be multi-family under the space types option and the other areas should also be designated according to their activities. Remember, if the building is four stories or greater, it is commercial.