Residential Energy Inspection Checklist

The following are a list of requirements that must be complied with to be compliant with the Dallas Energy Code. Most Energy Code requirements are prescriptive however there are provisions for trade offs using the Performance Path to Compliance.

This requires a Building Energy Analysis to gather enough data to provide for energy trade offs using computer software. The Building Energy Analysis is a useful option to limit construction cost or solve a compliance problem. There is an additional fee for this service.

Requirements

Air Leakage

IECC 402.4.1 Building Thermal Envelope

The building thermal envelope will be durably sealed to limit air infiltration with caulk, gaskets, weather stripping or an air barrier material. This includes all exterior wall penetrations and sealant requirements for the exterior wall base plates and vertical wall intersections.

IECC 402.4.2 Recessed Lighting

IC-rated enclosures that are sealed and gasketed to prevent air leakage from the living area to the attic area are to be used.


Ceiling Insulation

IECC 102.1.1.1 Marker installation

Fiberglass or cellulose insulation must have thickness markers installed every 300 square feet in the attic space. These markers shall be be written in inches and face towards the attic access opening.


Climate Zone

IECC 301.2(1) Warm Humid Counties for Texas

The City of Dallas in conjunction with the North Texas Council of Governments (NTCOG) has designated the Dallas / Ft Worth Metroplex area as a Zone 3.2 designation.


Insulation and Fenestration Criteria

IECC 402.1.1 General Prescriptive criteria

The IECC requires specific minimum R values for walls, floors and ceilings. R-13 is typical for wall requirements, R-30 is typical for ceilings. Floors over unconditioned spaces requires R-19, however slab foundations do not have to be insulated. Windows have specific U Values (maximum .50) and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) maximum of .30.


Mechanical Systems - Mandatory

IECC 403.2 HVAC Ducts

All HVAC supply and return ducts will be insulated to R-8 if they are located outside the building thermal envelope. R-6 ducts are allowed in floor trusses.

IECC 403.2.2 Duct Sealing

All duct joints and seams, air handlers and filter boxes will be sealed with mastic.

IECC 403.2.3 Building Cavities

Building cavities will not be used as supply ducts.

IECC 403.3 Mechanical System piping insulation

Mechanical system piping that is capable of carrying fluids above 105 degrees or below 55 degrees will be insulated to at least R-3.

IECC 403.4 Circulating Water Systems

All circulating service hot water piping will be insulated to at least R-2.


Residential Inspection Schedule

IECC 105.2 Required Approvals

The city of Dallas requires a finish frame inspection after the wall insulation is installed and before the sheetrock is installed. They also require a final insulation inspection after the ceiling insulation and mechanical HVAC equipment is installed. The energy certification is required by the City of Dallas Building Department before the final Electrical inspection is approved.


Home insulation

Residential Handouts

Download ACL 2015 IECC Residential Handout

Download IACL 2018 IECC Residential Handout

Commercial Handouts

Download 2015 IECC Roof Replacement

Download 2015 IECC Commercial Handout

Download the Energy Inspection Schedule