Commercial 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 tradeoffs using computer software. This may or may not have been done by your architect when he or she developed your building plans.

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

Commercial Inspection Schedule

IECC 105.2 Required Approvals

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

IECC 502 Building Envelope
  • The Energy Code requires roof or attic insulation. Values range from R15 to R-30 depending on the roof system type
  • Above grade exterior walls generally require R-13 insulation
  • Floors over unconditioned areas require R-19 insulation
  • Slab on grade foundation do not require insulation in the Dallas Fort Worth area.
  • Opaque doors with a glass area < 50% of the door require a U value of .70 or less
  • Window fenestration area is limited to 40% of the total wall area
    • Maximum U -Factor of .60
    • Maximum SHGC of .25 to .40 depending on the Projection Factor of any awnings over the windows.
  • Doors and windows must have minimal air leakage with values of Outdoor air intakes and exhaust opening require a Class 1 motorized or gravity damper.
  • Loading docks require a weather seal
  • Entry Vestibules are required unless the entry room is less than 3,000 square feet.
  • Recessed light fixtures installed in the area between conditioned and unconditioned air spaces require IC (Insulation Contact) Rated fixtures unless special provisions are made to limit air flow through the fixture.
IECC 503 Building Mechanical Systems
  • HVAC equipment sized appropriately using ASHRAE Procedures and Standards as listed in the ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook and the ASHRAE HVAC Systems and Equipment Handbook.
  • HVAC equipment that meet efficiency standards published in Tables 503.2.3(1-11)
  • Thermostats with setback controls
  • Energy Recovery Systems on equipment that utilize 70% or greater outside air supply
  • Supply and return air ducts and plenums that are located inside the building envelope (R-5) and outside the building envelope (R-8) and sealed with mastic or gaskets
IECC 504 Service Water Heating
  • Water heating equipment that meet efficiency requirements in Table 504.2
  • Heat traps on the supply plumbing to the water heater
IECC 505 Lighting
  • Light controls and automatic lighting shut off systems in specified areas.
  • Interior and Exterior Lighting power densities that do not exceed established values in Tables 505.5.2 and 505.6.2