[{"_1":2,"_97":-5,"_98":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,85],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6193022,"mediaKeyId","3868489-7417eaf830e5db89a554396b5d8e0145","parentId",3868489,"title","Tag raises minimum ERV/HRV efficiency and extends requirement into colder climate zone","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",11298000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3868489-7417eaf830e5db89a554396b5d8e0145&start=11298&end=11298","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3868489-7417eaf830e5db89a554396b5d8e0145/thumbnail_11298000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6193022/Washington/Tag-raises-minimum-ERVHRV-efficiency-and-extends-requirement-into-colder-climate-zone","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6193022-2b54bee04ef894602acbc4d08e69c7ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1770843016&Signature=lRKARisGCZa2QXOInRFsulNQNAVdoyKq2cvf3oyFYjLMhwIh-tOmRVaN0FCRkj62GEY6RI1amFSwHT25nlNzMUdwsQkgc7uyXL0Fn8UHywVc0XRMPBu60lXsLSmHBqv7lFWS~O71lpsMnoyRbDNmCVwnUEsuPKaNN0tKTnbBqvOQ8q2vdaGPCaaSeQA-oAu08JB2esUVeeqWCvhtwgRKfSBGg5gF2XDIZgKr6lb7mlVsStYW0o-zeaO-dOGT7WEaRbEPC6cDoqqNiH3S2OGKI8VJxnOGGKDi1TGqvHDvIMTytrXiJg0EIwW4PJ9Xl3uqpAabjXybEkX21jd0CR1RbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Building Code Council","date","2025-06-19T21:02:06.133Z","article","The residential energy code tag voted to raise the baseline recognized efficiency for heat- and energy-recovery ventilators (HRVs/ERVs) and to require balanced energy recovery ventilation in the state's colder climate zone.

Specifically, the tag approved proposals that raise the minimum fan efficiency used for equipment recognition to 1.7 cubic feet per minute per watt (CFM/W) and the sensible recovery efficiency (SRE) threshold in the component table from 65% to 67%. Mike Moore, representing the Home Ventilating Institute, told the tag the change is low-cost and rapidly payback: he summarized that bottom-quartile retail pricing for 67%-SRE / 1.7 CFM/W units is only marginally higher than lower-performing models, with a short payback for the consumer.

On a separate but related item, the tag also approved a climate-based requirement that balanced energy-recovery ventilation be required in Climate Zone 5 (the state's colder, higher-heating-demand counties). Kevin Rose of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance explained the decision built on cost-effectiveness modeling and the state\u0000regional climate context; proponents also noted filtration and indoor-air-quality benefits during wildfire seasons as a secondary public-health justification.

What the tag debated: Several members emphasized that ventilation measures are cost-effective only when paired with tighter building envelopes, and they asked for clear guidance on the interaction between the ventilation requirement and the air-tightness threshold used for energy credits. Commenters asked whether spot (single-room) ERV/HRV devices would meet the threshold and whether the change would push builders toward fully ducted systems; staff and presenters said the SRE and fan-efficiency thresholds are achievable by common ducted and high-quality spot units but that meeting the policy's intent will usually require system design appropriate to the house size.

Votes and next steps: The tag approved the HRV/ERV efficiency adjustments and advanced the Climate Zone 5 requirement in separate votes; the climate-based requirement passed on a roll-call vote after earlier debate (10 yes, 2 no, 1 abstain). Tag members directed staff to coordinate implementation guidance addressing interaction with air-tightness (ACH) thresholds and to publish recommended sizing and filtration guidance for jurisdictions and installers.

Ending: Staff will incorporate the revised SRE and fan-efficiency thresholds into the draft code tables and will draft implementation guidance for how ventilation systems should be selected and documented in Climate Zone 5 homes. The tag asked proponents to return with any additional data on cost-effectiveness in Climate Zone 4 for future consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","SBCC WSEC-R TAG Meeting - June 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The tag approved higher fan-efficiency and sensible recovery thresholds for heat/energy-recovery ventilators and advanced a requirement that ERVs/HRVs be installed in the state's colder climate zone (Climate Zone 5), citing short payback and public-health advantages for tight homes.","taxTitle","Building Code Council, Governor's Office - Boards & Commissions, Executive, Washington","taxId",24233,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":42,"_43":78,"_45":78,"_46":79,"_48":80,"_50":81,"_52":82,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":83,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":84,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6193027,"Tag advances guidance on centrally ducted heat pumps for proper operation and sizing",9396000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3868489-7417eaf830e5db89a554396b5d8e0145&start=9396&end=9396","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3868489-7417eaf830e5db89a554396b5d8e0145/thumbnail_9396000.jpg","/articles/6193027/Washington/Tag-advances-guidance-on-centrally-ducted-heat-pumps-for-proper-operation-and-sizing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6193027-352a0e094d8dd1769d9320882ed9652f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770843016&Signature=YxYSpqz1rZwwSHCo-KRw4cnMDIWCgCu-fHCNkfJHp4qmpBb1UcUVNxxvtNIfWLrKnKsfXOBy0OXGFkaTHOWcyU0OXZAgLl5eNEG9sh0wgDylYuYQp-~GvDMmjvzkZp35~iI~70rHK7awUYgO9Dsg30fshQbJcSn~MGxz9OzjwZyrP8tzLq-68DGdNFN4AGKw-dFFYxPT5inKIz~PX4rtV36ffprfqEg4Y9RI3dsbWNGM6WqrfBQHoyTYcoDIDHbFabtCKzDo0fWxnKhKdOvgEQAKd577ZKYk9XFx8vW1wgJVwvX-74u9EOvogUNwPFLqdvCa9dg6h4o8c6B9CyO~bw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The residential energy code tag voted to advance a set of clarified requirements for centrally ducted heat pumps that address thermostat programming, lockout temperatures for auxiliary heat, and guidance on equipment sizing and ductwork for conversions from forced-air systems.

The approved changes require installers to document the thermostat make and model and recommended control settings at installation; to set heat-pump auxiliary-heat (\"strip heat\") lockout temperatures that prioritize vapor-compression heating; and to apply size guidelines tied to a system \"balance point\" so that electric resistance supplemental heat is minimized. Poppy Storm, a tag member who presented the package, said the package \"could positively affect tens of thousands of replacements and installations per year\" by improving real-world system performance.

Why it matters: Tag discussion emphasized that centrally ducted heat pumps can deliver far better heating efficiency than electric resistance or fossil-fuel supplemental heat, but only if systems are properly sized, ducted, and controlled. Poor thermostat settings or mismatched ducts can force supplemental heat to run and erase expected energy savings.

Key changes approved
- Thermostat documentation and setup: installers must provide thermostat make/model and user-facing documentation and set up scheduling with a recommended setback no greater than about 5 degrees for heat-pump systems, because larger setbacks can trigger unnecessary supplemental heat.
- Supplemental-heat lockout: the tag revised language to prioritize vapor-compression heating and clarified the outdoor lockout thresholds that should be used for auxiliary heat, lowering some thresholds to better match modern heat-pump capability.
- Sizing and ducting in conversions: centrally ducted heat pumps are expected to be sized using a defined balance point; when converting an existing forced-air furnace to a ducted heat pump, ducts must be assessed and altered as required to ensure adequate airflow.

Debate and outcome: The item generated lengthy technical discussion about tradeoffs between single-stage, multi-stage and variable-capacity equipment, the costs of up-sizing ducts, and how to treat high-efficiency qualifying systems in the credits table. Several tag members warned that up-sizing ducts to meet a more aggressive heating balance point can increase upfront cost and, if implemented with single-speed equipment, may cause short-cycling unless variable-capacity equipment is used.

The package passed after a roll-call vote (8 yes, 2 no, 3 abstentions). The tag attached a request that proponents work with climate and industry stakeholders to refine any guidance tied to the energy-credit tables (so that incentives and baseline assumptions remain consistent).

Ending: Staff will prepare implementation guidance clarifying how conversions should be documented (manual-J/duct-sizing options and reasonable alternatives) and will circulate the guidance to HVAC trade groups and large jurisdiction enforcement staff before the Council considers final adoption.","The tag approved a package of changes clarifying thermostat controls, supplemental-heat lockouts, equipment sizing and duct requirements for centrally ducted heat pumps, aiming to reduce use of inefficient supplemental heat and improve in-field performance.",{"_33":86,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":87,"_41":88,"_43":89,"_45":90,"_46":91,"_48":92,"_50":93,"_52":94,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":95,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":96,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6193033,"Tag trims solar-ready permit requirements to reduce plan delays",1645,1246000,2891000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3868489-7417eaf830e5db89a554396b5d8e0145&start=1246&end=2891","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3868489-7417eaf830e5db89a554396b5d8e0145/thumbnail_1246000.jpg","/articles/6193033/Washington/Tag-trims-solar-ready-permit-requirements-to-reduce-plan-delays","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6193033-2a03cb84ee1405ac400302ccf0205865/orig.mp4?Expires=1770843016&Signature=MsueNBHWds8YV0P6Z3voiizqqCcot85vm6ME4LNtvW7QEQbfjhoL~dqffrpnVh50CPtjUyHswlFD16PpyXFI9yjFXfJ~eMYa-dwwFKNmPdjXJe9I7zHH1Ax-k8q5Za~PU5yjQjDWJWtF3OPiCw2cWAi8UwSS~ng~IfjBSMCFNmtvKjJNP03NJy7q8Bp4x-ffgR3oG8zoLAOflP19LHCgExuoK0WCgDB040YpkGPGRm~bXt144Jm~O1ba~xzhqY8WQPANPdETejAx8w4QmTVTuLnlJAfyG8c0Iz5~s7yHaMaF6dLEAc7iqdCtO5l9zNLhEoNHGVaVze42FJ6vHjU3PA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The residential energy code tag of the Building Code Council voted to approve a change narrowing what must be shown on building permits for solar-ready zones, a move proponents said will reduce permit preparation time without lowering safety or long-term solar performance.

What the tag approved on a roll call vote was a modification that removes the requirement to include detailed electrical rough-in information for solar-ready zones on the building-permit submission while explicitly retaining the underlying requirement that electrical work be inspected by the electrical authority. Patrick Hanks, a tag member and proponent of the change, said, \"we're not changing the underlying requirements of the code. We're not affecting energy efficiency. We're just doing a a slight little tweak to just keep things simpler, keep things moving, and not changing the underlying requirements.\"

The nut graf: supporters said the documentation change will reduce hours spent creating permit drawings that building officials typically do not review while leaving the on-site electrical inspection process intact; opponents worried about enforcement and urged coordination with electrical inspectors before broader rollout.

Most of the technical debate centered on 1) whether the permit omission could make later solar retrofits harder, 2) whether the change would create safety or inspection gaps, and 3) whether the tag should seek input from the state electrical safety authority. Greg Johnson, an electrical industry commenter, argued there are multiple acceptable ways to connect rooftop generation that do not always require conduit to the main panel, saying he has provided homeowners \"3 different options on how they don't necessarily have to hook it to the main electrical panel.\" Opponents, including several tag members, asked that representatives from the state electrical authority or local electrical inspectors review the draft language; a motion to table a related proposal to allow the electrical group to comment passed earlier on a separate item.

The tag\u0000which carried the motion 8 to 7\u0000also refined the draft to clarify that structural design information for the solar-ready zone should refer to the solar zone portion of the roof assembly (for example, dead load, live load, and ground snow load), a change made after a catch from a committee member who noted the earlier wording could be read as applying to the entire roof assembly.

What remains: the tag left in place the requirement that any electrical work be inspected by the electrical authority; it removed only the need to include the detailed electrical rough-in on the building-permit set. The tag also encouraged proponents to circulate the revised language to electrical code enforcement staff (including state and large-city electrical inspectors) to confirm there are no unintended enforcement gaps.

Ending: The change takes effect as an amendment the tag voted to advance. Staff and proponents said they will coordinate with LNI and local electrical inspectors to confirm implementation guidance before jurisdictions adopt the language.","The Building Code Council\u0000residential energy code tag approved changes to solar-ready documentation that remove certain electrical rough-in drawing requirements from building-plan reviews while retaining underlying electrical inspection obligations, aiming to speed permitting without weakening installation standards.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Tag raises minimum ERV/HRV efficiency and extends requirement into colder climate zone

Tag advances guidance on centrally ducted heat pumps for proper operation and sizing

Tag trims solar-ready permit requirements to reduce plan delays