[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,76,88,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":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,"_75":74},"mediaId",6189709,"mediaKeyId","5055231-c3f238ded35c0cae4aa5e411fd24227f","parentId",5055231,"title","TAG rejects mandated HVAC capacity check; proponents urged to refine proposal","audioSeconds",4428,"startMs",13596000,"endMs",18024000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5055231-c3f238ded35c0cae4aa5e411fd24227f&start=13596&end=18024","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5055231-c3f238ded35c0cae4aa5e411fd24227f/thumbnail_13596000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6189709/Washington/TAG-rejects-mandated-HVAC-capacity-check-proponents-urged-to-refine-proposal","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6189709-d15df34112e279364c8ff6aaf3b7513d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771568369&Signature=Y4T6mqCY2omIqq6gTe6gioPAe-jrmC92BdVOfzdDXycPAUfpX9rKj1i8vXxT5spn1fP5JE9otwPKg~ylLnUrSw1ZZaHm6D4K3jFS0c1hL~8U2TvhTv8nDURsrTvTNYs0To1HqyhIFgwb3frRhrOW~bmDCKOJqL5yWebM5QLy~Li34ZGpRdbWVEXtsEs6Kh1tHBKe9VFCSGuilbEo8pGZZ-P0WXqwoVuV9B0EcOLDx12ViwPSG9EvS978rlzo4VBXJDMO-VXv8qul66kH8hfoL1ueNgtotvxKbbTKNoXT7ToMU9AVYTXTyGqA7HHK5HlTH0-jXBGi4dTSouJ1-2SOow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Building Code Council","date","2025-06-24T12:58:06.93Z","article","Jonathan introduced proposal O9, a requirement to perform a capacity check on centrally ducted heating systems at installation time (a test referenced to the ANSI/RESNET/ICC commissioning standard task for measuring delivered capacity). The proposed test calculates delivered heat as CFM x 1.08 x measured '9Delta-T'9 (supply minus return) to verify the installed heat output is within 10% of the Manual J design.

Members raised multiple technical questions: how to test ductless systems (mini-splits), whether the test measured unit-only output or system-delivered heat (duct losses), and whether a single-device test could be applied consistently across different climates and seasons. Speaker Larry Andrews and others said measured output varies strongly with outdoor temperature and refrigerant behavior, and some cautioned that test conditions in summer may not reflect winter heating performance.

After extended discussion, the TAG moved to disapprove the proposal. The motion to disapprove carried (motion outcome recorded as carried in the transcript; recorded vote: 8 yes, 1 no, 8 abstentions). Several members suggested the idea could be reintroduced after a work group developed clearer test procedures, sampling protocols for multifamily projects, and clarified applicability (ducted systems only, test timing, and allowed instrumentation).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","SBCC WSEC-R TAG Meeting - June 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A proposal requiring a field capacity check on ducted HVAC systems (O9) was disapproved by the TAG following discussion about test methods, climate applicability, sampling and the practicalities of applying a 10% tolerance.","taxTitle","Building Code Council, Governor's Office - Boards & Commissions, Executive, Washington","taxId",24233,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6189714,"TAG tables third-party blower-door testing proposal and forms work group to refine rural-exception language",1328,14824000,16152000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5055231-c3f238ded35c0cae4aa5e411fd24227f&start=14824&end=16152","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5055231-c3f238ded35c0cae4aa5e411fd24227f/thumbnail_14824000.jpg","/articles/6189714/Washington/TAG-tables-third-party-blower-door-testing-proposal-and-forms-work-group-to-refine-rural-exception-language","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6189714-f83d0be9aca2116d7174c42606219497/orig.mp4?Expires=1771568369&Signature=iSfcwBuCs6FRxceJcTeaFCOwahC6jccThB6KeE~XXOFV-6Wb-tYFseWQV6QahjrokcWUXuHQOBjCrqb7nWDja6azfyXuSJo0vOFyqdcv-HZLxTVKOsXZuobqHCbia-SrrVTtnnrn4VpHa60p6f8nG5Khx8af3gzMwBGoLTdV3yLaDCZYsM6zwcfTiXe8IS3Ns3~wGHaqvkOIiCzP9uFTpDyhjoyqrmkMGPF4AQ3VMloMcmy2VRiAjDgz~h94lnzqVe09aCOe18WpRFkedgZTQ0CVJGzbu5T2nnDsIDsB7aypfVft1W8B6lflCBJ-Uc0p1WSUEvKjgwBvK278bTHvPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jonathan (stepping in for the proponent) introduced a proposal to require third-party blower-door testing and to standardize how airtightness reports would be timestamped and delivered to jurisdictions. He told the TAG this proposal was modeled on a program used in British Columbia and other jurisdictions.

Members agreed airtightness testing is central to verifying energy performance, but several technical and implementation questions emerged. Shane Nellis and others warned the proposed rural exception language was unclear and would be hard for building officials to enforce. Members asked whether mobile-app deliverables would work where cellular service is poor and whether locally trained utility or program staff could serve as acceptable third parties for remote areas.

The TAG voted to postpone the proposal and form a work group to rewrite the exception and clarify the scope of acceptable certifications, test deliverables, and software. Volunteers who agreed to help included Dwayne Johnlin, Shane Nellis, Tom Balderson and others; staff will coordinate the group and publish membership and meeting dates. Proponents were asked to prepare draft exception language based on distance/population metrics and to document cases where mobile test-app delivery fails because of connectivity.","A proposal requiring third-party blower-door (airtightness) testing for residential projects was tabled for redrafting. The TAG formed a work group to refine the exception language for very rural areas and to clarify acceptable test deliverables and software formats.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6189718,"TAG approves electric-readiness requirement for new homes with panel provision; voice vote follows amendment",0,11958000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5055231-c3f238ded35c0cae4aa5e411fd24227f&start=11958&end=11958","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5055231-c3f238ded35c0cae4aa5e411fd24227f/thumbnail_11958000.jpg","/articles/6189718/Washington/TAG-approves-electric-readiness-requirement-for-new-homes-with-panel-provision-voice-vote-follows-amendment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6189718-597012b820efc4f4e8b34909d3cdc837/orig.mp4?Expires=1771568369&Signature=lXwBWKfhJykrB2NH87F4r~Ea060EQ3xXOKdsjMgesp9DDJBFrPK8H8I~BQOx8VZtlIVdajI4eKPYToBl~fTuGBNEODa07go7EMvTqpndEoUqyi5FPoFgKFiKsJBcYdu8AUjQLOgs8maraPzFu0CNGGfiQH7PaubfJIY80lwuheheKaC8ODNEJdG1Y9lRzuMoPaj52-H1qGQ55Lomd3bCYHiE0y7R0kiyCepbfo46yLlEQM0Xug4yknK9FxoTT9G1Amm62x2lnqhYRquPs~UPIxWGxJbMjGNpT3OzmSi0ordbiDNUvV9x~hU3cV-DfSiq9Y5tbMqEXbaaqCLXhnjgCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Johnny Coker presented proposal O18 calling for \"electric readiness\" measures in new residential construction, including pre-wiring or conduit for electric appliances and space for future breakers. He noted the measure mirrored approaches already adopted in several U.S. jurisdictions.

Proponents said prewiring is modest when done during initial construction and reduces retrofit costs later. Dwayne Johnlin moved approval and proponents argued it gives homeowners choice without banning fuels. Opponents, including Patrick Hanks and Larry Andrews, warned the measure would raise upfront construction costs, could be used politically to push electrification, and could create stranded assets, and that some regions have grid- and cost-related constraints.

A friendly amendment accepted during debate narrowed the requirement: where existing electrical circuits already serve a fuel appliance, that circuit may be used to meet the readiness requirement; additionally the TAG added a requirement for a reserve 2-pole space in the main panel (an empty two-pole slot) designated for future space-heating use where not otherwise occupied. With that modification the TAG approved O18 in a roll-call/voice sequence and recorded a final tally recorded on the transcript as 10 in favor and 5 opposed (motion carried).

Why it matters: The approved language does not ban gas equipment; rather, it requires new homes be built so homeowners can add electric appliances later without invasive retrofit work. Supporters say the change lowers future retrofit cost and helps electrification transitions; opponents flagged affordability and regional grid constraints as concerns.

What happens next: Staff will post the final modified language and record of the vote; jurisdictions that adopt the state code will implement the new requirement at the next adoption step.","The TAG approved a proposal (O18) requiring new construction to include electric readiness measures for certain appliances; the final language was modified to allow existing designated electrical circuits to meet the requirement and to require provision of a 2-pole space for future breakers.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6189723,"TAG rejects move of R406 equalization table; work groups formed for system-type and credit clarifications",1682,461000,2143000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5055231-c3f238ded35c0cae4aa5e411fd24227f&start=461&end=2143","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5055231-c3f238ded35c0cae4aa5e411fd24227f/thumbnail_461000.jpg","/articles/6189723/Washington/TAG-rejects-move-of-R406-equalization-table-work-groups-formed-for-system-type-and-credit-clarifications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6189723-cea824e62281916ebb009528f9fdda2b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771568369&Signature=eWtjFhCKzp5CeDFTKaKSPeL8dsEyDslbOvtBae2natr1vIzRC2y8fLCv6vRDvUEGgC7mZwXSr9bb9ANSjllBsVGNO3RmqLod3fZdWLPX3p-ZOYqEgHCLaHmEpFyCBbKSokimWOEs3~n5IH9cwUeZ8OaHRc3Ylw3kMm47z7IYquHBjbQOZNwZW2M39HJgq2HgtGR9nRXNQ8aybAyMNY4Cf6eIGahV0ZaBpv8MbaOGHR6y9UoIfNQdSwWyRVLjKcxpwnDWzNuLgDeSlFI-bSMsGZWZ7b0NzsgqaRzNcegMQomzQ-JLqzqjBi0y4KCzxVJF-ExlQCJ9ese1Zk4xPpPyaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kjell, chairing the Residential Energy Code Technical Advisory Group, opened the meeting saying the day\u000fs first task was to consider changes to R406, the energy equalization/credit structure. Johnny Coker, who presented proposal O17, summarized its intent: \"So this kind of, moves the energy utilization credits, which currently exists as a separate table and puts them in as credits since they're the main energy efficiency table.\"

A number of TAG members questioned the change. Patrick Hanks said the language raised potential federal preemption risks under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA): \"EPCA necessitates treating similar, covered products to similar covered products,\" and he warned the proposal blurred baselines for covered products. Greg Davenport and others raised technical and user-experience concerns, calling the move confusing for code users who were familiar with the two-table approach.

After discussion, an initial motion to disapprove the proposal was followed by a superseding motion to table and create a work group. The roll-call on tabling failed; the TAG then returned to the main motion and disapproved proposal O17 by voice vote (motion passes; counts not specified in the record). The TAG recorded the outcome as a formal disapproval; members asked staff to make the record and preserve the transcript for any later reconsideration.

Separate but related proposals about system types and supplemental heat (proposals 005 and 015) moved forward in a different direction: TAG members expressed majority support for more precise, user-facing definitions and for drafting clearer language to distinguish whole-house heat-pump systems from partial-heat-pump installations. The TAG voted to postpone both O005 and O015 and to form a work group to draft consolidated language (motion to postpone and form a work group carried). Volunteers and participants named for that work group included Greg Johnson, Greg Davenport, Poppy Storm, Albert Rooks, Dwayne Johnlin, Dave Balon, Ken Morgan, Johnny Coker and others who offered to consult; staff will publish the roster and schedule.

The TAG also considered a separate R406-related submission (O21) that would have simplified the equalization credits; that proposal was disapproved in a later roll call (motion to disapprove carried). TAG members said they wanted more analysis and clearer alignment between credit values and the underlying modeling before making structural changes to the equalization scheme.

Why it matters: The R406 equalization table determines how different heating systems and fuels are credited in the residential performance pathway. Changes to its structure or to system-type definitions affect how builders meet performance targets, and may shift compliance costs among electrified and fossil-fuel options. The TAG\u0000s decision to disapprove O17 while sending closely related language to work groups will postpone any immediate structural change but keep the issue on the timeline for the next meetings and for model/assumptions review.","The Building Code Council\u0000residential energy TAG on June 20 rejected a proposal to move the R406 energy equalization table into the main credit table, but formed work groups to rewrite language on system types, supplemental heat and home-size credit gradations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

TAG rejects mandated HVAC capacity check; proponents urged to refine proposal

TAG tables third-party blower-door testing proposal and forms work group to refine rural-exception language

TAG approves electric-readiness requirement for new homes with panel provision; voice vote follows amendment

TAG rejects move of R406 equalization table; work groups formed for system-type and credit clarifications