The state of Georgia is breaking new ground when it comes to building codes. A new set of regulations may not sound too exciting on the surface, but consider the potential impacts: Lower energy bills, less energy used, and less pollution emitted into the environment. Read on, no matter what state you’re in.
The new Georgia energy codes, due to take effect on Jan. 1, 2011, are the result of work done by a group called the Georgia 2009 International Energy Conservation Code Task Force, or IECC for short.
Some highlights: New homes will have to undergo blower testing and duct leakage testing, to make sure they’re sealed tightly against the elements, which saves on cooling and heating costs and increases efficiency.
Electric furnaces also are on their way out, along with power attic ventilators, according to Allison A. Bailes III at Energy Vanguard, which covers the high-performance home industry.
Natural gas furnaces are much more efficient than electric furnaces, which are essentially giant toasters. On that note, at least half of a new home’s lighting also will have to come from high-efficiency light bulbs, or be automated to save on electricity.
You can download a full copy of the new rules from the State of Georgia website (PDF).
The IECC was established by Georgia’s governor, with funding from the 2009 federal stimulus package, to bring existing state building codes up to federal standards for residential and commercial construction. The State of Georgia plans to go above and beyond the minimum requirements.
The U.S. Department of Energy maintains a database of state energy codes. You can find yours by clicking on a map.
--Jeff Kart