This past spring, municipalities across Pennsylvania began the enforcement of a new energy code. View a short video on how FirstEnergy’s Pennsylvania utilities can help homebuilders meet new energy efficiency rules: energysavepa-newhomes.com/codes-update/

All homes with contracts signed or permit applications submitted on or after October 1, 2018, are subject to the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — with amendments.

Builders whose projects qualify for the Pennsylvania Energy Efficient New Homes Program, offered by FirstEnergy’s Pennsylvania utilities (Met-Ed, Penelec, Penn Power and West Penn Power), are already well on their way to constructing homes that conform with the 2015 IECC requirements.

Participating builders can receive hundreds of dollars or more in financial incentives. For multifamily projects, builders can earn thousands of dollars per building with rebates issued on a per-unit basis.

The code mandates blower door testing, sets a maximum air leakage rate of 5.0 ACH50, reduces allowable duct leakage by two thirds, requires 75 percent installation of high-efficiency lighting (such as CFLs, LEDs, or T-8 linear fluorescents), and increases the insulation minimum levels for wall and attic spaces.

Builders are encouraged to contact the Pennsylvania Energy Efficient New Homes Program for technical assistance on code requirements and to understand the financial incentives available for their upcoming projects.

Contact Program Manager Zach Ambrose at 412-715-2297 or coordinator@energysavepa-newhomes.com.

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s February 2020 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.