PA Adopts 2015 IECC

Insulation/ Envelope	Air Leakage	Duct Systems	Mechanical Ventilation
Compliance Pathways	Blower Door Testing	Duct Leakage Testing	Lighting

On October 1, 2018, Pennsylvania began enforcing a new set of Uniform Construction Codes (UCC) that includes the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). This replaces the 2009 IECC that was previously in place.

This change will have a substantial impact on residential new construction in PA. It will greatly improve the energy performance of new buildings. As shown in the chart below, a house built to the new codes is expected to consume nearly 50% less energy than a house built in 1975 and about 25% less energy than a house built to the 2009 IECC.

Code Comparison Chart

Achieving these gains will require that numerous enhanced construction methods be utilized by builders and verified by code officials.

The major changes include:

Increased insulation levels
Improved window/door performance
Improved air sealing and duct sealing
Mandatory blower door testing for building airtightness
Mandatory duct leakage testing
Mandatory fresh air mechanical ventilation system
75% high-efficacy lighting
Option compliance pathway using HERS Rating

This website aims to provide architects, builders, contractors, and code officials with accurate and technically-sound information on the energy requirements in the PA UCC.