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.
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.
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