Energy Credits, Explained Without the Headache
What energy credits are
Under the current Washington State Energy Code – Residential (WSEC-R), most new homes, ADUs, and larger additions have to earn a set number of energy credits. You earn them by picking options from a menu in the code: things like a heat pump, a heat pump water heater, better windows, extra insulation, or extra air sealing.
The number of credits you need depends on the size and type of the project. A new house needs more than a small addition, and some very small additions need none. We'll tell you what your project needs.
Why the choice matters, and what we do
Some credits are cheap to hit with the equipment you were going to buy anyway. Others change your wall framing or window order. Pick early and the credits fit the design. Pick late and you can end up redrawing walls or swapping equipment after bids come in.
What we do: figure out how many credits your project needs; walk through options that work with your heating system, budget, and how you want to live in the house; put the chosen credits on the drawings and the energy code forms; and make sure what's on paper is something your HVAC contractor and framer can actually build.
Credits that involve testing
Some credit options depend on a tested air leakage number. That's checked with a blower door test at the end of the build. Our sister brand WA Blower Door (https://wablowerdoor.com) does blower door air leak testing around Puget Sound.
Questions about energy code on your project? Call 253-799-0606 or email office@buildsherpas.com, or use the Contact Us button.
Build Sherpas is a trade name of Dow Engineering PLLC · 16202 64th St E Ste 117, Sumner, WA 98390