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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
DIVISION 62
ENERGY CONSERVATION STANDARD FOR EXISTING DWELLINGS
Advisory Residential Energy Conservation Standards for Existing Dwellings
330-062-0005
Scope
(1) The purpose of OAR 330-062-0015 through 330-062-0025, pursuant to ORS 469.155, is to establish statewide advisory energy conservation standards for weatherization measures installed voluntarily in existing dwellings.
(2) OAR 330-062-0010 through 330-062-0025 addresses only building component improvements because these improvements are relatively permanent and tend to remain effective throughout the life of the dwelling, regardless of changes in occupancy.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 407, ORS 469 & ORS 470
Stats. Implemented: ORS 469
Hist.: DOE 9-1982, f. & ef. 7-1-82
330-062-0010
Definitions
As used in OAR 330-062-0010 through 330-062-0045:
(1) "Conditioned Spaces" shall mean areas within a dwelling's thermal envelope which are heated, cooled, or ventilated by the dwelling's heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
(2) "Dwelling" shall mean real or personal property within the state inhabited as the principal residence of a dwelling owner or a tenant. "Dwelling" includes a mobile home as defined in ORS 446.003, a floating home as defined in ORS 488.705 and a single unit in multiple-unit residential housing. "Dwelling" does not include a recreational vehicle as defined in ORS 446.003.
(3) "Economically Feasible" shall mean that the present value to the resident of the conventional energy saved by weatherization is not less than the installed cost of the measure. Present value is calculated using the value of the first year energy savings discounted at three percent (the difference between a five percent real discount rate and a two percent real escalation rate for fuel) over the useful life of the weatherization measure.
(4) "Energy Audit" shall mean:
(a) The calculation and analysis of the heat loss and energy use efficiency of a dwelling; and
(b) An analysis of the energy savings and dollar savings potential that would result from providing weatherization in the dwelling; and
(c) An estimate of the cost of the weatherization that includes:
(A) Labor for the installation of items designed to improve the space heating and energy use efficiency of the dwelling; and
(B) The items installed.
(5) "Energy Conservation Standards" shall mean standards for the efficient use of energy for space and water heating in a dwelling. Energy conservation standards address weatherization of existing dwellings.
(6) "Resident" shall mean the owner or tenant occupying a dwelling as their principal residence.
(7) "Thermal Envelope" shall mean the elements of a dwelling which enclose conditioned spaces and through which heat may be transferred to or from the exterior of such a dwelling.
(8) "Weatherization" shall mean measures which reduce a dwelling's heat exchange with its external environment. Weatherization measures are those measures in OAR 330-062-0025.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 407, ORS 469 & ORS 470
Stats. Implemented: ORS 469
Hist.: DOE 9-1982, f. & ef. 7-1-82
330-062-0015
Audit Recommendation
(1) Before the installation of weatherization measures, each dwelling should receive an energy audit to determine its current energy use characteristics and to determine which weatherization measures are appropriate. For each appropriate measure, the audit should indicate the estimated installation cost and the amount of incentive financing, if any, that is available.
(2) A follow-up energy audit should be performed whenever there is a change in occupancy for a previously audited dwelling which has not been audited within the preceding five years. Follow-up audits should provide new residents with up-to-date information on the energy efficiency of their home and recommendations for further weatherization improvements.
(3) Each weatherization measure which is recommended for installation by an energy audit should be installed at the level indicated in rule 330-062-0025, unless that measure is restricted to a lesser level by structural limitations or accessibility.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 407, ORS 469 & ORS 470
Stats. Implemented: ORS 469
Hist.: DOE 9-1982, f. & ef. 7-1-82
330-062-0020
Recommendation Criteria
(1) OAR 330-062-0025 recommends measures at levels which are achievable with commonly available materials and material sizes.
(2) OAR 330-062-0025 recommends weatherization measures at levels which are estimated by the Oregon Department of energy to be economically feasible. The energy savings used to determine whether the weatherization measure is economically feasible is the calculated difference between a dwelling's annual energy requirement with the measure installed and its annual energy requirement without the measure, using calculation methods described in the 1981 American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Handbook of Fundamentals and the 1980 ASHRAE Systems Handbook.
(3) For the purpose of developing OAR 330-062-0025, the energy savings estimate for each recommended weatherization measure was calculated independently of the savings attributed to other recommended measures the actual savings realized from the installation of several measures, therefore, may be less than the sum of the calculated individual savings for each measure.
[Publications: The publication(s) referred to or incorporated by reference in this rule are available from the agency.]
Stat. Auth.: ORS 407, ORS 469 & ORS 470
Stats. Implemented: ORS 469
Hist.: DOE 9-1982, f. & ef. 7-1-82
330-062-0025
Advisory Energy Conservation Standards
(1) As used in OAR 330-062-0005 through 330-062-0045, weatherization measures for thermal envelopes are:
(a) For ceilings adjacent to unconditioned spaces or to the exterior:
(A) To reduce heat loss due to air leaks through ceiling to unheated spaces or to the exterior:
(i) Caulking or other sealing material should be added to all gaps around ceiling penetrations6, and weatherstripping should be added to attic access doors; and
(ii) Cover plate gaskets should be added to all electrical outlets in interior walls; and
(B) To prevent moisture condensation: Adequate ventilation should be provided above insulation; and
(C) To reduce heat loss due to thermal conduction:
(i) If no existing insulation: R-381,3 insulation should be added with a vapor barrier of .5 perm or less on warm (ceiling) side of insulation; or
(ii) If existing insulation is R-11: R-301,3 unfaced insulation should be added; or
(iii) If existing insulation is R-19 or more: Additional insulation probably is not economically feasible.
(b) For floors adjacent to unconditioned spaces5:
(A) To prevent moisture condensation:
(i) Adequate ventilation should be provided below insulation; and
(ii) A 6 mil polyethelene or equivalent ground cover overlapped at all seams should be added in a crawl space; and
(B) To reduce heat loss due to thermal conduction:
(i) If no existing insulation: R-191,2 insulation should be added with a vapor barrier of 1 perm or less on the warm (floor) side of the insulation; or
(ii) If existing insulation is R-11: r-111,2 insulation should be added.
(c) For concrete floor slabs on grade to prevent heat loss due to thermal conduction: If no existing insulation: R-41 insulation should be added around the perimeter of the slab to a depth of two feet below grade.
(d) For walls adjacent to exterior or unconditioned spaces:
(A) To prevent heat loss due to air leaks through walls adjacent to the exterior or to unheated spaces:
(i) Caulking or other sealing material should be added outside and inside to all gaps and holes at wall penetrations6; and
(ii) Cover plate gaskets should be added to all electrical outlets in walls6; and
(B) To reduce heat loss due to thermal conduction:
(i) If existing wall is standard studwall construction without insulation in wall cavity: R-113,8 insulation should be injected into wall cavity; or
(ii) If existing wall is an uninsulated knee wall adjacent to accessible unconditioned rafter space: R-111 insulation should be added to the unheated side of the knee wall with a vapor barrier of 1 perm or less on the warm (wall) side of the insulation.
(e) For windows and sliding glass doors:
(A) To prevent heat loss due to air leaks through windows and frames:
(i) Caulking should be added outside and inside to gaps and joints around glazing, stationary sash, and frames6; and
(ii) Weatherstripping should be added around all operable sash6; and
(B) To reduce heat loss due to thermal conduction: If existing prime window is single-glassed, jalousie, or sashless sliding:
(i) Tight fitting storm windows should be added; or
(ii) Existing glazing should be replaced with double-pane insulating glass4 set in tight fitting sash.
(f) For exterior doors:
(A) To prevent heat loss due to air leaks around doors and door frames:
(i) Caulking should be added outside and inside around frame6; and
(ii) Weatherstripping and a draftproof threshold should be added around door; and
(B) To reduce heat loss due to thermal conduction: If existing prime door is uninsulated: A tight fitting storm door should be added to the existing prime door.
(2) As used in OAR 330-062-0005 through 330-062-0045, weatherization measures for HVAC systems are:
(a) For space heating and cooling system controls to reduce heat loss due to unnecessary operation of heating equipment during sleeping hours or periods when the house is unoccupied: A timed setback space heating and cooling control thermostat should be added9.
(b) For forced air heating ducts in unconditioned spaces:
(A) To prevent heat loss due to air leaks from ducts: Caulking or duct tape should be added to all accessible duct seams where air leaks can occur; and
(B) To reduce heat loss due to thermal conduction: R-111 insulating wrap should be added to all accessible ducting.
(c) For steam or hydronic heating system pipes in unconditioned spaces to reduce heat loss due to thermal conduction: R-41 insulating wrap should be added to all accessible steam or hydronic system piping.
(3) As used in OAR 330-062-0005 through 330-062-0045, weatherization measures for domestic water heating systems are:
(a) For a water heater tank in conditioned or unconditioned spaces to reduce heat loss due to thermal conduction: The water heater thermostat(s) should be set back to 120-140° F.6; and
(A) If existing water heater is electric:
(i) R-111 insulating wrap should be added to sides and top of tank leaving thermostat access panel(s), drain valve, pressure relief valve, and electrical service entry panel uncovered6; and
(ii) Styrofoam or equivalent rigid insulating pad should be added between the bottom of the tank and the floor if the tank rests directly on a concrete or masonry floor7; or
(B) If existing water heater is gas- or oil-fired: R-111 insulating wrap should be added to sides and top of tank leaving the flue and the area around it, air inlets, controls, drain valve, and pressure relief valve uncovered. On oil-fired water heaters also leave the bottom 1/3 of the tank and the high-limit switch uncovered6.
(b) For hot water pipes in conditioned and unconditioned spaces: R-31 insulating wrap should be added to all accessible water pipes (including cold water pipes in unconditioned spaces to prevent pipe damage due to freezing).
Footnotes:
1. Higher levels of insulation may be economically feasible. An energy audit may be useful in determining the advisability of using insulation levels greater than this recommended level.
2. Installation of retrofit insulation below existing insulation and insulation levels above R-19, may require special materials or installation techniques.
3. The addition of retrofit insulation to the ceiling or walls of mobile homes can be expensive and, therefore, is generally not feasible.
4. Triple-pane insulating glass may be economically feasible for your home but it is not yet widely available in Oregon.
5. Skirtings with ventilation should be added around the base of mobile homes to prevent excessive drafts.
6. For "how-to" suggestions please refer to low-Cost Energy Savers for Oregon Homes, available from the Oregon agency, 1-800-452-7813.
7. When adding an insulating pad between a water heater tank and the floor, be certain not to create leaks by overstressing rigid plumbing connections to the water heater.
8. Use of ureaformaldehyde foam for insulation in residential applications has been banned by the Federal Consumer Product Safety Commission.
9. Timed setback thermostats are not recommended for households that conscientiously practice manual thermostat setback. In such cases times setback thermostats may not pay for themselves and in fact may be less effective in saving energy.
[Publications: The publication(s) referred to or incorporated by reference in this rule are available from the agency]
Stat. Auth.: ORS 407, ORS 469 & ORS 470
Stats. Implemented: ORS 469.155
Hist.: DOE 9-1982, f. & ef. 7-1-82
Mandatory Energy Conservation Standards for Weatherizing
Dwellings Under the Small Scale Local Energy Project
Loan Fund
330-062-0030
Purpose
The purpose of OAR 330-062-0035, pursuant to ORS 470.090 is to establish mandatory energy conservation standards for weatherization of dwellings constructed before January 1, 1979 which will be served by space heating projects financed through the Small Scale Local Energy Project Loan Fund.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 407, ORS 469 & ORS 470
Stats. Implemented: ORS 470.080
Hist.: DOE 9-1982, f. & ef. 7-1-82
330-062-0035
Weatherization Standards for Small Scale Local Energy Project Loans
In OAR 330-062-0025, as it applies to mandatory weathrization for approval of Small Scale Local Energy Project loans for residential space heating projects, the word "shall" will be substituted throughout for the word "should". Applicants for Small Scale Local Energy Project Loans who are subject to this rule may be exempted from compliance with any weatherization measure in OAR 330-062-0025 which can be demonstrated to create a potentially hazardous condition or which is determined not to be economically feasible for the applicant's particular project.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 407, ORS 469 & ORS 470
Stats. Implemented: ORS 470.080
Hist.: DOE 9-1982, f. & ef. 7-1-82
Mandatory Weatherization Standards for
Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs Home Loans
330-062-0040
Purpose
The purpose of OAR 330-062-0045, pursuant to ORS 407.055, is to adopt mandatory minimum weatherization standards for approval of loans by the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs on Homes constructed before July 1, 1974, as defined in ORS 407.010
Stat. Auth.: ORS 407, ORS 469 & ORS 470
Stats. Implemented: ORS 407.055
Hist.: DOE 9-1982, f. & ef. 7-1-82
330-062-0045
Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs Minimum Weatherization Standards
(1) The Director of the Oregon Department of Energy finds that as of July 1, 1982, the current minimum weatherization standards for approval of a loan by the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs (Department of Commerce OAR 814-005-0005 through 814-005-0030) are compatible with the Advisory Energy Conservation Standards adopted July 1, 1982 under 330-062-0005 through 330-062-0025.
(2) The Director of the Oregon Department of Energy, therefore, adopts the existing Oregon Department of Commerce standards, OAR 814-005-0005 through 814-005-0030, as Minimum Weatherization Standards for the approval of loans by the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs on homes as defined in ORS 407.010, constructed before July 1, 1974. Rule 330-062-0035 shall be reviewed when advisory energy conservation standards, OAR 330-062-0025, are revised by the Director or when the Oregon Department of Commerce minimum weatherization standards 814-005-0005 through 814-005-0030 are revised.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 407, ORS 469 & ORS 470
Stats. Implemented: ORS 407.055
Hist.: DOE 9-1982, f. & ef. 7-1-82
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