Code Officials Main

Texas recently updated its energy code requirements for both residential and commercial construction. Beginning April 1, 2011, the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) will go into effect for all construction other than single-family homes. And on January 1, 2012, the 2009 International Residential Code will go into effect for single-family homes. These codes will bring about a number of significant changes for Texas:

• According to the Texas A&M Energy Systems Laboratory, the code update will improve energy efficiency in residential buildings by between 7.1 and 16.7%, depending on the climate zone and the compliance option selected.¹
  
  
• Window efficiency requirements will be improved significantly. The IECC requires an SHGC of 0.30 or lower for climate zones 2-3. And although the IRC allows a slightly higher SHGC of 0.35 in those same zones, Texas A&M specifically recognized the peak electricity savings potential of selecting the lower SHGC glass.²
  
  
• The rigid glazing area cap of 15% has been removed, and now homes may be built with more flexible glazing area percentages as long as certain window efficiency requirements are met.

For more information regarding the requirements of the 2009 IRC and IECC in Texas, please visit Code Requirements section of our website. Click here for a one page guide to the window requirements under the 2009 IECC.

Labeling System for Easy Identification

NFRC Label

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is an international coalition that administers testing, certification and labeling of windows, skylights and doors. NFRC establishes energy test standards and administers ratings through independent laboratories. The NFRC energy performance label helps builders, retailers and consumers reliably compare one products by providing detailed performance measures. Of particular importance to code officials and the energy conscious alike are U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC).

For more information on the NFRC, its label, certified product directory and database, go to NFRC Labeling Systems.

Additional support information regarding specific prescriptive window requirements, broader building envelope requirements, and general energy code requirements are available at the Efficient Windows Collaborative and the Building Energy Codes Program web sites.

^1&2September 29, 2009 Texas A&M Energy Systems Laboratory letter to State Energy Conservation Office.