As of February 2021, the energy code requirements have gone up.  This has created a lot of confusion and grumbling in construction around here.  If you have a small house, these requirements are really quite easy to achieve.  It is when you have a larger home that you really have to have many systems working towards energy efficiency,

You will need to air seal, well insulate, use really good windows, and very efficient appliances.  This will cost you more money up front, but will pay for itself.  It will also make your home more comfortable, safer, and cheaper to live in.  We also have no choice in making our homes more energy efficient.  It's the right thing to do for the planet, and it is now the code!

I have been educating myself on how best to achieve these requirements, and unfortunately, there is no one easy answer.  Everyone is going to have to work together to make our homes more energy efficient and weather sealed!  If your framer is not sealing plates, or using a system for openings, you are creating more work and cost down the line.  Ask your builder what their strategy is for energy code compliance.  Does it seem reasonable to you?

I know that some builders have been doing things the same way for years, and that change is hard.  But there are strategies available that could reduce your energy bills to zero.  Would you rather pay for an energy efficient house up front, amortized into your loan, or pay high energy bills for the rest of the life of your home?  The first one is the most cost effective, especially since we know that power is only going to get more expensive!

Please review this website for more information!

http://www.energy.wsu.edu/buildingefficiency/energycode.aspx