Energy Code - Alterations Remodel WorksheetAlterations Worksheet - 2018 Washington State Energy Code
Project Information Contact Information
The WSEC requirements for alterations are located in Chapter 5 of the code text.
Alterations (remodels) do not need to obtain energy credits from Table R406.3
Will the wall cavities be exposed?
If yes:Exposed wall cavities must be insulated -
2 X 4 wall studs require R-15 insulation
2 X 6 wall studs require R-21 insulation
Will the roof/ceiling framing cavities or attic be exposed?
If yes:Exposed roof/ceiling assemblies must be insulated -
Vaulted ceilings:Insulate to the full depth of the framing member
while allowing for the minimum 1" ventilated space
Flat ceilings:Install R-49 insulation or what the attic space can
accommodate based on the roof pitch
Will the floor framing cavities be exposed?
If yes:Exposed floor cavities must be insulated to R-30
Are the windows and/or doors being replaced?
(includes both window or door and frames)
If yes:New windows and doors must have an area weighted average U-factor of ≤0.30
Will the heating or cooling system be replaced?
If yes:New equipment must meet current requirements and
ducts need to be tested
Will the hot water system be altered?
If yes:New water heating equipment must meet current code requirements
Are more than 50% of the light fixtures being changed?
If yes:90% of all lamps must be high efficacy
(LED or CFL)
Additions must meet the requirements for new construction. This includes nonconditioned space being
altered to become conditioned space.
Cornelison High-Tech Building & Design
15491 107th Loop SE 625 Acorn Ct SE
Yelm, WA 98597 Olympia, WA 98503
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Exception: The following need not comply with the testing requirements of Section R403.3.3:
Exception: Alterations that replace less than 50 percent of the luminaires in a space, provided that such
alterations do not increase the installed interior lighting power.
R503.2 Change in space conditioning. Any nonconditioned or low-energy space that is altered to become conditioned space
shall be required to be brought into full compliance with this code.
R502.1.1.2 Heating and cooling systems. New heating, cooling and duct systems that are part of the addition shall comply
with Section R403.
R503.1.4 Lighting. New lighting systems that are part of the alteration shall comply with Section R404.1.
2. Duct systems that are documented to have been previously sealed as confirmed through field verification
and diagnostic testing in accordance with procedures in WSU RS-33.
1. Additions of less than 750 square feet.
3. Ducts with less than 40 linear feet in unconditioned spaces.
4. Existing duct systems constructed, insulated or sealed with asbestos.
4. Roof recover.
5. Roofs without insulation in the cavity and where the sheathing or insulation is exposed during reroofing
shall be insulated either above or below the sheathing.
6. Surface-applied window film installed on existing single pane fenestration assemblies to reduce solar heat
gain provided the code does not require the glazing fenestration to be replaced.
R503.1.1.1 Replacement fenestration. Where some or all of an existing fenestration unit is replaced with a new fenestration
product, including sash and glazing, the replacement fenestration unit shall meet the applicable requirements for U -factor
and SHGC in Table R402.1.1. Where more than one replacement fenestration unit is being installed, an area-weighted
average of the U-factor and SHGC of all replacement fenestration shall be permitted to be used to demonstrate compliance.
R503.1.2 Heating and cooling systems. New heating, cooling and duct systems that are part of the
alteration shall comply with Section R403.
Exceptions:
1. Where ducts from an existing heating and cooling system are extended, duct systems with less than 40 linear feet in
unconditioned spaces shall not be required to be tested in accordance with Section R403.2.2.
2. Existing duct systems constructed, insulated or sealed with asbestos.
R503.1.1 Building envelope. Building envelope assemblies that are part of the alteration shall comply with Section R402.1.1
or R402.1.4, Sections R402.2.1 through R402.2.11, R402.3.1, R402.3.2, R402.4.3 and R402.4.4.
Exception: The following alterations need not comply with the requirements for new construction provided the
energy use of the building is not increased:
2. Existing ceiling, wall or floor cavities exposed during construction provided that these cavities are filled with
insulation. 2x4 framed walls shall be insulated to a minimum of R-15 and 2x6 framed walls shall be insulated to a
minimum of R-21.
R503.1.3 Service hot water systems. New service hot water systems that are part of the alteration shall comply with Section
R403.5.
1. Storm windows installed over existing fenestration.
3. Construction where the existing roof, wall or floor cavity is not exposed.