the Board of Housing and Community Development should adopt all of the energy saving recommendations of the 2012 and 2015 International Energy and Conservation Code.

If this is not possible due to pressure from the Homebuilder’s lobby the following must be be mandated:

1. VA USBC should require the duct blaster and blower door tests

2. Adopt the IECC’s leakage rates

3. Use IECC’s higher insulation R-values for exterior walls (R20).

4. Use IECC’s higher insulation R-values for ceilings (R49).

5. Remove the visual inspection option R402.4.1.2.2.

New VA homeowner’s deserve better than what we have had to live with. The cost is minimal for this additional services so the payback period is short.

The Department of Energy estimated a Virginia statewide average savings of $388 for every newly built residence had the BHCD adopted the entire 2012 IECC

Note: A 2013  study shows the risk of mortgage default is one-third lower for energy-efficient, ENERGY STAR-rated homes – a factor lenders and Congress should consider when making mortgage loans and policy. http://ccc.unc.edu/news/owners-of-energy-efficient-homes-are-less-likely-to-default-on-mortgages/

Thank You for considering the Virginia home owners.