This post intends to provide a brief Q&A for changes that are part of the 2022 Energy Code as they pertain to Single-Family Residential Buildings.
Please note that this energy code is effective beginning January 1, 2023.
What is the ESS-ready requirement?
Covered as part of Section 150.0(s), the standard requires single-family homes to be battery-storage ready, including:
At least one of the following shall be provided:
Interconnection equipment with a minimum backed up capacity of 60 amps.
A dedicated raceway from the main service to a subpanel that supplies the branch circuits.
A minimum of four branch circuits shall be identified feeding:
Refrigerator
One lighting circuit near the primary egress
A sleeping room receptacle outlet
Main panel must be minimum 225 amps.
Sufficient space shall be reserved to allow future installation of a system isolation equipment or transfer switch within 3 feet of the main panelboard.
Raceways shall be installed between the panelboard and the system isolation equipment or transfer switch location to allow the connection of backup power source.
Energy Storage System (ESS) ready requirements include the interconnection equipment or a dedicated raceway, a minimum of four branch circuits, a minimum busbar rating of 225 amps, and 2 space for future installation of system isolation equipment or a transfer switch. Examples can be found in the figures below.
Does a newly constructed accessory dwelling unit (ADU) need to comply with the ESS-ready requirements?
Yes. A newly constructed residential building that includes a dwelling unit of any size must meet the energy storage system ready requirements perSection 150.0(s). The ADU must also meet the electric ready requirements in § 150.0(t)-(v) when installing gas appliances.
Do other types of newly constructed buildings on a residential site need to meet the ESS-ready requirements?
No. If the new residential building does not include a dwelling unit (such as a pool house, art studio, office, etc.), it will not need to meet the ESS-ready requirements.
Is a heat pump water heater (HPWH) allowed when replacing a water heater under the 2022 energy code?
Yes. The 2022 Energy Code Section 150.2(b)1Hiii allows HPWHs in all climate zones. A demand-responsive HPWH with the storage tank not located outdoors, on rigid R-10 insulated surface will comply, or a HPWH that meets NEEA Tier 3 or higher.
Under the 2022 energy code, can I replace my gas water heater with another gas water heater?
Yes. Natural gas or propane water heaters are allowed for water heater replacements in the 2022 Energy Code per Section 150.2(b)1Hiiia.
Does an electric resistance water heater comply prescriptively with the 2022 Energy Code?
Yes. When replacing an existing electric resistance water heater, a new consumer electric water heater is allowed per Section 150.2(b)1Hiiid. However, HPWHs are the more efficient option for an electric water heater replacement.
Does an all-electric ADU that is an addition have any alternatives when there is not enough space for a heat pump water heater (HPWH)?
Yes. In the 2022 Energy Code Section 150.2(a)1Div, if the ADU addition is no larger than 500 square feet, an electric tankless water heater may be used prescriptively, with point of use distribution per RA4.4.5
If an all-electric ADU is newly constructed, are there alternatives when there is not enough space for a 240V heat pump water heater (HWPH)?
Yes. In the 2022 Energy Code an exception to Section 150.1(c)8 allows a newly built dwelling unit with 500 square feet or less to install an instantaneous electric water heater with point of use distribution per RA4.4.5.
An exception to Section 150.1(c)8A and B allows a new dwelling unit with one bedroom or less to install a 120V HPWH in place of a 240V HPWH.
Does altering a ceiling trigger the insulation requirements in the 2022 Energy Code?
Yes. The attic insulation and air sealing prescriptive requirements per Section 150.2(b)1J apply to vented attics in most climate zones when the ceiling above a conditioned space is altered. A ceiling may be considered altered under various conditions including when the existing attic insulation is replaced, new attic insulation is added, or the ceiling plane is replaced.
Does adding or replacing HVAC in a vented attic trigger the new insulation requirements?
Yes. The attic insulation and air sealing prescriptive requirements per Section 150.2(b)1J apply when an entirely new or complete replacement duct system is installed in a vented attic per Section 150.2(b)1Dii
Are there exceptions to the ceiling insulation and air sealing requirements?
Yes. There are several exceptions depending on the climate zone and existing conditions in the attic.
Will lighting sources labeled JA8-2016 or JA8-2019 be allowed for 2022 Energy Code compliance?
Yes. The stringency of the performance requirements for JA8 certification remains consistent. All three labels, JA8-2016, JA8- 2019, and JA8-2022, indicate that the minimum performance standards meet or exceed the 2022 Energy Code. This also includes the labels for elevated temperatures.
References
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