9.1    Introduction

This chapter covers key aspects of how the 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Energy Code) apply to the construction of additions and/or alterations to an existing residential building. As explained below, the Energy Code does not apply to building repairs.

The chapter is organized as follows:

1.    Section 9.1 – Introduction. Highlights the applicable standards definitions for additions, alterations, and repairs and provides several examples of each.

2.    Section 9.2 – What’s New in the 2022 Energy Code. Highlights of the requirements and compliance options in the 2022 Energy Code.

3.    Section 9.3 – Compliance Approaches. An overview of prescriptive and performance compliance options.

4.    Section 9.4 – Prescriptive Approach and Mandatory Requirements. Detailed information on prescriptive compliance methods for additions and alterations, including how mandatory requirements apply.

5.    Section 9.5 – Performance Approach. An explanation of computer simulation of compliance for building additions, including existing + addition + alterations.

When additions and alterations include changes to the building envelope, mechanical systems, and/or water heating systems, a certificate of compliance form (CF1R) must be completed and submitted with the building permit application:

-     If complying prescriptively, CF1R-ADD-01 and/or CF1R-ALT-02 forms are used.

-     For the performance approach, compliance software produces a CF1R-PRF-01. (See Appendix A for a list of forms.)

Changes to HVAC systems will likely include one or more features that require Home Energy Rating System (HERS) field verification and diagnostic testing. If HERS verification is required, the certificate of compliance must be completed and registered online with an approved HERS provider using the provider’s website. Refer to Chapter 2 for information about document registration and refer to Residential Appendix RA2 for more information about HERS verifications.

For a list of appropriate compliance documents refer to Appendix A of this manual.

9.1.1      Additions

An addition is any change to an existing building that increases conditioned floor area and conditioned volume (including conditioning a previously unconditioned space). See §100.1.

Examples of an addition include:

1.    Adding a conditioned sunroom or other living space to an existing house.

2.    Converting a garage or other existing unheated space into living space.

3.    Enclosing and conditioning an existing patio area.

4.    Obtaining a permit to legalize an existing, habitable, conditioned space that was previously added to a residential building without a permit.

5.    Adding a bay window that extends from floor to ceiling, thereby increasing both floor area and volume.

9.1.2      Alterations

An alteration is any change to a water-heating system, space-conditioning system, lighting system, or envelope of a building that is not an addition. See §100.1.

Examples of alterations include:

1.    Adding insulation to an existing ceiling, exterior roof, exterior wall, or raised floor that is over a crawl space, garage, or unheated basement.

2.    Replacing or installing a new finish surface to an existing roof (reroofing) and replacing either portions of or the entire roof assembly.

3.    Replacing existing fenestration or adding fenestration area (for example, windows, glazed doors, dynamic glazing, or skylights) to an existing building.

4.    Replacing an existing skylight or increasing the skylight area of an existing roof.

5.    Constructing an entirely new roof over an existing conditioned space.

6.    Adding a loft within the conditioned volume of an existing home.

7.    Replacing an existing space heating system or adding a space heating system (furnace, wall heater, heat pump, or radiant floor).

Note: Adding heating to unconditioned space is an addition, not an alteration.

8.    Replacing an existing space cooling system or adding a space cooling system (for example, a central air conditioner or heat pump).

9.    Extending or replacing an existing duct system or adding an entirely new duct system.

10.  Replacing the existing water heater or adding water heaters and/or hot water piping.

11.  Replacing existing hardwired lighting or adding new hardwired lighting fixtures.

12.  Adding window film.

9.1.3      Repairs

A repair is “the reconstruction or renewal for the purpose of maintenance of any component, system, or equipment of an existing building. Repairs shall not increase the pre-existing energy consumption of the repaired component, system, or equipment. Replacement of any component, system, or equipment for which there are requirements in the Energy Code is considered an alteration and not a repair.” (See §100.1).

Note: Repairs to residential buildings are not within the scope of the Energy Code.

For example, when a component, system, or equipment in an existing building breaks or is malfunctioning and maintenance fixes are needed for it to work properly again, it is considered a repair and not subject to the standards. However, if instead of fixing the break or malfunction, the component, system, or equipment is replaced with a new or different one, the scope of work is considered an alteration and not a repair and requirements of the Energy Code must be met.

Examples of work considered repairs include:

1.    Replacing a broken pane of glass but not the entire window.

2.    Removing fenestration and other envelope components for maintenance or repair, then reinstalling the same fenestration or other envelope components in the same location.

3.    Replacing a failed fan motor or gas valve in a furnace but not replacing the entire furnace.

4.    Replacing a heating element in a water heater but not replacing the entire water heater.

Note: When any existing envelope component is moved to a new location, even when that location partially overlaps the previous location of the item, the work is considered an alteration.

Note 2: Replacement of some HVAC components needing repair is defined by the Energy Code as an alteration, therefore triggering requirements that must be met. Section 150.2(b)1E of the Energy Code defines the following HVAC component replacements as an alteration that triggers the requirement for duct sealing: “replacement of the air handler, outdoor condensing unit of a split system air conditioner or heat pump, or cooling or heating coil.” Similarly, if more than 25 linear feet of new or replacement space conditioning ducts are installed, then the entire duct system must be sealed and leakage tested to be equal or less than 10 percent of system air handler airflow. (See §150.2[b]1D.)

Note 3: Some cooling system component replacements are defined by the Energy Code as alterations, which require meeting certain requirements. Section 150.2(b)1F of the Energy Code defines installing or replacing a compressor, condensing or evaporator coil, refrigerant meting device, or refrigerant piping as an alteration, which triggers several requirements, including thermostat, and, depending on the climate zone, airflow, and refrigerant charge requirements.