Minimum energy conservation standards and exemptions, if any, are defined below.
Exemptions provided in this section may be recommended as applicable by the energy auditor, however, no exemptions provided in this section shall be applicable or otherwise available unless approved by the director or his or her designated representative.
The provisions of subsection A of this section shall not be enforced until July 3, 1981. The provisions of subsections B through H of this section shall not be enforced until June 28, 1982. Sections 15.76.040 and 15.76.050 of this chapter shall not be enforced until the same dates prescribed in this section.
A. All accessible attic space over conditioned areas shall be insulated to a minimum thermal resistance value of R-09.
Exemptions:
1. Existing ceiling insulation meets or exceeds R-11 throughout at least ninety (90) percent of the existing ceiling area.
B. All swinging doors which separate conditioned from unconditioned spaces shall be fully weather stripped or gasketed in such a manner as to effectively and reliably limit air infiltration. Adhesive foam-type weather stripping will not constitute compliance.
C. All domestic water heaters shall be fitted with external insulation blankets rated at a minimum thermal resistance value of R-6 as installed.
Exemptions:
1. Water heater has an existing external insulation blanket of any R value.
2. Thermal resistance of the total water heater insulation jacket which meets, or exceeds A.S.H.R.A.E. Standard 90-75.
3. Water heater clearance of less than three inches from nearest wall or is otherwise partially inaccessible to a wrap-around insulation blanket.
4. Water heater is of nonstandard, noncylindrical shape requiring oddly cut insulation blanket or does not possess a pressure release valve.
D. All uninsulated transverse ducts, plenums, fitting joints of all heating and cooling equipment in unconditioned areas such as attics, crawl spaces, garages and basements shall be sealed with pressure sensitive tape or mastic to prevent air loss and shall be insulated to a thermal resistance of R-5.6.
Exemptions:
1. Duct is between floors, within interior walls, or is otherwise inaccessible without significant structural alteration or cost.
E. The first five feet of hot and cold water piping leading from electrical resistance, natural gas, or other fossil fuel fire domestic water heaters shall be insulated to a minimum resistance value of R-3.
F. There shall be no broken window or hole in the building envelope where the light or air may be detected passing from an unconditioned space to a conditioned space.
Exemptions:
1. Point of infiltration is inaccessible without significant structural alteration.
G. All shower fixtures shall be fitted with flow restrictions or low-flow shower heads such that the maximum flow rate of the fixture does not exceed three gallons per minute maximum flow.
Exemptions:
1. A flow rate of less than three gallons per minute due to reduced water pressure behind the shower head.
2. Shower arm and head is of a ball-joint type that cannot easily be removed from the wall.
H. All electrical wall outlet and wall switch plates shall be fitted with gaskets to reduce air infiltration.
Exemptions:
1. Electrical wall outlet and switch plates which are inaccessible.
2. Electrical wall outlet and switch plates for which infiltration has been otherwise eliminated through caulk-ing of wire holes or other means. (Prior code § 9.22.753)