Air source heat pumps play a huge part in the effort to decarbonize our buildings. Heat pumps offer an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners, and they can be powered by clean electric energy. But because they work by extracting heat from the cool outdoors to the inside of the house, many people think...

Code officials play a critical role in ensuring that solar PV systems are installed correctly and safely. If PV systems are new to you, or you’re getting ready to inspect your first system, you’ll want to understand how rooftop PV works and your role in ensuring that safety regulations and requirements have been followed during...

Given the increased frequency of natural disasters, many have wondered about temporary ways to power their home while waiting for utility grid power to be restored. Some manufacturers have equipped their new electric vehicles with the capability to do just that.  There are several ways in which the industry is referring to these capabilities. Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X)...

Structures built in accordance with modern building codes have greater structural integrity, safer wiring, and more adequate fire prevention. But did you know that modern building energy codes also contribute to the reduction of casualties, costs, and damages from disasters? There are many benefits to having an up-to-date energy code, including increased energy efficiency, reduced...

In today’s dynamic energy environment, new methods have emerged for managing power sources and their integration into building wiring systems, as well as exporting surplus electricity generated onsite back into the utility grid. For example, as more energy storage systems are being installed, technology has advanced to keep up with the evolving energy landscape. The...

Building codes address critical societal concerns, including public health, safety, and environmental protection. Together, a suite of codes play a significant role in determining a building’s quality, safety, and energy efficiency for its entire lifespan. They also impact operational and maintenance costs, and provide a universal language for architects, engineers, builders, contractors, and inspectors. Updated...

Have you heard of rapid shutdown? Rapid shutdown is a crucial safety feature in solar electric systems, and it’s particularly significant for code officials like yourself who oversee construction and code compliance. It involves the rapid de-energization of solar arrays in emergency scenarios, ensuring the safety of first responders and maintenance personnel. Understanding and enforcing...

As demand increases for efficient, resilient, and durable buildings, construction materials and technologies are rapidly evolving. Even external technologies that interact with buildings are changing: For example, Vehicle-to-Grid technology allows your electric vehicle car to discharge energy back into the grid, providing storage and load balancing.  Learn More: As a code official, keeping up-to-date on...

Energy codes have traditionally been a tool to reduce the energy consumption of new buildings and major renovations or alterations in older ones. The actual energy performance (kilowatt-hours of electricity, or therms of natural gas, for example) of existing buildings is not typically governed by an energy code and is often not considered from a...

Whole Home Performance recognizes that a building is more than just its individual parts; it’s a holistic system where improvements in one area can have a cascading effect on the efficiency, comfort, and durability of the entire structure. Home performance contractors and weatherization experts conduct a thorough assessment of various factors within a property, including...