Residential Energy Efficiency

General (Thermal Envelope)

Building thermal envelope shall meet requirements of Table R402.1.2 based on climate zone. New Jersey uses Zones 4A and 5A.

Insulation and Fenestration (NM Amendments)

Building thermal envelope must comply with Table R402.1.2 by climate zone. NEW MEXICO AMENDMENTS reduce ceiling R-values (R-38 for Zone 3, R-49 for Zones 4-8 instead of R-49/R-60) and reduce slab depth in Zones 4-5 (2 feet instead of 4 feet).

Air Leakage

Building thermal envelope shall be constructed to limit air leakage. Testing required: maximum 3 ACH50 for new construction. Visual inspection per Table R402.4.1.1 checklist required.

Building Thermal Envelope Air Leakage

Building envelope shall be durably sealed to limit air leakage. Maximum: 3 ACH50 for all PA climate zones. Comprehensive air barrier checklist required.

Testing (NM Amendment)

Blower door testing required for new construction with maximum air leakage: 5 ACH50 for Zone 3B, 3 ACH50 for Zones 4B-7B. NM AMENDMENT (R402.4.1.5): Based on census rural-urban mapping, the following counties are required to comply with blower door testing: San Juan, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Bernalillo, Torrance, and Dona Ana. Other areas may use visual inspection option.