High Performance Attics
"A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words"

The 2016 Energy Code's Standard Budget offers three options of attic construction that may be used to comply. Options A & B are designed for attics when the HVAC duct is in the attic. Option C is designed for the HVAC duct location to be anywhere but the attic. Below is a description of the attic designs with a picture to help show the description.

• Option A: Ducts and air handler may be located in the attic
  • Install attic radiant barrier (Zones 2-15)
  • Install R-38 insulation at ceiling (R-30 in zones 3 & 5-7)
  • Install continuous roof deck insulation (Zones 4 & 8-16)
    • R-6 with air space above insulation/ R-8 with no space

• Option B: Ducts and air handler may be located in the attic
  • Install attic radiant barrier (Zones 2,3 & 5-7)
  • R-38 insulation at ceiling (R-30 in Zones 3 & 5-7)
  • Install below roof deck insulation (at rafter) (Zones 4 & 8-16)
    • R-13 with air space above insulation/ R-18 with no space

• Option C: Ducts and air handler must be located in conditioned space
  • Install attic radiant barrier (Zones 2-15)
  • Install R-38 insulation at ceiling (R-30 in Zones 3 & 5-7)

Basic Design: 3 Options

The focus of the 2016 Energy Code is to begin to think about alternative HVAC ducting locations. The picture below offers some suggestions to consider. Each of the options would also then combine with Option C, Attic construction.

Information taken from Energy Code Ace's Title 24 Part 6, Fact Sheet entitled, "What's New for 2016 Residential Energy Code" and a PDF handout called Decoding Attics and Walls: Let's Talk 2016 High Performance Requirements.

As always, I am available to discuss the process of meeting the California Energy Code for any building project. Contact me …