July 2019
Newsletter
 
Summer is a great time to get an energy assessment! Check out our new video to find out what to expect from a SEDAC energy assessment. 

SEDAC energy assessments are offered at no cost to the customer for: 
  • Public Sector Facilities in Ameren Illinois Territory
  • Wastewater Treatment Facilities in Illinois 
If you don't qualify for a free SEDAC energy assessment, contact us and we can refer you to other energy assessment programs or craft an energy assessment proposal to fit your needs and budget. 

Apply for SEDAC services here.  

 
Energy Code Adoption 

The updated Illinois Energy Conservation Code, based on the 2018 IECC, is now effective as of July 1, 2019. For permit applications started on or after July 1st, this code applies. 
 

Online Courses
Need a quick primer of the new Illinois Energy Code?  We've updated our online energy code courses to reflect the 2018 IECC changes. In each course, we note changes from the 2015 version, and we've added an introductory chapter that summarizes these changes. 

Access our energy code training courses for free, anytime, anywhere at
https://sedac-energycode-training.thinkific.com/. We offer the following four modules: 
  • Residential code provisions
  • Commercial envelope code provisions
  • Commercial lighting code provisions
  • Commercial HVAC code provisions
SEDAC also provides answers to energy code questions at 800.214.7954 or  energycode@sedac.org .

Funding for this program has been provided in whole or in part by the Illinois EPA Office of Energy.
 
Illinois law requires all new commercial and residential construction to comply with the statewide energy conservation code, based on the 2018 IECC. Buildings built to these energy performance standards will see significant energy cost savings. 

However, not all new construction and renovation projects in Illinois are in compliance. A 2012 study found that between 15% and 22% of reviewed projects were not compliant with current code standards. 

Read our newest Energy Code Smart Tip to explore barriers to code compliance and adoption and how to overcome them, with advice from Robert Cole, Director of Buildings and Inspections for the City of East Peoria. 
Notes from the Field 

Why am I always hot or cold? 

One of SEDAC's clients was wondering why their energy bills were so high and why their cooling and heating system didn't seem to be working very well. During our site visit we braved a visit into the attic and found several interesting items, including this disconnected duct and some other significant leaks in the duct work. 

This air distribution system was located in a ventilated attic. During the heating season the warm air would blow into the attic and leave through the ridge vent, and during the summer the cool air would leak into the attic. We have found the same types of problems with air distribution systems in mechanical rooms and crawl spaces. 

As unpleasant as it is, an occasional visit into the attic and crawl space can disclose problems. Just because something is out of sight doesn't mean it doesn't need to be inspected occasionally. 

Check out our HVAC ductwork energy smart tip to read more about how to make your duct system more efficient. 

sedac.org / 800.214.7954 / info@sedac.org
Providing effective energy efficiency strategies for buildings and communities