Energy Trust’s EPS New Construction program will soon shift from using the 2021 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) to using the 2023 ORSC as baseline. Homes submitted after December 6, 2024 must exceed the 2023 ORSC by at least 5% to qualify for 2025 EPS incentives. Thanks to the above-code measures outlined below, builders can exceed code, increase EPS incentives, and boost home performance.

Distribution ducts inside

The 2023 ORSC requires HVAC distribution ducts to be inside a building’s thermal envelope. Builders can claim an exception to this requirement, if they deeply bury distribution ducts in insulation and implement two measures from the table.

Preparing ahead to move ducts inside is an effective way to increase the percentage by which a home exceeds code. This option makes it possible to use a standard electric tank water heater and still exceed code. Every home built with deeply buried ducts will need a high-efficiency water heater to exceed code.

Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs)

Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) are another above-code measure available to builders. Homes with HPWHs and distribution ducts inside can exceed code by a higher percentage.

Heat recovery ventilation (HRV) / energy recovery ventilation (ERV)

The 2023 ORSC requires homes to have balanced ventilation. Builders can meet this requirement by installing heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs). HRVs and ERVs reduce the amount of energy used when bringing in outdoor air, which increases air quality while maintaining comfort. In addition to improving home performance, HRVs and ERVs help exceed code, meet ENERGY STAR™ requirements, and maximize EPS incentives.

Contact an EPS verifier to identify which above-code measures are best for your project.