Is Oregon's energy code stricter than Washington's?
Answered by AskBaily Editorial · Updated
Short answer
Roughly comparable, with different emphasis. The Oregon Residential Specialty Code targets envelope + air sealing + mechanical ventilation rigor similar to the 2021 Washington State Energy Code, but Oregon is less heat-pump-preferential than Seattle's code and more permissive on gas heating retention. HB 2727 (2021) adds solar-ready + EV-ready requirements on new single-family and ADUs. Blower-door testing is required on new construction and major additions.
In detail
Roughly comparable, with different emphasis. The Oregon Residential Specialty Code targets envelope + air sealing + mechanical ventilation rigor similar to the 2021 Washington State Energy Code, but Oregon is less heat-pump-preferential than Seattle's code and more permissive on gas heating retention. HB 2727 (2021) adds solar-ready + EV-ready requirements on new single-family and ADUs. Blower-door testing is required on new construction and major additions.
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