Home Energy Code Checklist

If you’re buying a new or existing home—or just want to understand how energy codes affect comfort and efficiency—this checklist highlights the most important and visible requirements from the 2021 IECC. It helps you assess energy performance, spot red flags, and identify opportunities for improvement.

If you’re buying a new or existing home—or just want to understand how energy codes affect comfort and efficiency—this checklist highlights the most important and visible requirements from the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). It helps you assess energy performance, spot red flags, and identify opportunities for improvement.

The Spanish version of this checklist can be found here.

If you are in the process of buying a home, ask your home inspector to help you identify whether the house meets state minimum efficiency standards. For existing homes, use this checklist to identify possible upgrades. Print and share this checklist with your home inspector.

The Spanish version of this checklist can be found here.

In the process of buying a new or existing home? Ask your home inspector to help you identify whether the new home meets state minimum efficiency standards and, for existing homes, energy efficiency improvements. Print and share this checklist with your home inspector.

Envelope and Air Sealing

  • Building envelope is properly sealed, with caulking and weatherstripping around windows, doors, and utility penetrations.

  • Look for air sealing around chimneys, recessed lights, and attic access points.

  • A thermal envelope certificate should be posted near the electrical panel (required by 2021 IECC).

Insulation

  • Attics, walls, and floors meet or exceed the minimum R-values required for your climate zone.

  • Insulation is evenly distributed, without gaps, voids, or compression.

  • Rim joists and band joists are insulated and sealed.

  • Hot water pipes in conditioned spaces are insulated.

  • Basement or crawlspace walls are insulated where required.

Windows and Fenestration

  • Windows meet or exceed the U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) limits for your climate zone.

  • Skylights and sliding glass doors comply with the same standards.

  • Window frames are sealed tightly with no visible air leaks.

  • Energy-efficient windows are labeled with NFRC ratings or ENERGY STAR® certification.

HVAC & Water Heating Systems

  • Heating and cooling equipment is properly sized and meets modern efficiency ratings.

    • Cooling: SEER2/EER2 (new efficiency metrics as of 2023).

    • Heating: AFUE 90%+ for furnaces in colder zones.

  • Equipment is less than 15 years old, or has been professionally maintained.

  • Water heaters are high-efficiency models (including heat pump water heaters, where available).

  • Water heater temperature is set to 120 °F for efficiency and safety.

  • Venting and combustion air supplies are properly installed for gas/oil systems.

Ducts & Air Distribution

  • Ducts in unconditioned spaces (attics, crawlspaces, garages) are sealed and insulated.

  • All duct joints are sealed with mastic or UL-181 tape—no visible air leaks.

  • Supply and return ducts are balanced to provide even heating and cooling.

  • Return ducts are not located in areas with combustion appliances (to avoid backdraft risks).

  • Airflow has been tested to confirm system efficiency and comfort delivery.

Lighting & Appliances

  • All light fixtures use high-efficiency LED lighting (required by 2021 IECC).

  • Outdoor lighting includes motion sensors, timers, or daylight sensors.

  • Major appliances (refrigerator, washer, dryer, dishwasher) are ENERGY STAR® certified.

  • Kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are energy-efficient and vent directly outside.

Controls & Thermostat

  • A programmable or smart thermostat is installed and functional.

  • Thermostat is set for efficient heating and cooling schedules (e.g., lower settings at night or when away).

  • Larger homes include zoning controls for optimized comfort and efficiency.

  • HVAC filters are clean and replaced regularly (monthly or as recommended).

Ventilation & Combustion Safety

  • Mechanical ventilation is provided to maintain healthy indoor air quality.

  • Kitchens and bathrooms have exhaust fans vented directly to the outside.

  • Combustion appliances (furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces) are properly vented and supplied with combustion air.

  • Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are installed on every floor and near all sleeping areas.

  • Clothes dryers are vented to the outdoors, not into attics or crawlspaces.

Overall Efficiency & Certification

  • A blower door test or home energy audit confirms airtightness and efficiency.

  • A HERS (Home Energy Rating System) score or equivalent certification is available.

  • Energy performance certificates or labels are posted (as required by state/local codes).

  • Homeowners are aware of rebates, tax credits, or weatherization programs to support further improvements.