DOE's Savings Calculator / by Jon Gardzelewski

The U.S. Department of Energy has released a new Energy Savings Calculator, which is intended to encourage local agencies to adopt the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

The DOE also generated a Cost-effectiveness Analysis for adopting the 2015 IECC for each state.  For Wyoming, adopting the 2015 IECC (vs. the 2009 IECC) will save a homeowner $455.42 per year in energy costs.  The simple payback period for adopting the 2015 IECC (vs. the 2009 IECC) is 4.4 years.  More details are available through the link above.

Big picture: the 2015 IECC sets the bar a lot higher. 

Also of note: the Wyoming report includes this data about the state's existing housing stock.

This confirms that Wyoming does not have a clear 'standard' preference regarding basements.  We've designed the Frontier Zero homes to accommodate any of these types.  But the choice does affect energy use.

See also: SWEEP blog about DOE Energy Savings Calculator