 Technical Standards
Single Family Builder Option Package (BOP)
Multi-Family Builder Option Package (BOP)
 Technical Compliance Options (TCO)
Technical Updates
Federal Tax Credit Information
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Technical Compliance Options (TCOs), or component trade-offs, are energy efficiency substitutions within the Northwest Builder Option Package (BOP) prescriptive measures. These substitutions apply to technical equivalency within a measure or component and to whole house equivalency based on trading off dissimilar measures or components. An example of a trade-off within a measure is to ensure U-value equivalency between two different wall construction methods, one using standard framing and one using advanced framing with lower R-values. An example of a component trade-off between dissimilar measures might be increased wall R-value against the reduced efficiency of the central air conditioner.
Generally, most thermal measures such as insulation levels and windows are appropriate for component trade-offs based on U-value equivalency. HVAC equipment efficiencies may also be offset by changes in thermal measures. However, trade-offs against the lighting, appliance and performance tested duct leakage requirements are not allowed. Applying efficiency benefits for the manipulation of shell areas (e.g., reducing window area in exchange for a higher U-value for the windows or less wall insulation) is also not allowed as a component trade-off.
Technical Compliance Options - Idaho, Montana, Washington
 TCO #1 - Perimeter Insulated Crawlspace [PDF]
TCO #3 - Advanced Lighting Package [PDF]
TCO #4 - Gas Hydronic Heating System [PDF]
TCO #5 - Electric Hydronic Heating System [PDF]
TCO #6 - U-value Trade Off for BOP 1 (Contact your verifier or BPS for more info).
TCO #7 - U-value Trade Off for BOP 2 (Contact your verifier or BPS for more info).
TCO #8 - DHW Efficiency for Uo Trade Off [PDF]
TCO #9 - Hybrid Gas Unit Heaters with Electric Resistance Zonal Heat [PDF]
TCO #10 - Hybrid "Ductless Split" Heat Pump w/Elec. Resistance Zonal Heat [PDF]
TCO #11 - 90 AFUE Propane Furnance [PDF]
TCO #12 - 90 AFUE Gas Furnace Backup [PDF]
TCO #13 - Cathedral Attic (*for Idaho and Montana only) [PDF]
TCO #14 - Lighting Density Package / Watts per Square Foot
Watts per Square Foot Tool
TCO #15 - Conditioned Crawlspace [PDF]
TCO #16 – Point Source HRV [PDF]
TCO # 17 – Increased Envelop Performance [PDF]
Technical Compliance Options - Oregon
TCO OR #14 - Lighting Density Package / Watts per Square Foot
Watts per Square Foot Tool
TCO #001 OR - Natural Gas Fired Hydronic Heating Systems [PDF]
TCO #002 OR - Hybrid Gas Unit Heaters/Electric Resistance Zonal Heating [PDF]
TCO Application and further information on previously approved trade-offs:
TCO Register [PDF]
TCO Application [PDF]
Technical Specifications
The Specifications and Technical Reference Guide for Site-Built Single Family Homes provides a detailed technical reference to the specifications supporting the Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes Certification Requirements. |
