Oregon Adopts New Building Codes to Reduce Energy Costs and Increase Energy Efficiency in Newly Constructed Homes - CleanTechnica

Oregon’s Residential and Manufactured Structures Board (RMSB) has approved updates to the state’s residential energy code requiring new homes to use energy-efficient heat pumps instead of traditional ducted air conditioning. This change is expected to save residents an average of $125 per month, or over $1,700 annually, on energy bills. The update aims to improve comfort, affordability, and resilience in new homes while reducing pollution by relying more on clean heating technologies and cutting energy waste. Heat pumps provide efficient heating and cooling, helping to address rising energy costs and increasing household energy burdens across the state. The code update aligns with Oregon’s broader energy strategy to achieve reliable, affordable, and clean energy, and has received support from building professionals, elected officials, and climate organizations. It allows heat pumps to serve as the primary heating source, with methane gas permitted only for supplemental heating to ease grid demand during peak periods. This move brings Oregon’s building standards closer to those of California and Washington, supporting the state