What is REScheck and How Does It Work?

There are two fundamental compliance paths (the prescriptive approach and the simulated performance various) used to make sure energy efficiency as well as compliance with the new federally mandated 2009 IECC (Worldwide Energy Conservation Code). Click here for a evaluation of the new IECC regulations.

How is 2009 IECC compliance measured?
There are ways that compliance with 2009 IECC will be measured: the prescriptive approach and the simulated performance approach. The prescriptive approach is the simplest way to demonstrate compliance with the code. The simulated performance approach is more technical. Compliance primarily based on simulated energy performance requires that a proposed design be shown to have an annual energy value that’s less than or equal to the annual energy price of a normal reference design.

Prescriptive compliance permits using an energy compliance program called REScheck. REScheck is a tool made available through the U.S. Department of Energy, which additionally supervises the Energy Star® score program for homes.

Through REScheck, essentially the most commonly used pre-construction compliance software, Katahdin is able to design a log house to ensure that it complies with the 2009 IECC codes for the house’s local weather zone. IECC has scaled its necessities based on local weather zones, moisture and humidity and severity of winters. The zones are numbered 1 via 8. The higher the number the colder the climate, and ultimately the more insulation required by the code. A REScheck evaluation will provide state or local code enforcement officers with documentation to confirm code compliance.

How does REScheck work?
The REScheck program is predicated on specific energy code requirements already programmed into the software. Particular energy codes, together with the latest (2009 IECC) are available to test the house design. After opening the program, the designer or architect selects the applicable energy code and then enters particular information in regards to the project being analyzed.

Since REScheck is evaluating the energy efficiency of the home, the information required for an evaluation includes the “thermal envelope” of the house—foundations, floors, partitions, and ceilings. The thermal envelope separates heated/cooled (conditioned) house from unconditioned space. First the appropriate building code is chosen for the analysis. Then data is entered that identifies the project, including project location, project type (new construction or addition/alteration), building traits (1 & 2 household or multi-household), square footage of heated/cooled floor space, and normal project particulars and notes. The house being evaluated is compared against a “baseline” home of the same square footage that meets the minimal code requirements.

The designer then moves by means of the REScheck program getting into information concerning the thermal envelope including gross space, and insulating values for every part of the thermal envelope (foundations, floors, partitions, and ceilings). The designer also enters the area and insulation values of each exterior door, window and skylight. For log properties, REScheck also requires the user to pick out the wood species of the logs used within the partitions, as completely different log species have completely different insulating properties. Each beneath grade and above grade walls are included within the analysis if they are enclosing heated/cooled areas.

One element that has modified in the newest updates to the energy code (IECC 2009) pertains to the mechanical equipment, such as the furnace, boiler, heat pump, and air conditioning unit. Prior to IECC 2009, code compliance allowed for a trade-off between insulation in the envelope and the mechanical components. For instance, a high-efficiency furnace might offset a lower, non-compliant R-worth in the partitions of the home. The energy code now not permits mechanical trade offs. Due to this fact, the thermal envelope must conform to a higher standard.

When Katahdin developed the exclusive R-23 Energy Envelope System, we sought and acquired professional opinions from the developers of REScheck and 2009 IECC to make sure that this high-efficiency insulation system would meet the intent of of the new standards.

The IECC 2009 energy code additionally includes several obligatory requirements, resembling, air leakage requirements, recessed lighting requirements, fenestration (doors and windows), fireplace necessities, mechanical system necessities, snow soften system necessities, pool requirements, fireplace necessities, and common lighting system requirements that apply to all residential buildings.

The REScheck program consolidates the entire information entered and arrives at a share by which your project “passes” or “fails” the selected energy code. The REScheck evaluation signifies whether the mixed energy efficiency parts of the home meet or surpass the minimum necessities of the baseline home. As there are such a lot of variables to individual homes, you may discover that some tweaking is necessary for your house design to satisfy code requirements. In some situations, a small change in window areas can effect a sufficient enhance in a REScheck score.

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