What’s REScheck and How Does It Work?

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

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

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

Through REScheck, probably the most commonly used pre-construction compliance software, Katahdin is able to design a log residence to make sure that it complies with the 2009 IECC codes for the home’s climate zone. IECC has scaled its necessities based on local weather zones, moisture and humidity and severity of winters. The zones are numbered 1 through 8. The higher the number the colder the local weather, and in the end the more insulation required by the code. A REScheck analysis will provide state or native code enforcement officers with documentation to verify code compliance.

How does REScheck work?
The REScheck program is based on particular energy code necessities already programmed into the software. Particular energy codes, including the most recent (2009 IECC) are available to test the home design. After opening the program, the designer or architect selects the applicable energy code after which enters particular information concerning the project being analyzed.

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

The designer then moves via the REScheck program coming into information about the thermal envelope including gross area, and insulating values for each part of the thermal envelope (foundations, floors, partitions, and ceilings). The designer additionally enters the realm and insulation values of every exterior door, window and skylight. For log homes, REScheck additionally requires the person to select the wood species of the logs used within the partitions, as totally different log species have totally different insulating properties. Both beneath grade and above grade partitions are included within the evaluation if they’re enclosing heated/cooled areas.

One component that has modified in the most recent updates to the energy code (IECC 2009) pertains to the mechanical equipment, such as the furnace, boiler, heat pump, and air conditioning unit. Previous to IECC 2009, code compliance allowed for a trade-off between insulation within the envelope and the mechanical components. For instance, a high-efficiency furnace could offset a lower, non-compliant R-value within the partitions of the home. The energy code no longer allows mechanical trade offs. Due to this fact, the thermal envelope must conform to a higher standard.

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

The IECC 2009 energy code additionally contains a number of obligatory requirements, corresponding to, air leakage necessities, recessed lighting necessities, fenestration (doors and home windows), fireplace necessities, mechanical system requirements, snow melt system requirements, pool requirements, fireplace necessities, and basic lighting system requirements that apply to all residential buildings.

The REScheck program consolidates all of the information entered and arrives at a share by which your project “passes” or “fails” the selected energy code. The REScheck analysis indicates whether or not the mixed energy effectivity elements of the home meet or surpass the minimum necessities of the baseline home. As there are such a lot of variables to particular person properties, you might find that some tweaking is important for your house design to fulfill code requirements. In some cases, a small change in window areas can effect a enough increase in a REScheck score.

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