# Presentation: 694596

## How to UseREScheckEnergy Code Compliance Software

- U.S. Department of Energy Building Energy Codes Program

## www.energycodes.govtechsupport@becp.pnl.gov

## Residential Compliance Tools

**Residential Compliance Tools**

**Desktop Software Tools**

**Web-Based Tools**

**Printed Materials**

**Compliance Guides**
**Prescriptive Tables**

- Free

**Notes:**
The tools are split into residential and commercial. The residential tools include software, web-based tools, and printed materials. 

The REScheck (formerly MECcheck) materials have been developed to simplify and clarify code compliance with the Model Energy Code (MEC), the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and a number of state codes. The REScheck residential compliance materials offer two ways to demonstrate compliance: the trade-off approach and the prescriptive packages approach. 

The REScheck software simplifies energy code compliance by automating the trade-off compliance approach. 
The new REScheck-Web online code compliance tool can also be used to show compliance using the trade-off approach. It performs just like the desktop version but requires no download or installation. 

The Prescriptive Package Generator is a web-based application that allows you to generate your own code-compliant insulation and window packages rather than following pre-defined prescriptive packages.
Pre-defined packages that specify insulation levels and glazing U-factors based on your climate zone are available if you prefer a manual approach.

Plan Check and Field Inspection compliance guides are also available on the website.

## Training Tools

- PowerPoint presentations with faculty notes
- Case studies
- Online training
- Online videos

**Notes:**
The website also includes training tools in various forms.

Jurisdictions involved in the adoption or upgrade of a code can use DOE’s training tools in several ways:  1) make informational presentations about the applicable code to stakeholders involved in the process or affected by the process, 2) illustrate the compliance support for the code already provided by DOE for free, and 3) train code officials, builders, designers, engineers, and others on code requirements.

The PowerPoint presentations include faculty notes and are available for various versions of the MEC/IECC and ASHRAE 90.1.  Case studies for hands-on software training are also available.  Online training for REScheck for the 2000 IECC is also available on the website.  The website also has some online videos as well.

## Slide 5

**Notes:**
This is an example of a search for graphics related to ducts.  Jurisdictions will be able to download BECP materials in the Resource Center for free to use in things such as training presentations, flyers, brochures, technical documents, etc.

## What Residential Code Compliance Tools does BECP offer?

**What Residential Code Compliance Tools does BECP offer?**

**Trade-off Approach**

**Prescriptive Approach**

- Simple, fast and easy
- Generally most stringent
- Requires minimum input
- Based on climate and WWR
- Uses a prototype building

- Trade-off between components
- Provides design  flexibility
- Requires area & U/R-factors
- Uses UA calculation (RES*check*)

**Printed guides on****www.energycodes.gov**

**1**

**2**

**or**

**1**

**2**

**or**

**Desktop Versions: **
**Windows ****Mac **

**All RES*****check***** tools available from www.energycodes.gov**

- Free

## When does REScheck apply?

**Residential New Construction and Additions**
- 1-2 single family dwellings
- Multifamily dwellings:  3 or more attached dwelling units 3 stories or less
- State Dependent
- Not all states have the same code, some states have state-specific energy codes
- Check to see what code is applicable in your state and if RES*check* is accepted
- Status of State Codes
- http://www.energycodes.gov/implement/state_codes/index.stm

## Residential Requirements

**Residential Requirements**

-  1) Mandatory Requirements:
- Moisture Control
- Air Leakage - Recessed Lighting Fixtures
- Infiltration Control
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
- Building Mechanical Systems and Equipment
- Service Water Heating
- 2) Climate Specific Requirements:
- Foundations
- Crawlspaces
- Slabs
- Basements
- Above Grade Walls
- Skylights, Windows, and Doors
- Roofs
- Duct Insulation

**Notes:**
There are mandatory envelope requirements (design must meet these requirements regardless of location) which include moisture control and infiltration control.  Other envelope requirements such as insulation values and window efficiency are based on the project location, window wall ratio etc.

## Case Study – REScheck Software

**Case Study – RES*****check***** Software**

- Jones Residence

**Notes:**
This case study is based on a location where the mandatory solar heat gain requirement applies.  This is to show the orientation and trade off features for overhangs that can be used in RESCheck.

## What Do I Need to Know?

- General Understanding of Windows-based Computer Programs
- Basic Information about the Builder and Home to be Constructed
- House Plans including Exterior Wall Areas, Glazing Areas, Roof/Ceiling Areas, Basement Wall Areas, etc.
- Insulation R-Values, NFRC Glazing and Door U-Values, etc.
- Heating and Cooling System Efficiencies

**What Do I Need to Know?**

## Slide 11

## Expand the           Screen

**Expand the           Screen**
**Title Bar**
**Menu Bar**
**Toolbar**

**Notes:**
Title Bar - The title bar displays the name of the currently open project data file and the currently selected code. If no file is open, the word Untitled is displayed.
Menu Bar - The menu bar is located directly under the title bar and displays the available menus–File, Edit, View, Options, Code, Tools and Help. These menus are discussed in more detail in the following sections.
Toolbar - The toolbar contains buttons with images representing some of the same options available in the menus.

## Three Main Screens

**Three Main Screens**
**Your Building Compared to the Energy Code**

- Compliance:  Passes
- 5.3% Better Than Code

**Notes:**
Folder Tabs - The Project, Envelope, and Mechanical folder tabs are used to choose the respective screens.

REScheck performs a simple U-factor x Area (UA) calculation for each building assembly to determine the overall UA of your building. The UA that would result from a building conforming to the code requirements is compared against the UA for your building. If the total heat loss (represented as a UA) through the envelope of your building does not exceed the total heat loss from the same building conforming to the code, then the software declares that you pass. A high-efficiency equipment trade-off can also be performed.

## Construction Type

**Construction Type**
**Basic Information**
**Beyond Code**

## Envelope Section

**Building Components are added by clicking on these.**

**Envelope Section**

**Notes:**
Each of the assembly components have a drop down list of assembly types.
Use the blue-on-white buttons at the top of the Envelope screen to create a list of building components present in your proposed design.  Each component you select is added to the building components displayed on the Envelope screen. 
Gross area (or perimeter) of assembly components, cavity R-value , continuous R-value, assembly U-factor , construction details, SHGC, and/or projection factor are entered by the user.

## Mechanical Requirements

- 	|	**Duct Insulation:**
- [    ]	|	Supply ducts in unconditioned attics or outside the building must be insulated to R-8.
- [    ]	|	Return ducts in unconditioned attics or outside the building must be insulated to R-4.
- [    ]	|	Supply ducts in unconditioned spaces must be insulated to R-8.
- [    ]	|	Return ducts in unconditioned spaces (except basements) must be insulated to R-2.
- [    ]	|	Where exterior walls are used as plenums, the wall must be insulated to R-8.
-      	|	Insulation is not required on return ducts in basements.

**Mechanical Requirements**

- Mandatory requirements such as duct insulation are listed in the Inspection Checklist
- The Checklist is automatically prepared by the software based on user-entered inputs such as applicable code and building location

**Duct Insulation:**Return** **Ducts in unconditioned spaces must be insulated to R-4Supply Ducts outside the building must be insulated to R-8

## Mechanical Inputs

- No user entries are required
- Only get “credit” for high-efficiency equipment

## SWH Requirements in REScheck

- Mandatory requirements such as heat traps are listed in the Inspection Checklist
- No software entries for Service Water Heating

**Service Water Heating:**Water heaters with vertical pipe risers must have a heat trap on both the inlet and outlet unless the water heater has an integral heat trap or is part of a circulating system

## Need Help?

**Need Help?**

## Save as a data file

- Print and Preview reports
- Save as a report
- Email Report

## Building Envelope

- Building Envelope

**Conditioned Basement**

**Conditioned Main Floor**

**Building Section**

**Notes:**
The conditioned area or building envelope is the first thing that needs to be defined for REScheck inputs.

The highlighted areas on the plans and building section show the areas of the house that are conditioned.  

## Ceiling Area

- 2415 s.f.

**Notes:**
The ceiling area in this residence corresponds with the main floor area because the ceilings are flat.  If this plan contained vaulted areas, the ceiling area would need to be adjusted for the larger ceiling area created by the vault.

## Roofs in REScheck

## Exterior Wall Areas

**9’ Ceilings**

**9’ Ceilings**

**12’ Ceilings**

- _9’ Exterior Walls - __**2180 s.f.**_
- North – 690 s.f.
- South – 600 s.f.
- East – 440 s.f.
- West – 450 s.f.

- _12’ Exterior Walls - __**689 s.f.**_
- North – 221 s.f.
- South – 234 s.f.
- East – 52 s.f.
- West – 182 s.f.

- _3’ knee walls (between 9’&12’ sections) –  __**153 s.f.**_
- West – 69 s.f.
- East – 84 s.f.

**Notes:**
Exterior Walls:
The area of the exterior walls depend on the ceiling height of the space that the wall encloses.  The highlighted sections on the main floor plan show the ceiling heights in various areas of the residence.  The perimeter length of the exterior wall enclosing the space is multiplied by the wall height for the given area.  This wall height includes the depth of the rim joist.

The knee walls between the 9’ ceiling and 12’ ceiling sections also enclose the conditioned space.  

## Knee Wall Insulation

**No, No... Never cut the batts too short**

## Basement Walls -
below grade

- Basement Walls -
- below grade

- >50% below grade  =
- below grade concrete basement wall

**Notes:**
The “side” basement walls are assumed to be more than 50% below grade so the entire wall is considered a “below grade basement wall (solid masonry)”.  

## Defining Below-Grade Walls 

## Ways to Insulate Basement Walls

**Interior Studs w/batts**

**Exterior Rigid Foam**

## Below-Grade Walls in REScheck

## Including Rim Joists in the Exterior Wall Area

**Notes:**
The exterior wall height of the main floor walls includes the depth of the rim joist.

## Basement Wall Areas

**Above Grade Bsmt Walls (exterior wood) =  837  s.f. (93’ x 9’)**
***     ******(entered as wood frame wall not a basement wall)***
**Below Grade Bsmt Walls = 1044 s.f. **
***	******Side basement walls = 360 s.f.***
***West Wall – 144 s.f***
***East Wall – 216 s.f.***
**	****Back basement wall = *****684 s.f. (*****76’x9’)**
***(solid concrete or masonry)***

**Above Grade**
**Bsmt Walls (exterior wood) – 837 s.f.**
**                       ****(93 ln. ft. x 9’ height)**

- 144 s.f.

- 684 s.f.

- 216 s.f.

**Notes:**
Basement Walls:  
The “walkout” side  of the basement is an exterior wood wall with windows and doors and is entered as “wood frame wall – 16” o.c.”.  The perimeter length of this wall is 93’.  This length multiplied by the basement wall height of  9’ equals 837 square feet.

The “side” basement walls are assumed to be more than 50% below grade so the entire wall is considered a “below grade basement wall (solid masonry)”. The perimeter length of these side walls equals 40 feet (360 s.f.).
The “back” basement wall is totally below grade and is considered a “below grade basement wall”.  The length of the back wall is 76 feet (684 s.f.).  

The area of all the below grade basement walls is 1044 square feet (116’ x 9’).

## Basement Walls 

- Basement Walls

- “back” below grade basement wall
- (entire back wall is adjacent to crawlspace

**Notes:**
Screen shots of the below grade basement wall REScheck inputs are shown.

The back basement wall is assumed to have 7’ of the 9’ basement wall below grade (the 2’ above grade portion is the crawlspace section adjacent to the basement wall).  The entire wall is assumed to be adjacent to the crawlspace for simplicity (this assumption is conservative).  Users can separate the “back” basement wall into two sections (one adjacent to the crawlspace and one adjacent to the garage (9’ below grade) if they wish.

The side basement walls are assumed to be 4.5’ below grade.  This assumption takes the average of the front of the wall that is totally above grade and the back section which is 9’ below grade.

## Basement Walls 

- Basement Walls

- “side” below grade basement walls

**Notes:**
Screen shots of the below grade basement wall REScheck inputs are shown.

The back basement wall is assumed to have 7’ of the 9’ basement wall below grade (the 2’ above grade portion is the crawlspace section adjacent to the basement wall).  The entire wall is assumed to be adjacent to the crawlspace for simplicity (this assumption is conservative).  Users can separate the “back” basement wall into two sections (one adjacent to the crawlspace and one adjacent to the garage (9’ below grade) if they wish.

The side basement walls are assumed to be 4.5’ below grade.  This assumption takes the average of the front of the wall that is totally above grade and the back section which is 9’ below grade.

## Floor Area

- Crawlspace Area - 783 s.f.

**Notes:**
The area of the floor above the crawlspace is entered as a “floor” in REScheck.  The floor is insulated between the floor joists.

If the crawlspace wall had been insulated rather than the floor above the crawlspace, the perimeter length of the foundation stem wall would have been entered with the “crawlspace” tab in REScheck.   

Note:  Do not enter a floor component (area)  if you enter the floor as a crawlspace (with perimeter “crawl wall” insulation).

The area of the crawlspace is highlighted in the above floor plan (783 s.f.).

## Crawlspace Wall Insulation

**Insulated crawlspace wall =**
**   ****no foundation vents**
**+  mechanically vented or conditioned**

**Notes:**
Installing insulation on the inside surface of the foundation stemwall is common practice in many cold locations in the country.  This practice eliminates the need to install insulation in the raised floor over the crawlspace.  There are a few criteria that must be met in order to use this insulation method:
  The crawlspace may not have ventilation openings that communicate directly with outside air
  The crawlspace must be mechanically ventilated or supplied with conditioned air
  The crawlspace floor must be covered with an approved vapor retarder material.
 The IRC allows the construction of unventilated crawlspaces.  To meet the requirements the crawlspace walls must be insulated to the R-value specified in the energy code.  The crawlspace must either be provided with conditioned air or with mechanical ventilation.  The code does not specify the quantity of conditioned air to supply the crawlspace.
 If mechanical ventilation is selected, the crawlspace must be ventilated at 1 CFM per 50 square feet.  The ground surface must also be covered with an approved vapor retarder material.  To eliminate moisture from the crawlspace the sill plate and perimeter joist must be sealed.  Also, while not a code requirement, all joints in the vapor retarder should be overlapped and taped.  This includes the connection between the vapor retarder and crawlspace wall.
 The code requires the crawl space wall insulation to extend from the top of the wall to the inside finished grade. If the inside grade is less than 12 inches (305 mm) below the outside finished grade or the vertical wall insulation stops less than 12 

## Crawlspace Walls in REScheck

## Slab Perimeter 

- Slab Perimeter

- Slab Perimeter - 93 linear feet

- Line represents the slab edge to be calculated in linear feet.

**Notes:**
The “front edge” of the basement exterior wall  (above grade) is entered as a “slab” in REScheck.  The perimeter edge measures 93 feet.

## Slab Edge Insulation 

- Proposed R-value must meet or exceed
- Downward from top of slab a minimum of 24” (< 6000 HDD), 48” (> 6000 HDD)
- Downward to at least the bottom of the slab and then horizontally – 24” (< 6000 HDD), 48” (> 6000 HDD)

**Notes:**
Slab-edge insulation may be installed vertically or horizontally on the inside or outside of foundation walls.  If installed vertically, it must extend downward from the top of the slab to the top of the footing.  If installed horizontally, it must cover the slab edge and then extend horizontally (to the interior or exterior).

## Slab Edge Insulation 

**Slab Edge Insulation **

**Notes:**
This is an example of insulation cut at a 45-degree bevel cut this is a way to avoid bringing the insulation to the top of the slab edge so a carpet tack strip can be attached.

## Slabs in REScheck

## Insulation Levels 

- Insulation Levels

- Roof/Ceiling - R-38 batts
- Wall - R-19 batts
- Floor - R-30 batts
- Slab - R-5 rigid (24” vertical)

**Notes:**
Building Sections are used to clarify insulation locations and levels for REScheck inputs.

## Window/ Door Area 

- Window/ Door Area

- _Window Area - 533 s.f.; _
- _U-value = 0.35 & SHGC .40_
- North – 369 s.f.
- South – 149 s.f.
- West – 15 s.f.

**North**

**South**

**East**

**West**

- _Glass Doors <50% glass - 40 s.f.; U-value = 0.50_
- North – 40 s.f.
- _Opaque Doors - 40 s.f.; U-value = 0.50_
- South – 40 s.f.

**Notes:**
Window and door areas are listed to simplify REScheck inputs.

## Overhang/Projection Factor (PF) 

- Overhang/Projection Factor (PF)

**PF= A/B**
**PF=0.15**

**Notes:**
Overhangs should be calculated and input into REScheck for compliance in areas with <3500 HDD

##  Sunroom Addition

** ****Sunroom Addition**

**Ceiling – 350 s.f.**
**East Wall – 18 s.f.**
**West Wall – 252 s.f.**
**West Windows – 144 s.f**
**(U-value .35/SHGC .40)**
**North Wall – 112 s.f.**
**North Windows – 63 s.f.**
**(U-value .35/SHGC .40)**
**South Wall – 126 s.f.**
**South Windows – 51 s.f.**
**(U-value .35/SHGC .40)**
**Floor – 350 s.f.**

- N

**Notes:**
Case Study on a sunroom addition, the addition can be entered into REScheck with the new assembly components which have been given in this slide.  If the addition does not meet code, another alternative would be to enter the entire house with the addition.  The following slides are examples of the screen shots for the addition by itself and the addition with the existing house.  Note, the compliance for each case study.  

## Additions

- Compliance options for additions
- Treat as a stand-alone building
- Bring entire building into compliance

**Notes:**
1.  Treat the addition as a stand-alone building and ignore the common walls between the existing building and the addition. 
2.  Combine the existing building with the addition and bring the whole building up to compliance.   Compliance can be harder to achieve if the existing building is quite old.

## Special Rules for Sunrooms

- Sunroom addition defined:
- Area less than 500 ft2
- Have > 40% glazing of gross exterior wall and roof area
- Separate heating or cooling system or zone
- Must be thermally isolated and not used as a kitchen or sleeping quarters

**Notes:**
Sunrooms do not have to be less than 500 square feet.  The 500 square feet meet the criteria for showing compliance to Table 502.2.5 in 2003 IECC
If the sunroom is larger than 500 square feet the prescriptive approach cannot be used for compliance.

## Sunroom/Addition Requirements

**2003 IECC**
**Prescriptive Criteria Sunrooms**

**Sunroom/Addition Requirements**

**All other compo****nents have the same requ****irements**

**Notes:**
Prescriptively:  the two tables represent the difference in stringency for sunrooms vs. additions

## www.energycodes.govtechsupport@becp.pnl.gov

## Setting the Standard Newsletter

- Register online to receive the latest          up-to-date information on energy code related issues

- Newsletter: http://www.energycodes.gov/news/

## Questions/Comments

- Help Desk – on-line electronic form
- _[http://www.energycodes.gov/support/helpdesk.php](http://www.energycodes.gov/support/helpdesk.php)_
- Email
- _[Techsupport@becp.pnl.gov](mailto:Techsupport@becp.pnl.gov)_