Do you use REScheck-Web in your home design-build process? Residential energy code compliance is essential in home construction, remodeling, and additions, and tools like REScheck-Web serve as an invaluable resource for simplifying the process.
As leaders in residential energy efficiency, TSI Energy Solutions helps homebuilders maximize efficiency, meet code, and get the most out of the resources available. In Indiana, it’s more cost-effective to utilize the Performance Path (with a rater like TSI) for new home construction, but it may be more cost-effective to utilize the Total UA Path to demonstrate code compliance for remodels and additions.
RESCheck is perfect for Total UA Path compliance documentation. Here’s what you should know about harnessing the capabilities of REScheck-Web to optimize your renovation construction projects.
What is REScheck-Web?
REScheck-Web is an online software tool developed by the United States Department of Energy (DOE). It’s designed to help builders and designers determine whether their residential projects meet the energy code requirements set by the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
The software calculates the energy performance of a building based on its location, design, and materials, enabling homebuilders to assess compliance and make necessary adjustments before construction begins.
Tips for using REScheck-Web
1. Integrate the tool early in the design process
To get the most out of REScheck-Web, integrate it into your design phase as early as possible. Factoring energy efficiency into your initial designs makes it easier to align efficiency, functionality, and cost. Waiting until later stages puts you at risk of needing to make expensive design changes to achieve compliance.
2. Use accurate inputs
Accuracy is key when using REScheck-Web. Make sure to input precise and comprehensive data about each house’s location, orientation, insulation, windows, doors, and HVAC systems. Even small errors can lead to inaccurate compliance results, so double-check your specs to ensure reliable outputs.
3. Explore design alternatives
One of the great benefits of REScheck-Web is its ability to quickly analyze various design alternatives. After inputting your specs, you can experiment with different combinations of insulation materials, window types, and HVAC systems to determine the most cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions. This flexibility empowers you to make informed decisions that balance efficiency, performance, and budget.
4. Collaborate and educate
REScheck-Web can deliver valuable information. Sharing your results with architects, engineers, and subcontractors not only helps everyone understand the energy requirements but also encourages a collective effort to achieve energy compliance without compromising on design or quality.
5. Leverage support resources
Navigating energy efficiency codes can be complicated. The DOE provides resources to help you navigate REScheck-Web effectively, and our team at TSI Energy Solutions offers a customized approach.
We dive into your project to help you maximize energy efficiency and meet applicable codes. Along with achieving energy code compliance, we can help you strike a balance between energy efficiency and budget constraints, finding the sweet spot where your project meets energy requirements without becoming financially burdensome.
6. Stay up to date with code changes
Energy codes are subject to updates and revisions. When you partner with TSI, we can help you stay updated on changes in the local energy codes or IECC requirements that might impact your project. REScheck-Web often gets updated to reflect these changes, so make sure you are using the latest version to ensure accurate compliance assessments, too.
7. Document everything
Keep thorough records of your REScheck-Web analyses and compliance results. This documentation serves as proof of your efforts to adhere to energy codes in case of audits or inspections. It’s an essential part of maintaining transparency and accountability throughout the construction process.
REScheck-Web is a powerful tool that empowers homebuilders to streamline the energy code compliance process. Remember that accuracy, education, and adaptability are key to leveraging REScheck-Web and achieving cost-effective energy efficiency.
As you navigate the dynamic landscape of residential energy codes, our experienced team at TSI Energy Solutions is here to help. Contact us to schedule an energy inspection consultation today.