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The System approach to compliance using REScheck.
You can determine if your building is in compliance with the International Energy Code by using REScheck; a free software program available from the Department of Energy. Go to http://www.energycodes.gov/rescheck/download.stm
To use the System approach you will need to learn to use the REScheck program, and collect data from the building plans along with the proposed materials that will be used to construct the building. REScheck does not give options for the type of foundation insulation being used (interior or exterior) or the non-insulated exposure values of the wall assembly, furthermore it does not utilize the infiltration factor of the building envelope. The program currently isn’t setup to accommodate the custom tailored revisions that were adopted for the new Michigan Residential Energy Code. So until this is completed you will comply to IECC 2003 which by the way, supercedes the Michigan requirements.
The System approach to compliance using the Home Energy Rating System (HERS).
As with any energy efficient upgrade, the improvement cost is upfront with the payback on the backside. The products that you are using to achieve an energy efficient home can have a wide range of cost and may be different from what you currently building with.
(See Note)
The HERS approach provides the ability to custom choose the energy efficient upgrades. Some of these measures you may already be using and others can be selected with economics in mind. When using the HERS approach, the furnace and air conditioning equipment will be properly sized, this can save money on the building equipment costs.
The HERS rating requires data collection and inputting to achieve a score for the building performance. This system does include infiltration as a measure that is accountable and validated. A blower door test would be required on the building to verify this.
To understand the HERS approach better, let’s look at some of the main features that are evaluated:
Foundation – insulation properties interior or exterior, non-insulation exposure values
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Slab Floors – locations and insulation values
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Frame Floor – locations and insulation values
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Rim/band joist – locations and insulation values
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Above Grade Wall – frame cavity size and insulation value, exterior sheathing
properties
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Windows and Glass Doors– glazing properties such as U-values & Solar Heat Gain Coefficients (SHGC), shading factors & building orientation
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Doors – locations and insulation values
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Ceiling – cavity and continuous insulation values
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Mechanical Equipment/ HVAC – the heating systems Annual Fuel Utilization
Efficiency (AFUE) & the cooling systems Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). With both AFUE and SEER the larger the number the more efficient the unit. Ventilation systems – type and efficiency
Programmable thermostat option to increase point value
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Ducts – the amount of determined leakage from the blower door test
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Infiltration/ventilation – the amount of Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) leakage from the building envelope.
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As you can see from the different components needed to complete the building evaluation a lot more options are available with the HERS approach. The beauty of using this method allows you pick and choose the different measures to achieve a rating score.
This way you can fine-tune the cost of construction of any building.
Depending on the building size and the current components used, trades-offs can be used to offset the energy efficiency upgrades needed to comply and meet code requirements.
Note: Be very cautious when choosing the materials and the approach that you will be using to insulate foundation walls. The following information is provided to benefit from the lessons learned when using vapor barriers and fiberglass insulation. Please read this information before choosing your materials and installation methods.
Click Here for basement insulation systems document (608KB pdf).
System Approach to Compliance - Support Docs & Pricing>
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