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Residential Compliance Using REScheck™
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. If you are unsure which approach is best for your project, see our Residential Compliance FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).
Trade-off Approach
The REScheck software simplifies energy code compliance by automating the trade-off calculations for this approach. See the REScheck FAQs for more information.
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. REScheck-Web can be used in states that require the MEC/IECC as their energy code for residential buildings. The following states/jurisdictions have their own state-specific versions of REScheck-Web. These versions include specific example files and contact information: Arkansas, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Vermont, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Wisconsin, Pima County, Arizona.
Prescriptive Packages Approach
The REScheck 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. Prescriptive Package Field Guides (one for each climate zone) also provide a convenient single page summary of these requirements.
Code Enforcement
The Plan Check and Field Inspection Guide can be used to ensure that building plans comply with the MEC (PDF 567 KB) or IECC (PDF 524 KB) and that the code requirements have been properly installed in the building.
Inspecting for the Residential Provisions of the IECC (PDF 5.3 MB) prepared for DOE by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) is another inspection resource. Download Acrobat Reader.
Discontinued Tools
The trade-off worksheet can also be used to show compliance using the trade-off approach with pencil and paper. This product is no longer updated or supported, we highly recommend you use the REScheck software for this approach.