ResCheck, you, plans review, and inspection for compliance

[GeneDavis]

Too much glass!  That's my problem when running the web-based ResCheck package.  Owners buy these big-acreage lots with killer mountain views, then want windows and sliding glass walls everywhere.

 

In your jurisdictions, how detailed does plans review get for your IECC certificates?

 

And how detailed is inspection?

[Richard_Morrison]

Gene, you should also be aware that the REScheck thermal envelope numbers that Chief spits out are not calculated the way they are supposed to be. Chief uses the inside surface area of walls and floors, rather than the exterior surfaces that are supposed to be used. Therefore, your REScheck thinks it is a significantly smaller building than it actually is, and may fail projects that would otherwise pass with slightly higher square footages.

 

In California, we have the HERS system that requires certified inspectors to come out and certify the energy features. I don't have any information to suggest that these folks never overlook an item or two, but the system is heavily regulated with criminal penalties for fraud, and there are plan checkers who are certified energy plans examiners, who actually do check all these numbers (or at least spot check them), and the approved energy calculations must be registered in a database.

 

If Owners have purchased a killer mountain view, then they probably can pay for the incredibly expensive and highly-energy efficient glazing systems that may be required to take advantage of those views. At that point, you may want to have a mechanical consultant designing the mechanical system to maximize the energy efficiency there, in order to maximize the glazing. Annoying, but the current reality, at least in California.

[kylejmarsh]

 Here in Michigan you can meet your compliance one of two ways: Prescriptive, or Performance. With the Performance method you have to calculate all surfaces with glass, R-value, etc. just like they do in California. But with Prescriptive you just have to make sure your assemblies meet code insulation values R-21 walls R-38 Roof etc. and windows need to meet a specific U factor - but there's no limit to how much glazing you can have as long as it meets the U-factor. Too bad we don't have any killer mountain views! Guess we have these pretty lakes though

 

[Ed_Orum]

Exporting to Res Check is hit or miss.  Sometimes you have to ditch the prescriptive and go with the UA Alternative.  I am in Orange County NY, and each town seems to have their own requirements...some places we need to do a full blown manual J, others take Res-Check, and some want Manual J,D, and S.  Too much glass area is always a killer, but continuous insulation usually overcomes the issue.