How To Do a REScheck Report in 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide to Generating a REScheck.

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5 days ago
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When it comes to meeting energy code requirements for new construction or renovations, the REScheck report is a key tool. Yet, many builders, architects, contractors, and homeowners find the process intimidating. The good news is that while the REScheck report involves detailed steps and specific materials, it is entirely doable with the right guidance. This walkthrough breaks down the process into manageable parts and highlights the materials you will need to complete a successful REScheck report.

If you’re unsure about any part of your REScheck, we’re here to help. A correctly completed report keeps your project timeline on track and avoids any unnecessary costs, so don’t hesitate to reach out by phone, text, or email. Use the link here to contact us. We typically respond in 15 minutes or less, and if it’s after 9pm EST, you’ll hear from us first thing in the morning.

Understanding What a REScheck Report Is

Before diving into the steps, it helps to understand what the REScheck report does. REScheck is a software tool developed by the U.S. Department of Energy. It verifies that a building’s design meets local energy codes by analyzing components such as insulation, windows, doors, and HVAC systems. The report provides a compliance certificate that builders submit to code officials.

The report focuses on:

Thermal envelope: Walls, ceilings, floors, and foundations
Fenestration: Windows and doors
Mechanical systems: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)

The goal is to ensure the building uses energy efficiently, reducing utility costs and environmental impact.

Gathering the Essential Materials

To complete a REScheck report, you need detailed information about your building’s components. Here’s a list of the materials and data you should collect before starting:

Building plans / blueprints: Accurate floor plans with dimensions
Insulation specifications: R-values for walls, ceilings, floors, and foundations
Window and door details: U-factors, solar heat gain coefficients (SHGC), and sizes
HVAC system information: Equipment type, efficiency ratings, and fuel source
Lighting and ventilation data: Types of fixtures and ventilation rates (if applicable)
Local energy code requirements: Know the specific code version your project must comply with (e.g., IECC 2018)

Having these materials ready will save time and reduce errors during data entry.

Step 1: Go to the REScheck website

The REScheck software can be accessed here: https://energycode.pnl.gov/REScheckWeb

Visit the official REScheck page
Create an account using your email address
Start a new project

Once on the "new project" screen, continue to follow this guide.

Step 2: Enter Project Information

Begin your report by inputting basic project information:

Project title (call it whatever makes sense to you. Most people put in the street address as the title)
Energy code year (You can just google it or call your local building department if you're unsure)
Project type (new construction, addition, or renovation)
Compliance method (UA trade-off is usually easiest)
Construction type (1-and 2- family detached or multifamily)
Conditioned floor area - do NOT include garages, even if heated or cooled, or attic storage areas. Basements should be included if they are heated / cooled.
Orientation - Leave DISABLED if doing the UA trade-off method.
Features - Select any features that are applicable to your project.

You'll see that the "information" section at the bottom of the page is optional, but it's a good idea to fill this in with the basic project information. If there are any notes that pertain to the project, enter them in the "notes" section.

Once this information is filled out. Make sure you "save" the project using the blue button in the top right before moving to the next section.

Step 3: Define the Building Envelope

Now that the basic project info is filled out, we can move on the the "envelope" section using the button in the top left.

How to navigate to the envelope tab in REScheck

Once on the "Envelope" tab, you will be entering all of the different components of your project including walls, windows, doors, ceiling/roof, floors over crawlspaces/unconditioned spaces, foundation walls, and slab.

The software calculates heat loss and gain through these components to determine compliance.

Ceilings

We'll start at the top with the ceiling assembly. Start by clicking the "ceiling/skylight" section and then "add" and you'll see this screen:

Please note that if you have different types of ceilings (flat & vaulted) you'll need to do two separate entries. YOU ONLY ENTER CEILING AREAS THAT ARE BELOW ATTIC SPACE OR THE EXTERIOR OF THE HOME. Do not enter ceilings that have living space above them.

You can name the component whatever you'd like.
You'll then need to enter the gross area (square footage) from your plans.
Enter the cavity R-value
Enter the continuous R-value (meaning any insulation that runs ABOVE the framing members). This may not be applicable if you have a vaulted ceiling.
Once finished, hit "apply" and you'll be brought back to the envelope screen and you should see the new assembly under "ceiling"

Walls/Windows/Doors

The same process to add a ceiling assembly applies to the walls/windows/doors section. You start by adding your EXTERIOR walls only. Ignore interior walls. Walls between the garage and the living space are considered exterior walls.

If all walls are exactly the same (example : all exterior walls are 2x6 with R-19 fiberglass batt insulation) you do NOT need to enter each wall separately. You can total up the square footage of all exterior wall assemblies and enter them into the REScheck software as one entry. If you have multiple wall types, you will need to enter them separately.

Enter the type of wall (example: wood frame, 16" o.c)
Enter the gross area
Enter the cavity R-value
Enter the continuous R-value (if applicable). This may be a requirement in colder climates
Hit "apply" and you'll see your wall assembly added to the REScheck.

Once you've added a wall, you can add windows and doors. You'll need to know the U-factor and the SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) of all windows. This also applies to doors that are over 50% glass.

Select the type of window, the glazing type, the area, the factor, and the SHGC and then hit apply. Repeat this process for each window. PLEASE NOTE that if you have windows that have matching U-factor and SHGC you can enter them as one window. Just total up the areas and enter it once.

This can be an extremely tedious process but it is very important to get everything correct.

Repeat the same process with doors - it's essentially the same as the windows, so we wont get too in-depth.

Foundations

This is the trickiest part of the REScheck and the hardest to explain properly. There is a diagram in the REScheck software when entering the information that does a decent job explaining how to enter it correctly, so i'll refer you to that diagram.

That's the last step of the "envelope" tab... You're getting close!

Step 6: The Compliance Tab

After entering all data, click the "compliance" tab located next to the "envelope" tab in the top left. There are two checklists that need to be filled out that pertain to your project.

If it does not apply, simply select "not applicable" if given the option. Some of these are mandatory and you need to select "requirement will be met"

Once all this has been completed, there is a yellow/orange button in the top right that says "check compliance". Click it.

This will tell you if you pass or fail based on the inputs you provided.

Common issues include insufficient insulation or inefficient windows.

Step 7: Adjust and Optimize

If your initial report fails, adjust your inputs:

Increase insulation levels in walls or ceilings
Choose windows with better U-factors or SHGC ratings

Repeat the compliance check until the project meets or exceeds code requirements.

Again, if you are having trouble getting it to pass, please reach out to us HERE. We are experts and have done thousands of REScheck reports. We can get everything squared away for you.

Tips for a Smooth REScheck Process

Double-check measurements: Accurate dimensions prevent errors
Use manufacturer specs: For windows and HVAC, rely on official product data sheets
Understand local amendments: Some jurisdictions modify the base energy code
Keep documentation organized: Save all input files and certificates for inspections
Consult professionals if needed: Energy consultants or code officials can provide guidance

Why the REScheck Report Can Feel Daunting

The process involves many technical details and precise data entry. For those unfamiliar with energy codes or building science, the terminology and requirements may seem overwhelming. However, breaking the process into clear steps and preparing materials in advance makes it manageable.

The software’s user-friendly interface also helps guide users through complex calculations. With patience and attention to detail, anyone involved in building projects can master the REScheck report.

The REScheck report is a powerful tool to ensure your building meets energy efficiency standards. While the process requires careful data collection and input, it is achievable with the right preparation. By following this step-by-step guide and gathering the necessary materials, you can confidently complete your REScheck report and move your project forward with compliance in hand.

We hope this guide helped you understand the REScheck process. We're here to help if you need it.

Good luck with your project!

— The Energy Code Consultant

(774) 708-5198