REScheck vs COMcheck: The Key Difference
REScheck is for residential buildings. COMcheck is for commercial buildings. Both are energy compliance reports required by Massachusetts building departments, but they apply to different project types and use different calculation methods.
What Is REScheck?
REScheck is a free software tool developed by the US Department of Energy that helps builders and designers demonstrate compliance with residential building energy codes. In Massachusetts, REScheck reports are required by most building departments for new residential construction, additions, and major renovations.
REScheck calculates energy compliance for: single-family homes, multifamily buildings up to 3 stories, and residential additions. It compares your building’s actual insulation and window values against the code-required baseline.
What Is COMcheck?
COMcheck is the commercial equivalent of REScheck. It’s used for commercial buildings, high-rise residential (4+ stories), and mixed-use projects with commercial components. COMcheck covers envelope, lighting, and mechanical systems.
Which Do You Need in Massachusetts?
For most single-family and low-rise multifamily new construction in Massachusetts, you need REScheck. For commercial projects, mixed-use buildings, or residential buildings over 3 stories, you need COMcheck. Some projects require both if they have mixed occupancies.
Massachusetts-Specific Requirements
Massachusetts building departments require REScheck or COMcheck reports to demonstrate compliance with the 2021 IECC (or Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code for towns that have adopted it). The report must be prepared by a qualified energy professional and submitted with your building permit application.
Same-Day REScheck and COMcheck Reports
Home Energy Efficiency Consultants prepares fast, accurate REScheck and COMcheck reports for projects across Massachusetts. We offer same-day turnaround in most cases. Call (617) 501-6788 or contact us for a free quote.
