Alabama REScheck Requirements (2026)

Key facts:

• Modified 2015 IECC

• Climate Zones 2A & 3A

• Permit-Ready Reports

• Residential Energy Compliance

 

Quick Answer: Alabama commonly requires REScheck for: new residential construction, residential additions, major remodels, conditioned detached structures, and barndominiums. Alabama has not officially adopted the 2021 IECC statewide as of 2026 — the statewide residential energy code remains based on the modified 2015 IECC.

Alabama jurisdictions commonly require REScheck documentation for residential permit applications involving energy-code compliance. Requirements vary by municipality, climate zone, project scope, and local enforcement practices.

​

Current Alabama Energy Code

Alabama currently enforces a modified version of the 2015 IECC for residential energy-code compliance statewide.

• Modified 2015 IECC statewide

• Alabama-specific amendments

• Local permitting authority

• Municipal enforcement differences

 

Common Permit Requirements

• Manual J calculations

• Manual S reports

• HVAC sizing documentation

• Window schedules

• Insulation specifications

• Blower door testing reports

 

Enforcement varies significantly throughout Alabama. Large metro jurisdictions commonly apply stricter residential energy-code review standards than smaller rural counties.

​

​​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

​

Common REScheck Failure Reasons

Most Common Errors

• Incorrect climate-zone selection

• Missing SHGC values

• Incorrect window U-factors

• Missing slab insulation

• Improper spray foam assumptions

• Incorrect wall assembly inputs

 

Mechanical & Envelope Issues

• Duct leakage penalties

• Incorrect SEER assumptions

• Cathedral ceiling insulation failures

• Ventilated attic duct losses

• Oversized glazing percentages

• Missing blower door documentation

 

 

Major Alabama Jurisdictions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Alabama require REScheck for additions?

Many Alabama jurisdictions require REScheck for conditioned additions including garage conversions, bonus rooms, and sunrooms.

​

What IECC version does Alabama use?

Alabama currently uses a modified version of the 2015 IECC statewide for residential energy-code compliance.

​

Is Manual J required with REScheck?

Many Alabama jurisdictions require Manual J HVAC calculations alongside REScheck reports for new residential construction.

​

Do detached garages require REScheck?

Detached garages generally require REScheck only when conditioned space is included.

​

Can spray foam help pass REScheck?

Yes. Spray foam insulation can improve compliance by increasing effective R-values and reducing air leakage. Additional documentation may still be required for unvented attic assemblies.

​

Are barndominiums required to comply with the energy code?

Yes. Conditioned barndominiums in Alabama generally must comply with residential energy-code requirements and commonly require REScheck documentation.

​

What climate zone is Alabama in?

Alabama primarily falls within Climate Zones 2A and 3A. Southern Alabama is generally Zone 2A while northern Alabama commonly falls within Zone 3A.

​

Why do REScheck reports fail in Alabama?

Common failure reasons include incorrect climate-zone selection, missing SHGC values, improper insulation assumptions, duct leakage penalties, and incorrect cathedral ceiling assemblies.

​

Do Alabama jurisdictions require blower door testing?

Some Alabama jurisdictions now require blower door testing for new residential construction. Requirements vary substantially by municipality.

​

Are window U-factors and SHGC values important?

Yes. Alabama is primarily cooling-dominated, making SHGC values especially important during permit review and REScheck compliance.

​

Can homeowners submit REScheck themselves?

Many Alabama jurisdictions allow homeowner-builders to submit their own REScheck documentation. However, many homeowners use third-party providers to reduce correction notices and permit delays.

​

Are conditioned workshops and pole barns required to comply?

Yes. Detached structures with conditioned space intended for occupancy commonly require energy-code compliance and REScheck documentation.