Rescheck, Comcheck, and Manual J/S Reports
REScheck, Manual J & Manual S Reports
for Building Permits
Need an energy compliance report, an HVAC load calculation, or documentation showing that your equipment is properly sized? Rescheck Review prepares REScheck, Manual J, and Manual S reports for builders, HVAC contractors, architects, and homeowners across the United States. You can order one report or coordinate the three for a more consistent permit submittal.
What Is the Difference Between REScheck, Manual J, and Manual S?
A REScheck report verifies whether a residential building's thermal envelope meets the applicable energy code requirements. Using the U.S. Department of Energy's REScheck software, we evaluate insulation levels, exterior walls, ceilings, floors, foundations, windows, and doors to determine energy code compliance. Rescheck Review prepares professional, permit-ready REScheck reports for new construction, additions, and renovations nationwide, using the appropriate energy code requirements for your project's location.
Manual J: Heating and Cooling Load Calculations
An ACCA Manual J calculation determines the precise heating and cooling requirements of a home based on its size, construction materials, insulation, windows, orientation, and local climate conditions. Unlike general square-footage estimates, Manual J provides detailed room-by-room heating and cooling load calculations to help ensure HVAC equipment is properly sized. Rescheck Review prepares professional Manual J reports for residential construction, renovations, and HVAC replacements, helping contractors and homeowners improve comfort, energy efficiency, and compliance with applicable building codes.
Manual S: HVAC Equipment Selection
An ACCA Manual S report verifies that the heating and cooling equipment selected for a home is appropriately sized to meet the loads established by the Manual J calculation. Using manufacturer equipment performance data, we evaluate heating capacity, cooling capacity, and equipment operation under local design conditions. Proper equipment selection helps prevent oversized or undersized HVAC systems that can contribute to inefficient operation, reduced comfort, and humidity problems. Rescheck Review prepares Manual S reports to support HVAC equipment selection and residential building permit requirements.
Do I Need REScheck, Manual J, and Manual S for a Building Permit?
Not every jurisdiction requires all three reports for every project. Requirements depend on the adopted building and energy code, local amendments, and whether the work involves a new home, addition, renovation, or HVAC replacement. A building department may request envelope compliance documentation, load calculations, equipment selection, or a combination. If you are unsure, confirm the required submittals with the local building department before ordering.
How Much Do REScheck, Manual J, and Manual S Reports Cost?
Pricing depends on conditioned project square footage and the report package. REScheck starts at $72.50 for projects up to 5,000 square feet. Manual J starts at $129, and Manual S starts at $89 for typical projects up to 6,000 square feet. The combined REScheck, Manual J, and Manual S package starts at $279. Use the interactive price planner below to compare the published tiers through 13,000 square feet. Larger projects may require a custom quote.
How Do REScheck, Manual J, and Manual S Work Together?
The three reports are related, but they are not interchangeable. REScheck documents the proposed building envelope, Manual J uses the building specifications to calculate loads, and Manual S evaluates the selected equipment. Keeping the assumptions consistent across the reports can reduce confusion when a designer, HVAC contractor, and permit reviewer compare the submitted documents.
Step 1: Establish the Building Envelope
Identify the insulation assemblies, window and door performance, conditioned spaces, and project location. These specifications provide the starting point for the energy compliance analysis and help ensure that the HVAC loads reflect the same proposed construction.
Step 2: Calculate the Heating and Cooling Loads
The Manual J calculation considers the home and its local design conditions to determine the heating and cooling requirements. The results include the design loads used when evaluating system capacity and, where applicable, individual room requirements.
Step 3: Verify the Proposed HVAC Equipment
Manual S uses the completed loads and specific equipment performance data to check the proposed system. Selecting equipment by actual performance helps avoid relying only on nominal tonnage or furnace input ratings.
What Information Do I Need to Order My Reports?
Complete, legible plans help prevent unnecessary questions and revisions. You can typically get started with PDF floor plans, elevations, the project address, construction details, and any available window schedule. The exact information needed depends on which report you order.
Building Plans and Energy Specifications
Provide floor plans and elevations; wall, ceiling, floor, and foundation construction details; window and door dimensions; insulation values; available U-factors and SHGC ratings; and building orientation. The project city, state, and jurisdiction help identify the applicable design conditions and code requirements.
Equipment Information for Manual S
Manual S requires details about the proposed HVAC system, including outdoor and indoor equipment model numbers, coils or air handlers, furnace model numbers when applicable, and an AHRI reference when available. If your equipment has not been selected yet, the Manual J calculation can generally be prepared first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Order Manual J Without Manual S?
Yes. Manual J calculates the heating and cooling loads independently of the final equipment choice. It can be completed before HVAC equipment is selected, with Manual S prepared later when the proposed models are known.
Can I Get a Manual S Without Selecting HVAC Equipment?
A final Manual S selection check requires specific equipment information. If the model numbers are not available, start with Manual J and provide the equipment details once your HVAC contractor or supplier has selected the system.
How Long Does It Take to Receive My Reports?
Turnaround depends on the complexity of the project, the completeness of the drawings, and the current workload. Straightforward reports may be completed quickly, while larger or more complicated projects can take longer. If you have a permit deadline, include it with your order so we can discuss the schedule.
Are Your Reports Available Nationwide?
Yes. Rescheck Review serves clients across the United States. Energy-code adoption and local permit requirements vary, so each project should be checked against the applicable jurisdiction rather than assuming that every state or city uses the same code edition.
Why Choose Rescheck Review?
Rescheck Review is a division of Certified Energy Raters, LLC. My name is Brad Buzzell, M.Ed., and I'm the Director of Rescheck Review and a RESNET-certified HERS Rater. My background in energy ratings, compliance, and field testing helps me connect what is shown on the plans with what a building department and contractor need from the finished report.
Ready to move your project forward? Order your REScheck, Manual J, or Manual S report online, or contact me if you have questions about your plans, project scope, or permit requirements.