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Case Studies on How to Use COMcheck Energy Code Compliance Software

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Case Studies on How to Use COMcheck Energy Code Compliance Software

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    2. www.energycodes.gov techsupport@becp.pnl.gov Visit the website for contact information. A status of energy codes by state (including state energy office contacts) is available at http://www.energycodes.gov/implement/state_codes/index.stm. Send email with any questions on any of the BECP tools or materials to techsupport@becp.pnl.govVisit the website for contact information. A status of energy codes by state (including state energy office contacts) is available at http://www.energycodes.gov/implement/state_codes/index.stm. Send email with any questions on any of the BECP tools or materials to techsupport@becp.pnl.gov

    3. Commercial Compliance Tools The commercial tools include software, web-based tools, and printed materials. The COMcheck materials (software, manual code compliance, and reference guides) simplify and clarify commercial and high-rise residential energy code compliance. The COMcheck-EZ software simplifies energy code compliance by offering a flexible computer-based alternative to manual calculations. COMcheck-Web is coming soon! The COMcheck Prescriptive Package Generator is a web-based application that allows you to generate your own code-compliant insulation and window packages rather than following pre-defined prescriptive packages. Pre-defined packages that specify insulation levels and glazing U-factors based on your climate zone are available if you prefer a manual approach. The commercial tools include software, web-based tools, and printed materials. The COMcheck materials (software, manual code compliance, and reference guides) simplify and clarify commercial and high-rise residential energy code compliance. The COMcheck-EZ software simplifies energy code compliance by offering a flexible computer-based alternative to manual calculations. COMcheck-Web is coming soon! The COMcheck Prescriptive Package Generator is a web-based application that allows you to generate your own code-compliant insulation and window packages rather than following pre-defined prescriptive packages. Pre-defined packages that specify insulation levels and glazing U-factors based on your climate zone are available if you prefer a manual approach.

    5. When does COMcheck apply? Commercial New Construction, Alterations and Additions Commercial Buildings include all buildings except Single family Low rise multi-family < 3 stories in height State Dependent Not all states have the same code, some states have state-specific energy codes Check to see what code is applicable in your state and if COMcheck is accepted Status of State Codes http://www.energycodes.gov/implement/state_codes/index.stm

    6. Commercial Buildings

    7. Building Envelope construction assembly (materials & insulation levels) windows, doors & skylights Mechanical Systems Service Water Heating Lighting Systems

    8. Commercial Building Envelope Requirements Mandatory Requirements: Moisture Control Air Leakage Climate Specific Requirements: Roof Above Grade Walls Below Grade Walls Floor Slab Skylights, Windows, and Doors Conditioned Space is the area that is being heated and cooled. Conditioned Space is the area that is being heated and cooled.

    9. What is COMcheck? Envelope trade-off calculations are based on envelope loads only defines a proposed design and a budget design Lighting Watts/square foot (LPDs) Mechanical short wizard to customize a list of requirements applicable to the system identified Envelope: The proposed version is based on user input, while the budget version is based on minimum prescriptive requirements and the modeling rules detailed in Attached 8b of standard 90.1-89. The rationale for incorporating the additional component trade-offs (not just trade-offs for above grade walls and windows) is that Standard 90.1-89 Section 13 “Building Energy Cost Budge Method” sanctions the use of alternative compliance methods provided they ensure equivalent energy efficiency.Envelope: The proposed version is based on user input, while the budget version is based on minimum prescriptive requirements and the modeling rules detailed in Attached 8b of standard 90.1-89. The rationale for incorporating the additional component trade-offs (not just trade-offs for above grade walls and windows) is that Standard 90.1-89 Section 13 “Building Energy Cost Budge Method” sanctions the use of alternative compliance methods provided they ensure equivalent energy efficiency.

    10. What Do I Need to Know? Information you need to use COMcheck: General Understanding of Windows-based Computer Programs Basic Information about the Builder and Project to be Constructed Building Plans including Exterior Wall Areas, Glazing Areas, Roof/Ceiling Areas, Basement Wall Areas, etc. Insulation R-Values, NFRC Glazing and Door U-Factors, etc. Lighting Heating and Cooling System Efficiencies Service Water Heating

    13. Title Bar - The title bar displays the name of the currently open project data file and the currently selected code. If no file is open, the word Untitled is displayed. Menu Bar - The menu bar is located directly under the title bar and displays the available menus–File, Edit, View, Options, Code, Tools and Help. These menus are discussed in more detail in the following sections. Toolbar - The toolbar contains buttons with images representing some of the same options available in the menus.Title Bar - The title bar displays the name of the currently open project data file and the currently selected code. If no file is open, the word Untitled is displayed. Menu Bar - The menu bar is located directly under the title bar and displays the available menus–File, Edit, View, Options, Code, Tools and Help. These menus are discussed in more detail in the following sections. Toolbar - The toolbar contains buttons with images representing some of the same options available in the menus.

    14. Folder Tabs - The Project, Envelope, Lighting and Mechanical folder tabs are used to choose the respective screens. Each major system must comply on its own, tradeoffs between major systems (i.e. envelope and lighting) are not permitted using COMcheck EZ. Folder Tabs - The Project, Envelope, Lighting and Mechanical folder tabs are used to choose the respective screens. Each major system must comply on its own, tradeoffs between major systems (i.e. envelope and lighting) are not permitted using COMcheck EZ.

    17. Envelope Screen Each of the assembly components have a drop down list of assembly types.Each of the assembly components have a drop down list of assembly types.

    18. Adding Roofs – Step 1

    19. Adding Roofs – Step 2

    20. Adding Roofs – Step 3

    21. Adding Roofs – Step 4

    22. Adding Roofs

    23. Adding Exterior Walls

    24. Adding Windows

    25. Windows – U-Factors NFRC tested and certified or default window U-value range Use assembly U-value All windows must meet or exceed U-Factor is a measure of how well the assembly conducts heat. The lower the number, the better the assembly acts and an insulator. A window U-factor is based on the interior surface area of the entire assembly, including glazing, sash, curbing, and other framing elements. Center-of-glass U-factors cannot be used. The code requires windows, glass doors, and skylights to be rated by National Fenestration Rating Council and to have labels that show the rated u-factor and SHGC values for the glazing unit. If the windows, glass doors, and/or skylights are not rated, the appropriate default tables from the code can be used. Any glazing product that is double pane with tinted glass in a thermally broken frame (e.g., wood, vinyl, or aluminum with a thermal break) will meet the requirements for a fenestration U-factor of 0.60 and an SHGC of 0.60. U-Factor is a measure of how well the assembly conducts heat. The lower the number, the better the assembly acts and an insulator. A window U-factor is based on the interior surface area of the entire assembly, including glazing, sash, curbing, and other framing elements. Center-of-glass U-factors cannot be used. The code requires windows, glass doors, and skylights to be rated by National Fenestration Rating Council and to have labels that show the rated u-factor and SHGC values for the glazing unit. If the windows, glass doors, and/or skylights are not rated, the appropriate default tables from the code can be used. Any glazing product that is double pane with tinted glass in a thermally broken frame (e.g., wood, vinyl, or aluminum with a thermal break) will meet the requirements for a fenestration U-factor of 0.60 and an SHGC of 0.60.

    26. Basement Walls

    27. Basement Walls Wall Height Enter the average height of the basement wall measured from the top of the basement floor to the top of the basement wall. The Wall Height (ft) and Depth Below Grade (ft) fields together enable you to enter a basement wall assembly partially above and partially below grade as a single entry.  If the values in these two fields are the same, the wall will be treated as entirely below grade. Depth Below Grade Enter the average depth below grade of the wall in the Depth Below Grade (ft) field, measuring from the average grade level to the top of the basement floor.Wall Height Enter the average height of the basement wall measured from the top of the basement floor to the top of the basement wall. The Wall Height (ft) and Depth Below Grade (ft) fields together enable you to enter a basement wall assembly partially above and partially below grade as a single entry.  If the values in these two fields are the same, the wall will be treated as entirely below grade. Depth Below Grade Enter the average depth below grade of the wall in the Depth Below Grade (ft) field, measuring from the average grade level to the top of the basement floor.

    28. Adding Floors The insulation position pop-up list enables you to specify if perimeter slab insulation will be used and, if so, if it will be placed vertically or horizontally.  If no perimeter insulation will be used, select No Insulation.The insulation position pop-up list enables you to specify if perimeter slab insulation will be used and, if so, if it will be placed vertically or horizontally.  If no perimeter insulation will be used, select No Insulation.

    30. Interior Lighting Compliance Interior lighting requirements are divided into a set of mandatory requirements, provisions that must be complied with regardless of the quantity of lighting that is installed, and two methods for determining the allowed wattage for the building. The Prescriptive approach contains a look up table to determine allowed wattage for each occupancy type and is divided into two categories. The Entire Building approach can be used for a single occupancy building. The Partial Building approach is used for a multiple occupancy building such as a strip shopping mall. Interior lighting requirements are divided into a set of mandatory requirements, provisions that must be complied with regardless of the quantity of lighting that is installed, and two methods for determining the allowed wattage for the building. The Prescriptive approach contains a look up table to determine allowed wattage for each occupancy type and is divided into two categories. The Entire Building approach can be used for a single occupancy building. The Partial Building approach is used for a multiple occupancy building such as a strip shopping mall.

    31. Adding Lighting Use the blue-on-white buttons at the top of the Lighting screen to create a list of lighting fixtures present in your proposed design.  Each fixture type you select is added to the lighting fixtures list displayed on the Lighting screen.  For each fixture type, you must enter a ballast type (if applicable), the number of lamps per fixture, quantity, and the fixture input wattage.  Input wattage is the electrical power input to the lamp and ballast combination.Use the blue-on-white buttons at the top of the Lighting screen to create a list of lighting fixtures present in your proposed design.  Each fixture type you select is added to the lighting fixtures list displayed on the Lighting screen.  For each fixture type, you must enter a ballast type (if applicable), the number of lamps per fixture, quantity, and the fixture input wattage.  Input wattage is the electrical power input to the lamp and ballast combination.

    33. Lighting Using Space-by-Space Have the class determine the total wattage that can be installed in this building.Have the class determine the total wattage that can be installed in this building.

    34. Lighting Options The Lighting screen contains an optional feature that enables you to organize lighting fixtures under the spaces (or parts of the building) in which they are used.  To activate this feature, select Spaces from the Options menu while in the Lighting screen.  This feature helps ensure fixture counts are correct and greatly facilitates plan review and inspections.The Lighting screen contains an optional feature that enables you to organize lighting fixtures under the spaces (or parts of the building) in which they are used.  To activate this feature, select Spaces from the Options menu while in the Lighting screen.  This feature helps ensure fixture counts are correct and greatly facilitates plan review and inspections.

    36. Mechanical

    38. Mechanical Click the HVAC System button to launch a series of screens (collectively referred to as a wizard) on which you enter information about your building’s HVAC components.  The HVAC system wizard screen sequences depend on the information you enter.  You must continue to the final screen in the sequence before the Finish button becomes active, enabling you to return to the Mechanical screen.   Click the HVAC System button to launch a series of screens (collectively referred to as a wizard) on which you enter information about your building’s HVAC components.  The HVAC system wizard screen sequences depend on the information you enter.  You must continue to the final screen in the sequence before the Finish button becomes active, enabling you to return to the Mechanical screen.  

    39. Mechanical

    41. Mandatory Requirements in COMcheck Software Requirements Checklist generated automatically based on input applicable code building location Mandatory requirements in the COMcheck software tools are handled in the Requirements Checklist section of the Compliance CertificateMandatory requirements in the COMcheck software tools are handled in the Requirements Checklist section of the Compliance Certificate

    43. Need Help?

    45. CASE STUDY #1 Sigma 2 Bldg. Floor Plan Floor Plan used for reference. The number of windows and doors can be taken from the window/door schedule. Locations can be verified by the window and door symbols on the plan. Overall plan dimensions can also be taken from this plan.Floor Plan used for reference. The number of windows and doors can be taken from the window/door schedule. Locations can be verified by the window and door symbols on the plan. Overall plan dimensions can also be taken from this plan.

    46. Building data is used for COMcheck software runs. The user can choose to enter the activity area breakdowns in COMcheck but may prefer to consider the entire building “office”. Building data is used for COMcheck software runs. The user can choose to enter the activity area breakdowns in COMcheck but may prefer to consider the entire building “office”.

    47. Sigma 2 Bldg. Lighting Plan – Existing Lighting Existing lighting is detailed in this lighting schedule. The number of fixtures are listed for software inputs. Symbols are used so the specific locations of the various lighting fixtures can be verified on the plan.Existing lighting is detailed in this lighting schedule. The number of fixtures are listed for software inputs. Symbols are used so the specific locations of the various lighting fixtures can be verified on the plan.

    48. Sigma 2 Bldg. Mechanical Plan The unit numbers and corresponding descriptions of the heat pump units are listed on the mechanical plan. This information is taken from the original building plans. Not all of the information listed will be used for inputs in COMcheck. NOTE: The exterior lighting is not entered into the software for code compliance. Only efficacy requirements apply to exterior lighting. The exterior lighting is included as part of the lighting schedule because this case study is intended to represent (although greatly simplified and generalized) what users will find in typical building plans. The unit numbers and corresponding descriptions of the heat pump units are listed on the mechanical plan. This information is taken from the original building plans. Not all of the information listed will be used for inputs in COMcheck. NOTE: The exterior lighting is not entered into the software for code compliance. Only efficacy requirements apply to exterior lighting. The exterior lighting is included as part of the lighting schedule because this case study is intended to represent (although greatly simplified and generalized) what users will find in typical building plans.

    49. Building Section The material specifications and dimensions in this section are used for a number of inputs in both COMcheck. The overhang dimension and vertical window placement are used to determine the projection factor ( .5) used in COMcheck. The extension (the distance the overhang extends horizontally in the plane of the window past the edge of the window jambs) is assumed to be 3’ for this case study. This assumption approximates the continuous overhang present in this building.The material specifications and dimensions in this section are used for a number of inputs in both COMcheck. The overhang dimension and vertical window placement are used to determine the projection factor ( .5) used in COMcheck. The extension (the distance the overhang extends horizontally in the plane of the window past the edge of the window jambs) is assumed to be 3’ for this case study. This assumption approximates the continuous overhang present in this building.

    50. Overhang/Projection Factor (PF)

    52. Entire Building is conditioned; storage area is outside the building envelope.Entire Building is conditioned; storage area is outside the building envelope.

    53. Spaces Office/Bathroom are within the conditioned space, the drop down roof would not be part of the building envelope take offs. Make sure to include any overhangs (storage area) especially if there is any glazing on the exterior walls with large overhangs.Office/Bathroom are within the conditioned space, the drop down roof would not be part of the building envelope take offs. Make sure to include any overhangs (storage area) especially if there is any glazing on the exterior walls with large overhangs.

    54. Walls are separated into two components when entered in COMcheck: 10’ section and applicable insulation 5’ section and applicable insulationWalls are separated into two components when entered in COMcheck: 10’ section and applicable insulation 5’ section and applicable insulation

    55. Walls Interior view of walls; furring 10’ from floor.Interior view of walls; furring 10’ from floor.

    56. Building data is used for COMcheck software runs. The user can choose to enter the activity area breakdowns in COMcheck-EZ but may prefer to consider the entire building “office”. Building data is used for COMcheck software runs. The user can choose to enter the activity area breakdowns in COMcheck-EZ but may prefer to consider the entire building “office”.

    57. Lighting

    58. Red Mountain Feed Lighting Plan The material specifications and dimensions in this section are used for a number of inputs in both COMcheck. The overhang dimension and vertical window placement are used to determine the projection factor ( .5) used in COMcheck. The extension (the distance the overhang extends horizontally in the plane of the window past the edge of the window jambs) is assumed to be 3’ for this case study. This assumption approximates the continuous overhang present in this building.The material specifications and dimensions in this section are used for a number of inputs in both COMcheck. The overhang dimension and vertical window placement are used to determine the projection factor ( .5) used in COMcheck. The extension (the distance the overhang extends horizontally in the plane of the window past the edge of the window jambs) is assumed to be 3’ for this case study. This assumption approximates the continuous overhang present in this building.

    59. Heating System Pellet Stove cannot be entered into COMcheck. Unit Heater can be entered.Pellet Stove cannot be entered into COMcheck. Unit Heater can be entered.

    60. Setting the Standard Newsletter Register on-line to receive the latest up-to-date information on energy code related issues. Newsletter http://www.energycodes.gov/news/

    61. Questions/Comments Help Desk – on-line electronic form http://www.energycodes.gov/support/helpdesk.php Email Techsupport@becp.pnl.gov U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Energy Codes Program

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