IECC, REScheck, and COMcheck

1. IECC, REScheck, and COMcheck Mark Halverson Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

2. Presentation Outline Changes between the 2009 IECC and 2006 IECC Sources of Additional Information Brief Overview of REScheck Brief Overview of COMcheck

3. Climate Zones – 2009 IECC

4. New England Climate Zones New England is mostly climate zones 5 and 6, with small areas of climate zone 4 (area around New York City) and climate zone 7 (northern Maine)

5. Changes in Residential Requirements Stringency – some key differences New requirements Building envelope tightness Duct testing Lighting equipment Pool controls and covers Snow melt controls Moisture control requirements moved to IRC No mechanical trade-offs allowed

6. Envelope Stringency Changes Change to 2009 IECC Fenestration U-factor, CZ4, lowered from 0.4 to 0.35 Wood frame wall U-factor, CZ5-CZ6, lowered from 0.060 to 0.057 minimum R-value for “batt-only” raised from 19 to 20 Mass wall U-factor unchanged, CZ4-CZ7 but minimum R-value, raised for interior insulation Basement wall U-factor, CZ6-CZ7, lowered from 0.059 to 0.050 (minimum R-value raised from 10/13 to 15/19) How it is handled in REScheck All these stringency requirements are included in the base case building, meaning that certain designs that passed under the 2006 IECC will now fail under the 2009 IECC U-factor changes are addressed in REScheck R-value changes with no change in U-factor are not

7. Building Envelope Tightness Change to 2009 IECC Mandatory air leakage section for building thermal envelope (402.4.1) has been revised to mention attic access openings and rim joist junctions New air sealing and insulation section (402.4.2) added with testing and visual inspection options How it is handled in REScheck These requirements have been added to the checklist items

8. Duct Testing Change to 2009 IECC New duct testing requirements in Section 403.2.2 for either a post construction or rough-in test, unless ducts and air handler are located within conditioned space How it is handled in REScheck A new checkbox has been added to the Building Characteristics section, asking whether or not the ducts and air handlers are in conditioned floor space. How this checkbox is answered determines the contents of the checklist items

9. Lighting Equipment Change to 2009 IECC A new requirement in Section 404 that 50% of lamps in permanently installed lighting fixtures be high-efficacy lamps How it is handled in REScheck This requirement has been added to the checklist items

10. Pool Controls and Covers Change to 2009 IECC A new section 403.9 on pools requires a readily accessible on/off switch, time switches for heaters and pumps, and pool covers How it is handled in REScheck These requirements have been added to the checklist items

11. Snow Melt Controls Change to 2009 IECC A new section 403.8 on snow melt controls has been added How it is handled in REScheck This requirement has been added to the checklist items

12. Moisture Control Requirements to IRC Change to 2009 IECC Moisture control requirements in 402.5 have been moved to the IRC How it is handled in REScheck These requirements have been removed from the checklist items.

13. No Mechanical Tradeoffs Allowed Change to 2009 IECC Heating and cooling system efficiencies are set to “as proposed” in both the standard reference design and proposed design in Table 405.5.2(1) This removes the justification for the simple mechanical systems tradeoff used in REScheck How it is handled in REScheck The mechanical system tradeoff has been disabled If the UA compliance path is chosen, no mechanical system input is allowed and no credit is given If the performance compliance path is chosen, mechanical system input is allowed and some minimal credit may be given in certain circumstances

14. Changes in Commercial Requirements Envelope Addition of U-factor table Stringency – some key differences Addition of residential occupancy Lighting Daylight zone control New exterior lighting zones Mechanical Snow melt system controls Demand control ventilation Allowable fan floor horsepower

15. Addition of U-factor table Changes to the 2009 IECC Table 502.1.2 with opaque assembly U-factor requirements was added, making it clear that assemblies other than those listed in the prescriptive R-value tables may be used How it is handled in COMcheck COMcheck utilizes the U-factor tables in the IECC

16. Envelope Stringency Changes - Roofs Changes to the 2009 IECC Insulation above deck CZ4, R-value increased from 15 to 20 ci CZ6, increased from 20 to 25 ci Metal building roofs, CZ4-CZ7, double layer insulation required Attic roofs, CZ4-CZ6, R-value increased to R-38 from R-30 How it is handled in COMcheck COMcheck has been updated to read the the appropriate baseline U-factor for roofs from the U-factor tables in the IECC

17. Envelope Stringency Changes - Walls Changes to the 2009 IECC Mass walls, CZ4-CZ7, R-value increased across all climates Metal building walls CZ4, R-value increase from R-13 to R-19 CZ5-CZ7, R-value decrease for second layer of insulation from R-13 to R-5.6 Metal framed walls, CZ4-CZ5, continuous R-value increased to R-7.5 from R-3.8 Wood framed walls, CZ5-CZ7, continuous insulation requirement added How it is handled in COMcheck COMcheck has been updated to read the the appropriate baseline U-factor for walls from the U-factor tables in the IECC

18. Envelope Stringency Changes - Fenestration Changes to the 2009 IECC All metal frame windows, CZ7, U-factor decreased from 0.50 to 0.45 SHGC, CZ7, changed from NR to 0.45 Skylights – one set of requirements for both plastic and glass skylights, based on old glass skylight requirements How it is handled in COMcheck COMcheck has been updated to read the the appropriate baseline U-factor for windows and skylights from the U-factor tables in the IECC

19. Addition of Residential Occupancy Changes to the 2009 IECC A separate set of requirements for Group R occupancy was added to the R-value and U-factor tables for opaque assemblies All other commercial occupancies use “All other” requirements How it is handled in COMcheck COMcheck already asks the building type for use in the lighting calculations. The building type is used to select the correct opaque envelope requirements

20. Daylight Zone Control Changes to the 2009 IECC Section 505.2.2.3 requires daylight zone controls for daylight zones Daylight zones includes areas under skylights and areas adjacent to vertical fenestration How it is handled in COMcheck This requirement has been added to the checklist items

21. New Exterior Lighting Zones Changes to the 2009 IECC Section 505.6.2 implements a new series of exterior lighting power requirements based on the type of exterior environment – parks, residential neighborhoods, all other areas, and high-activity commercial districts How it is handled in COMcheck COMcheck will now ask for the type of exterior environment and apply the appropriate baseline requirements

22. Snow Melt System Controls Changes to the 2009 IECC Section 503.2.4.5 requires automatic shutoff controls for snow melt systems How it is handled in COMcheck This requirement has been added to the checklist items

23. Demand Control Ventilation Changes to the 2009 IECC Section 5023.2.5.1 requires demand controlled ventilation for spaces larger than 500 ft2 with an average occupant load of 40 people per 1000 ft2 How it is handled in COMcheck This requirement has been added to the checklist items

24. Allowable Fan Floor Horsepower Changes to the 2009 IECC Section 503.2.10.1 limits the fan system motor nameplate horsepower or the fan system braking horsepower How it is handled in COMcheck This requirement has been added to the checklist items

25. More Information REScheck Software - www.energycodes.gov/rescheck/index.stm COMcheck Software - www.energycodes.gov/comcheck/index.stm COMcheck 2009 IECC will be out later in October

26. More Training Webcasts on REScheck, COMcheck, and the 2009 IECC www.energycodes.gov/training/onlinetraining/videos.stm Presentations on REScheck, COMcheck, and the 2009 IECC www.energycodes.gov/training/presentations.stm

27. Check Software Basics Mark Halverson Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

28. www.energycodes.gov

29. REScheckTM Basics

30. REScheckTM The REScheck (formerly MECcheck) materials have been developed to simplify and clarify code compliance with the Model Energy Code (MEC), the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and a number of state codes. The REScheck residential compliance materials offer two ways to demonstrate compliance: the trade-off approach and the prescriptive packages approach. The REScheck software simplifies energy code compliance by automating the trade-off compliance approach. The new REScheck-Web online code compliance tool can also be used to show compliance using the trade-off approach. It performs just like the desktop version but requires no download or installation. The 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. Plan Check and Field Inspection compliance guides are also available on the website.The REScheck (formerly MECcheck) materials have been developed to simplify and clarify code compliance with the Model Energy Code (MEC), the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and a number of state codes. The REScheck residential compliance materials offer two ways to demonstrate compliance: the trade-off approach and the prescriptive packages approach. The REScheck software simplifies energy code compliance by automating the trade-off compliance approach. The new REScheck-Web online code compliance tool can also be used to show compliance using the trade-off approach. It performs just like the desktop version but requires no download or installation. The 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. Plan Check and Field Inspection compliance guides are also available on the website.

31. Main Steps Select the Appropriate Code Enter Project Information Enter Building Components Enter Mechanical Equipment (optional) View/Print the Compliance Report Save the Data File and the Report

32. Appropriate Code Energy code applicable to your state/jurisdiction (Code Menu) Status of State Codes Default Preferences It’s very important to make sure you have the proper code selected before you begin entering information for your project as required information changes depending upon the selected code. Default – will remember previous code and location selected/used; good idea to double-check each time you start a project unless you have changed in Preferences Preferences - It’s very important to make sure you have the proper code selected before you begin entering information for your project as required information changes depending upon the selected code. Default – will remember previous code and location selected/used; good idea to double-check each time you start a project unless you have changed in Preferences Preferences -

33. Preferences Edit Menu General File Options Beyond Code Advisor Version Update Check Project Code/location Envelope Project – Code/Location – select a specific code and location to be used every time you start a new project; Envelope – can enable certain columns (applicable to code selected) to always appear Applicant – info to populate “project details” and will print on reports Reports – Report signature options; email reportsProject – Code/Location – select a specific code and location to be used every time you start a new project; Envelope – can enable certain columns (applicable to code selected) to always appear Applicant – info to populate “project details” and will print on reports Reports – Report signature options; email reports

34. Project Information Project location Project type Project details for report (optional) Title/Site/Permit Owner/Agent Designer/Contractor Notes Location – ties to weather data files; if your location isn’t listed, consult the local building department as to the location you should use; they may suggest you use REScheck-Web which allows you to select locations by county; some state-specific versions have counties instead of cities Project – 1- and 2-family, detached or multifamily. Under the 2006 IECC, it’s New Construction or Addition/Alteration Project Details – included in your project reports and may be useful to the building department or as a way to track and label your reports.Location – ties to weather data files; if your location isn’t listed, consult the local building department as to the location you should use; they may suggest you use REScheck-Web which allows you to select locations by county; some state-specific versions have counties instead of cities Project – 1- and 2-family, detached or multifamily. Under the 2006 IECC, it’s New Construction or Addition/Alteration Project Details – included in your project reports and may be useful to the building department or as a way to track and label your reports.

35. Building Components Only components that separate conditioned space from unconditioned space Only use applicable buttons Can group “like” components Use of “other” assembly type Gross area Like components – if all components of one type (e.g., all exterior walls) have the same construction characteristics (e.g., wood-frame, 16” o.c. with R-13), you can add the square footage of all of those components of that type together and insert only one row into the table. “Other” – if assembly type isn’t listed, can select, but will need to have backup documentation of U-factor for code official Gross Area – all components except slab-on-grade are entered as gross area. Slab-on-grade is entered as perimeter length in feet. Components have a parent/child relationship. For example, windows and doors are children to walls. Like components – if all components of one type (e.g., all exterior walls) have the same construction characteristics (e.g., wood-frame, 16” o.c. with R-13), you can add the square footage of all of those components of that type together and insert only one row into the table. “Other” – if assembly type isn’t listed, can select, but will need to have backup documentation of U-factor for code official Gross Area – all components except slab-on-grade are entered as gross area. Slab-on-grade is entered as perimeter length in feet. Components have a parent/child relationship. For example, windows and doors are children to walls.

36. Building Envelope

37. Foundations Basement button – use if basement is conditioned and basement walls are insulated Floor button – use if separates conditioned from unconditioned space Crawl Wall button – use if crawl space is unventilated and floor above is NOT insulated You may have multiple types of foundations in the project, if so, use the applicable buttonsYou may have multiple types of foundations in the project, if so, use the applicable buttons

38. Basement vs. Above-Grade Wall

39. Envelope Screen Changes based on code and/or location selected SHGC column Orientation Front Faces Overhang Projection Factor column Orientation – walls – orientation relative to the front of the building; to orient right and left side, visualize yourself inside the building facing the front; any windows or doors entered belonging to a wall with a set orientation will have the same orientation as the parent wall. Front faces – angle of the front face of the building relative to North. Building faces North = 0 degrees; Building faces East = 90 degrees; there’s also a custom option Overhang Projection Factor - ???Orientation – walls – orientation relative to the front of the building; to orient right and left side, visualize yourself inside the building facing the front; any windows or doors entered belonging to a wall with a set orientation will have the same orientation as the parent wall. Front faces – angle of the front face of the building relative to North. Building faces North = 0 degrees; Building faces East = 90 degrees; there’s also a custom option Overhang Projection Factor - ???

40. Mechanical Equipment Section is entirely optional High-efficiency equipment

41. Compliance UA “Max UA” “Your UA” 2006 IECC-based projects New Construction Must enter a roof, walls, and floor assembly Check Compliance button High-efficiency mechanical equipment Performance calculation if UA calculation fails Software performs a simple U-factor x Area (UA) calculation for each building assembly to determine the overall UA of your building. The UA that would result from a building conforming to the code records (Max UA) is compared against the UA for your building (Your UA). If Your UA is less than or equal to the Max UA, your building complies with the code, and the Compliance field displays the message “Passes”. If the code selected in the code menu is the 2006 IECC and high-efficiency mechanical equipment has been entered, then the software performs two separate calculations – the UA calculation and a limited-scope performance approach. The compliance results look slightly different in this case.Software performs a simple U-factor x Area (UA) calculation for each building assembly to determine the overall UA of your building. The UA that would result from a building conforming to the code records (Max UA) is compared against the UA for your building (Your UA). If Your UA is less than or equal to the Max UA, your building complies with the code, and the Compliance field displays the message “Passes”. If the code selected in the code menu is the 2006 IECC and high-efficiency mechanical equipment has been entered, then the software performs two separate calculations – the UA calculation and a limited-scope performance approach. The compliance results look slightly different in this case.

42. Screen Operations Status bar explains what type of information goes into the active screen and/or active cell. Compliance bar shows the compliance results. Status bar explains what type of information goes into the active screen and/or active cell. Compliance bar shows the compliance results.

43. Screen Operations Compliance Bar Status Bar Colors - Red Colors – red usually indicates missing information, errors, or failing compliance; Colors – red usually indicates missing information, errors, or failing compliance;

44. Screen Operations Compliance Bar Status Bar Colors - Green Colors –green on the screen means a passing condition, in help it means a glossary term; Colors –green on the screen means a passing condition, in help it means a glossary term;

45. Screen Operations Compliance Bar Status Bar Colors - Blue Colors –blue refers to a lack of data (blue TBD in compliance bar means not enough data has been entered to render a compliance result; Colors –blue refers to a lack of data (blue TBD in compliance bar means not enough data has been entered to render a compliance result;

46. Screen Operations Compliance Bar Status Bar Colors Right Mouse Button “Context” Menu Context menu is available for certain cells and depending on the code and/or location selected for the project, includes such options as cut/copy/paste and options to edit certain inputs. When you right click in a window U-factor cell, for example, the Select Default option is available. You can use this option if you do not have the NFRC label information, but be aware that these defaults (which come from the selected code) are very conservative and the code official may want you to submit a revised report once you have the actual values, so it can end up being more work. Context menu is available for certain cells and depending on the code and/or location selected for the project, includes such options as cut/copy/paste and options to edit certain inputs. When you right click in a window U-factor cell, for example, the Select Default option is available. You can use this option if you do not have the NFRC label information, but be aware that these defaults (which come from the selected code) are very conservative and the code official may want you to submit a revised report once you have the actual values, so it can end up being more work.

47. Compliance Report Project complies View/Print Report

48. Compliance Report

49. Inspection Checklist Mandatory requirements Code presumes these requirements are met Compliance statement on Compliance report states that the requirements in the Inspection Checklist have also been met.Compliance statement on Compliance report states that the requirements in the Inspection Checklist have also been met.

50. Mandatory Requirements Moisture control Air leakage Building mechanical systems and equipment Service water heating Duct construction and insulation

51. Panel Certificate Under 2006 IECC-based codes, panel certificate option Panel Certificate – under 2006-IECC-based codes, there is a third report option for a Panel certificate. The certificate lists the predominant insulation R-values, window U-factors, type and efficiency of space conditioning and water heater equipment. The 2006 IECC requires the certificate to be posted on or near the electrical distribution panel.Panel Certificate – under 2006-IECC-based codes, there is a third report option for a Panel certificate. The certificate lists the predominant insulation R-values, window U-factors, type and efficiency of space conditioning and water heater equipment. The 2006 IECC requires the certificate to be posted on or near the electrical distribution panel.

52. Files Data (File Save) Report (File Save Report) Exchange The data file is the *.rck file in case you need to make any changes The report is a pdf and allows you to print and document compliance results determined by the software. REScheck data file exchange – if you have saved a project on your computer’s hard drive and want to open that file in REScheck-Web, you can log into the Web version and click on the Load Project link. OR, if you saved a project in Web and now want to open it in your desktop, you can sign into the Web version and click on the Download link.The data file is the *.rck file in case you need to make any changes The report is a pdf and allows you to print and document compliance results determined by the software. REScheck data file exchange – if you have saved a project on your computer’s hard drive and want to open that file in REScheck-Web, you can log into the Web version and click on the Load Project link. OR, if you saved a project in Web and now want to open it in your desktop, you can sign into the Web version and click on the Download link.

53. AreaCalc REScheck desktop Calculates building areas Areas can be transferred into REScheck AreaCalc is a tool to simplify the process of calculating the building areas needed to demonstrate energy code compliance. A spreadsheet-like interface is used to calculate window, door , skylight , roof, wall, and floor areas. These areas can then be transferred directly into REScheck where the code compliance results for those assemblies can be displayed. AreaCalc is a tool to simplify the process of calculating the building areas needed to demonstrate energy code compliance. A spreadsheet-like interface is used to calculate window, door , skylight , roof, wall, and floor areas. These areas can then be transferred directly into REScheck where the code compliance results for those assemblies can be displayed.

54. Common Questions Additions Cavity vs. continuous insulation SHGC and U-factor values

55. Additions Check with local jurisdiction Addition only Addition plus existing home Under 2006 IECC, select Addition/ Alteration as the project type

56. Cavity vs. Continuous

57. SHGC and U-Factors

58. COMcheck Basics

59. COMcheckTM The 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. Plan Check and Field Inspection compliance guides are also available on the website. The 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. Plan Check and Field Inspection compliance guides are also available on the website.

60. Commercial Compliance COMcheck is a self-contained tool that addresses building envelope, HVAC, SWH, and lighting requirements. Each major building system must comply on its own; trade-offs between major systems aren’t permitted in COMcheck.COMcheck is a self-contained tool that addresses building envelope, HVAC, SWH, and lighting requirements. Each major building system must comply on its own; trade-offs between major systems aren’t permitted in COMcheck.

61. More Training Opportunities COMcheck 101 COMcheck 201 Case studies Just basics today Self-paced training available on website Case studies you can use to practice (or use if you yourself will be providing training to others)Just basics today Self-paced training available on website Case studies you can use to practice (or use if you yourself will be providing training to others)

62. Info You’ll Need Basic information about the builder and project Area take-offs for exterior walls, fenestration, roof/ceiling, basement walls, floors, etc. Insulation R-values, fenestration U-factors, etc. Lighting fixture details Heating and cooling system details Service water heating details

63. Main Steps Select the Appropriate Code Enter Project Information Enter Building Components Enter Interior/Exterior Lighting Enter Mechanical Equipment View/Print the Compliance Report(s) Save the Data File and the Report

64. Appropriate Code Energy code applicable to your state/ jurisdiction (Code Menu) Status of State Codes Default Preferences It’s very important to make sure you have the proper code selected before you begin entering information for your project as required information changes depending upon the selected code. Default – will remember previous code and location selected/used; good idea to double-check each time you start a project unless you have changed in Preferences Preferences - It’s very important to make sure you have the proper code selected before you begin entering information for your project as required information changes depending upon the selected code. Default – will remember previous code and location selected/used; good idea to double-check each time you start a project unless you have changed in Preferences Preferences -

65. Preferences Edit Menu General File Options Beyond Code Advisor Version Update Check Project Code/location Envelope General – file location, # of recent files Project – Code/Location – select a specific code and location to be used every time you start a new project; Envelope – can enable certain columns (applicable to code selected) to always appear Applicant – info to populate “project details” and will print on reports Reports – Report signature options; default if email reports to a particular building departmentGeneral – file location, # of recent files Project – Code/Location – select a specific code and location to be used every time you start a new project; Envelope – can enable certain columns (applicable to code selected) to always appear Applicant – info to populate “project details” and will print on reports Reports – Report signature options; default if email reports to a particular building department

66. Project Information Project location Project type Project details for report (optional) Title/Site/Permit Owner/Agent Designer/Contractor Notes Location – ties to weather data files; if your location isn’t listed, consult the local building department as to the location you should use; they may suggest you use COMcheck-Web which allows you to select locations by county; some state-specific versions have counties instead of cities Project –New Construction or Addition; under 90.1-1999 and later it’s New Construction, Addition, or Alterations Project Details – included in your project reports and may be useful to the building department or as a way to track and label your reports.Location – ties to weather data files; if your location isn’t listed, consult the local building department as to the location you should use; they may suggest you use COMcheck-Web which allows you to select locations by county; some state-specific versions have counties instead of cities Project –New Construction or Addition; under 90.1-1999 and later it’s New Construction, Addition, or Alterations Project Details – included in your project reports and may be useful to the building department or as a way to track and label your reports.

67. Project Screen A list of building use types OR whole building and area categories types (depending on the code selected) are provided. Use the applicable type(s). Under certain codes, you also have the option to enter Exterior Lighting Areas used to demonstrate exterior lighting compliance.A list of building use types OR whole building and area categories types (depending on the code selected) are provided. Use the applicable type(s). Under certain codes, you also have the option to enter Exterior Lighting Areas used to demonstrate exterior lighting compliance.

68. Building Use Types Vary by code Internal loads Lighting power allowances Internal loads and lighting power allowances are based on the user’s designation of building use. The options available to the user are based on the code selected in the Code menu.Internal loads and lighting power allowances are based on the user’s designation of building use. The options available to the user are based on the code selected in the Code menu.

69. Building Components Only components that separate conditioned space from unconditioned space/outside air Only use applicable buttons Can group “like” components Use of “other” assembly type Gross area Like components – if all components of one type (e.g., all exterior walls) have the same construction characteristics (e.g., wood-frame, 16” o.c. with R-13), you can add the square footage of all of those components of that type together and insert only one row into the table. “Other” – if assembly type isn’t listed, can select and the enter the overall U-factor (entire assembly, including air films), but will need to have backup documentation of U-factor for code official (manufacturer’s literature or documentation of U-factor calculation). Gross Area – all components except slab-on-grade are entered as gross area. Slab-on-grade is entered as perimeter length in feet. Components have a parent/child relationship. For example, windows and doors are children to walls. Like components – if all components of one type (e.g., all exterior walls) have the same construction characteristics (e.g., wood-frame, 16” o.c. with R-13), you can add the square footage of all of those components of that type together and insert only one row into the table. “Other” – if assembly type isn’t listed, can select and the enter the overall U-factor (entire assembly, including air films), but will need to have backup documentation of U-factor for code official (manufacturer’s literature or documentation of U-factor calculation). Gross Area – all components except slab-on-grade are entered as gross area. Slab-on-grade is entered as perimeter length in feet. Components have a parent/child relationship. For example, windows and doors are children to walls.

70. Foundations Basement button – use if basement is conditioned basement walls are insulated Floor button – use if separates conditioned from unconditioned space (includes slab-on-grade floor) You may have multiple types of foundations in the project, if so, use the applicable buttons If you have a slab, you will enter the perimeter of the slab component in linear feet. You will also select whether it is heated or unheated. A heated slab (e.g., a radiant slab) is one designed as part of a space-conditioning system. Heated slabs have higher insulation requirements than unheated slabs. You’ll also specify the slab insulation used and its position and depth.You may have multiple types of foundations in the project, if so, use the applicable buttons If you have a slab, you will enter the perimeter of the slab component in linear feet. You will also select whether it is heated or unheated. A heated slab (e.g., a radiant slab) is one designed as part of a space-conditioning system. Heated slabs have higher insulation requirements than unheated slabs. You’ll also specify the slab insulation used and its position and depth.

71. Envelope Screen Entries can change based on code and/or location selected Assembly types Int. Wall button Projection Factor Orientation Interior Wall is a component button available under some codes. Use this button to enter an interior above-grade wall that separates conditioned space from unconditioned space. Wall types for interior walls are the same as the wall types for exterior walls. An example of this would be a building that has a conditioned office inside an unconditioned warehouse. Projection Factor lets you account for the shading impact of horizontal overhangs or canopies that project outward from the plane of the window. The projection factor is the ratio of the distance the overhang projects from the window surface to its height above the sill of the window it shades. Only enter overhangs that are shown on the building plans. The software allows you to enter building components with or without considering the component orientation (north, south, east, and west).  Initially, the orientation option is turned off. Interior Wall is a component button available under some codes. Use this button to enter an interior above-grade wall that separates conditioned space from unconditioned space. Wall types for interior walls are the same as the wall types for exterior walls. An example of this would be a building that has a conditioned office inside an unconditioned warehouse. Projection Factor lets you account for the shading impact of horizontal overhangs or canopies that project outward from the plane of the window. The projection factor is the ratio of the distance the overhang projects from the window surface to its height above the sill of the window it shades. Only enter overhangs that are shown on the building plans. The software allows you to enter building components with or without considering the component orientation (north, south, east, and west).  Initially, the orientation option is turned off.

72. Envelope Results

73. Interior Lighting Mandatory requirements Interior lighting power requirements Complies if total connected power is less than interior lighting power allowance (entire building or partial building) Enter each fixture by building use – you’ll include the ballast type (if applicable), the number of lamps per fixture, the quantity, and the fixture input wattage (the electrical power input to the lamp and ballast combination).Enter each fixture by building use – you’ll include the ballast type (if applicable), the number of lamps per fixture, the quantity, and the fixture input wattage (the electrical power input to the lamp and ballast combination).

74. Interior Lighting LPDs based on Building Use on Project screen Add fixtures Identify exemptions and allowances (if applicable)

75. Exemptions and Allowances Options menu Based on code selected Exemptions Power for exempt fixtures is omitted from the proposed wattage Allowances Allowed wattage for building increased by allowable amount

76. Interior Lighting Results

77. Exterior Lighting Based on code selected Mandatory requirements Exemptions Ext. lighting pertains to these codes in COMcheck: 90.1-2004 and the 2006 IECC Mandatory requirements related to controls and lamp efficacy Process: 1) Calculate proposed connected lighting power, 2) calculate exterior lighting power allowance (LPDs by exterior application), 3) compare total connected power to total power allowance Ext. lighting pertains to these codes in COMcheck: 90.1-2004 and the 2006 IECC Mandatory requirements related to controls and lamp efficacy Process: 1) Calculate proposed connected lighting power, 2) calculate exterior lighting power allowance (LPDs by exterior application), 3) compare total connected power to total power allowance

78. Exterior Lighting Pay attention to Quantity and Units Tradable Common applications where unused power can be traded where needed Non-Tradable Less common applications that cannot be traded Tradable – for example, wattage allowed for parking lot lighting can be “traded” and used for canopy lighting. Nontradable – these applications have more specific security or task illuminance needs Tradable – for example, wattage allowed for parking lot lighting can be “traded” and used for canopy lighting. Nontradable – these applications have more specific security or task illuminance needs

79. Exterior Lighting Results

80. Mechanical Equipment Works differently than Envelope and Lighting Enter characteristics of HVAC system Plant Water heating Generates a customized list of requirements The characteristics you enter enable the software to exclude large numbers of requirements that don’t apply to your systems. HVAC system refers to secondary HVAC systems, including controls, fans, terminal boxes, radiators, coils, and package HVAC equipment, not primary HVAC system components such as boilers, chillers, cooling towers, and pumps. The characteristics you select determine which requirements apply. Some of the inputs are interdependent. Plant refers to primary HVAC components, such as boilers, chillers, cooling towers, and pumps. Water heating – the selection (or deselection) of the checkboxes in this section determines which water heating requirements apply to your building. The characteristics you enter enable the software to exclude large numbers of requirements that don’t apply to your systems. HVAC system refers to secondary HVAC systems, including controls, fans, terminal boxes, radiators, coils, and package HVAC equipment, not primary HVAC system components such as boilers, chillers, cooling towers, and pumps. The characteristics you select determine which requirements apply. Some of the inputs are interdependent. Plant refers to primary HVAC components, such as boilers, chillers, cooling towers, and pumps. Water heating – the selection (or deselection) of the checkboxes in this section determines which water heating requirements apply to your building.

81. Mechanical Report

82. Mandatory Requirements Must be met by all buildings Included in compliance report(s) Viewable in software Help Dependent upon code selected Envelope: air leakage, insulation installation, building component certification Lighting: interior lighting controls, automatic lighting shutoff, light reduction controls, interior and exterior lighting requirements Mechanical: system controls, outdoor air ventilation, duct construction and insulation, hydronic controls, pipe insulation, materials and equipment informationDependent upon code selected Envelope: air leakage, insulation installation, building component certification Lighting: interior lighting controls, automatic lighting shutoff, light reduction controls, interior and exterior lighting requirements Mechanical: system controls, outdoor air ventilation, duct construction and insulation, hydronic controls, pipe insulation, materials and equipment information

83. Help

84. Screen Operations Status bar explains what type of information goes into the active screen and/or active cell. Compliance bar shows the compliance results. Status bar explains what type of information goes into the active screen and/or active cell. Compliance bar shows the compliance results.

85. Screen Operations Compliance Bar Status Bar Colors - Red Colors – red usually indicates missing information, errors, or failing compliance; Colors – red usually indicates missing information, errors, or failing compliance;

86. Screen Operations Compliance Bar Status Bar Colors - Green Colors –green on the screen means a passing condition, in help it means a glossary term; Colors –green on the screen means a passing condition, in help it means a glossary term;

87. Screen Operations Compliance Bar Status Bar Colors - Blue Colors –blue refers to a lack of data (blue TBD in compliance bar means not enough data has been entered to render a compliance result; Colors –blue refers to a lack of data (blue TBD in compliance bar means not enough data has been entered to render a compliance result;

88. Screen Operations Compliance Bar Status Bar Colors Right Mouse Button “Context” Menu Context menu is available for certain cells and depending on the code and/or location selected for the project, includes such options as cut/copy/paste and options to edit certain inputs. When you right click in a lighting fixture cell, for example, the Use Default option is available. You can use this option if you do not have the lighting fixture wattage, but be aware that these defaults are very conservative and they are not available for every fixture type. Context menu is available for certain cells and depending on the code and/or location selected for the project, includes such options as cut/copy/paste and options to edit certain inputs. When you right click in a lighting fixture cell, for example, the Use Default option is available. You can use this option if you do not have the lighting fixture wattage, but be aware that these defaults are very conservative and they are not available for every fixture type.

89. Files Data (File Save) Report (File Save Report) Exchange The data file is the *.cck file in case you need to make any changes The report is a pdf and allows you to print and document compliance results determined by the software. COMcheck data file exchange – if you have saved a project on your computer’s hard drive and want to open that file in COMcheck-Web, you can log into the Web version and click on the Load Project link. OR, if you saved a project in Web and now want to open it in your desktop, you can sign into the Web version and click on the Download link.The data file is the *.cck file in case you need to make any changes The report is a pdf and allows you to print and document compliance results determined by the software. COMcheck data file exchange – if you have saved a project on your computer’s hard drive and want to open that file in COMcheck-Web, you can log into the Web version and click on the Load Project link. OR, if you saved a project in Web and now want to open it in your desktop, you can sign into the Web version and click on the Download link.

90. Common Questions Can I trade over-compliance in Envelope for under-compliance in Lighting? Cavity vs. continuous insulation Cavity = insulation installed in the cavities between framing members. All R-values should be only for insulation materials. The insulating values of other parts of the building assemblies (air films, etc) are already accounted for by the software based on assembly type. Continuous = insulation that runs continuously over structural members and is free of significant thermal bridging; for example, rigid foam insulation.Cavity = insulation installed in the cavities between framing members. All R-values should be only for insulation materials. The insulating values of other parts of the building assemblies (air films, etc) are already accounted for by the software based on assembly type. Continuous = insulation that runs continuously over structural members and is free of significant thermal bridging; for example, rigid foam insulation.