Article #1490 - COMcheck Web-Based Training Questions - Software

This article contains questions asked during the August 18, 2005 live broadcast of the COMcheck Web-Based Training session. The original language of the questions and answers has been modified to make them as generic as possible while retaining the applicable specific information.

When will the COMcheck include ASHRAE 90.1 2004?

The next major release of COMcheck (October 2005) will include an option for compliance to ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2004.

Why does the project type not have a "remodel" option?

The ability to show compliance with alteration projects (remodels) is scheduled to be complete and ready for release in October 2005.

Should engineers or architects do the calculations?

COMcheck was designed to be easy to use without requiring users to do any complicated calculations. However, a local jurisdiction may require architect or engineer involvement.

Do these programs satisfy any Corps of Engineers energy compliance requirements? How about other DoD or Federal client requirements?

The COMcheck Code menu option for ASHRAE Standard 90.1-1999/2001 would meet most of the Federal requirements, unless specifically identified by the agency. Federal agencies must generally meet the requirements of 10 CFR 434 (FEDCOM).

Is TRACE 700 an acceptable Total Building Performance program?

Yes.

Are saved reports compatible with AutoCAD 2004?

COMcheck does not have an option for importing data. However you could save your project as a report by clicking on "Save Report" from the File Menu. Open the report in a text processor and resave the report with a **.txt extension or a file extension that is compatible with your CAD program. Try importing the saved file into your program after resaving it or try copy and paste. The actual compliance certificate would be displayed on your CAD drawings.

Is the application XML, Java? Some desktops may need to be updated to allow this if so.

COMcheck is based on Java; no additional update is required because our software comes with all the required system files. These are installed automatically and do not affect any other software in your system.

I have software already installed on my computer. Is this a new version? Do I have to install software again?

You can check the website (www.energycodes.gov) to get details on the current version.

Is there a way to make the project file save to a specific folder rather than the default folder within the program folder?

Yes, choose the option "Save As" from the File Menu. Choosing this option gives you the ability to save your project in a specific folder rather than the default folder.

If I save the report, is the input data saved?

No, to save your input data choose "Save or Save As" from the File menu.

Will the next COMcheck release address Wisconsin Comm 63?

Comm63 is based on IECC 2000 with Wisconsin amendments. You can use COMcheck only for building envelope compliance, but not for HVAC or lighting. Set the code to be used with the "2000 IECC". For additional information please refer to the Wisconsin section of the Status of State Energy Codes.

Can we create a corporate account, for multiple projects so that we do not have a lot of individual accounts for different projects?

Yes, you can create one corporate account and store as many projects as you need. If many individuals are accessing these projects, you can share the account and password, but be aware that any one can change any project because it is unrestricted access.

How do I know what code year to use?

To check the status of the applicable energy code required in your area, choose the state in which the project will be located from the Status of State Energy Codes.

Can you change the code selected during input stages or at the end of the input?

Building types and assembly components can be different between codes. If the code is changed during input stages, items that show up in red will need to be updated before the program can calculate compliance.

If I did all the input under the 2003 IECC, can I go back at the end and change to 90.1? Will COMcheck then recalculate everything, or do I have to perform all new input under 90.1?

Building types and assembly components are different between IECC and 90.1. If the code is changed between the two, items that show up in red will need to be updated before the program can calculate compliance.

Can this report be used for LEED certification?

No, but it can give you a rough idea if you are in the ball park. COMcheck compliance calculations for both ASHRAE Standard 90.1 and IECC are based on component trade-offs within Envelope and Lighting. COMcheck calculates separate compliance indices for the Envelope and Lighting sections, and provides a check list for documenting Mechanical section compliance. While the compliance indices can be used to show if the Envelope or Lighting portion of the building is "above code", there is no ability to determine that the building as a whole is "above code". The intent of COMcheck is only to determine code compliance on a Pass/Fail basis and it is not applicable to "above code" calculations for whole buildings.

How does the reviewer know that we meet all requirements on the checklist?

Some requirements listed in the checklist could require additional documentation for the plan reviewer. There may also be requirements listed that will require an in-the-field inspection to verify compliance (a good example is vapor retarders which would require an inspection to verify this requirement has been met.).

Are there any credits or provisions allowed for solar or renewable energy systems?

To receive credit for solar energy systems, compliance would need to be shown using the whole building performance method. This requires using a different software application that performs an energy analysis on the building. The Building Energy Software Tools Directory has a listing of several different software applications that run energy simulations.

Is REScheck used in a three story over basement apartment building (total of 4 floors) but only 3 count science basement is a basement?

The definition of a residential building that is still covered under the residential code is one that is three stories or less above grade. The below grade floors do not count for this determination.