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Energy Code Compliance Using Comcheck™

CMHA TEK 06-04B

COMcheckTM (ref. 1) is software developed by the U.S. Department of Energy specifically for demonstrating compliance with nationally recognized energy codes. Versions are available for download (for various software platforms) as well as for online use. Using the tradeoff compliance method allowed by energy codes, such as COMcheck software, may provide more design flexibility when compared to prescriptive table requirements. For example, parameters such as fenestration area can be increased above the prescriptive limitations, and the additional energy demand offset by adjusting fenestration characteristics and/or increasing roof or wall insulation levels. In addition, once the basic building description has been entered into the program and saved, design changes and/or the building location can be quickly modified, and compliance immediately redetermined. COMcheck has another advantage in that various national and state energy codes and energy standards are included within the program, making it easy for designers who work in several states to be able to use the same compliance tool for many different project locations.

After the building data is entered, COMcheck indicates the percentage by which the proposed building envelope passes or fails the chosen energy code requirements. The program can be downloaded free of charge from: http://www.energycodes.gov/
comcheck. It is advisable to also review the known problems in COMcheck, which are documented on this same site.

This TEK provides a basic overview of the program as well as some guidance on concrete masonry building envelope compliance.

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