User manual

FAQ for CBECC-Res 2013
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Starting with the existing zone (zone status “existing” not “altered”), the status of the HVAC system
will be either existing or altered. If the intent is to model a change-out, then the status is altered
(not new). For example, if the owners are installing a new tankless water heater for the whole
house, that is “altered.” There will be a credit for this feature, which will vary depending on whether
the existing condition is verified and on the efficiency of altered system.
In the new/addition zone, the status of the HVAC and DHW will be:
• New if new equipment is being installed to serve the addition independent of the
existing,
• Altered if the system in the existing zone is also altered, or
• Existing if the existing HVAC or DHW equipment is serving the addition.
Pay special attention to the furnace fan status to be sure it matches the rest of the HVAC system.
And the ducts will either be:
• Altered if the existing ducts are being replaced,
• Existing if the existing ducts will remain and the addition will have < 40 feet of new
ductwork, or
• Existing + New if the existing ducts will remain and the addition will have new 40 feet or
more of new ductwork.
3. Can you explain the option to “verify” existing conditions for altered features?
[NOTE: As of July 15, the option to verify existing conditions cannot be used. Check with the HERS
provider for the availability of this credit.] The amount of credit for an alteration depends on
whether a HERS rater verifies the existing conditions. For example, if you are altering existing metal
frame, single-pane windows to vinyl frame, low-e windows, if you do not check “verify” you will only
input the efficiency of the new windows and your credit is based on the difference between the new
window U-factor/SHGC and 0.40/0.35 (values from Table 150.2-B of the Standards). If you pick
“verify” and enter the existing conditions of 1.28 U-factor/0.80 SHGC, the credit you receive is based
on the difference between these values and the U-factor/SHGC of the new windows.
4. Can you provide any more information about registering my CF1R?
CalCERTS recently began accepting projects for projects complying with the 2013 Standards. The
website (www.calcerts.com
) has a tutorial for CBECC users. You will upload the file <input> -
AnalysisResults-BEES.xml file (a ZIP file was the 2008 file format). If you do need to contact
CalCERTS, their e-mail is
[e-mail], or leave a message at 916-985-3400 ext 800. You can
expect a response within 24 hours.
Some tips: (1) Please be patient. CalCERTS is the only HERS provider currently approved. While
uploading projects has been around for years, the volume of uploads is going to be much greater
given that HERS testing is mandatory for all newly constructed buildings. (2) Make sure you have
generated the file you need. As explained in the User Manual, Section 1.8, check the  Full (XML)
option on the Analysis tab. The file will be found in the CBECC-Res projects folder under My
Documents.
5. What do I do about the watermark if I have an addition with no HERS requirements?
Staff is working to correct this so that there is no watermark if no HERS verification requirements
apply. This will help building department staff to know definitively that a CF1R with a watermark
must be registered. The program and watermarks were originally set up for new construction which