User manual

FAQ for CBECC-Res 2013
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4. If I have 2 air conditioners and 1 furnace (i.e., an inconsistent number of systems), the program
will not run. Should I model 2 systems or 1 system?
Enter the smaller of the number of systems. During installation the builder can install more systems
than are defined in the input file.
5. My project crashed with a CSE error. The project log file did not contain any information to
narrow down the location of the error. Is there somewhere else I can look?
We are aware of an error when the garage is modeled as 80% carpeted rather than exposed that is
very difficult to find. However, the tools available to you are all found by selecting Tools. The first
level is to View Project Log File and look for the word error, followed by details (be sure to scroll all
the way to the right for all of the details. Another tool is to View Project Folder, then find a folder
named “[filename] – Comp.” Inside that folder are two files that are type “ERR file.” Look in one or
both of these files for additional details to help locate the error. If you still cannot solve the error,
please send your ribd file to [e-mail]
for assistance.
FAQS POSTED ON FEBRUARY 19, 2015
1. I’m modeling an addition alone with a tankless water heater. The program is not giving me any
credit for this water heater. I noticed that when I try to change the system, it says “create a new
EXISTING water heater.” Since this is not an existing water heater, how can I get the program to
recognize this is a new water heater?
This may have happened if a file was originally an Addition and/or Alteration file and the DHW
status was set as existing. To fix this, go to the Analysis tab and first make note of the fraction of a
dwelling unit so you can reset this value after making a change. Second, change the project type to
Addition and/or Alteration. Third, go to the zone and change the DHW system status from existing
to new. Fourth, go back to the analysis tab and set it to Newly Constructed plus Addition Alone (with
the appropriate fraction). Lastly, in the zone define the new DHW system.
2. If my garage is below grade, how should I model that in CBECC-Res?
Model it as above grade. CBECC-Res is only accounting for the effects of an attached unconditioned
space. It is not necessary to model the effects of the surfaces being below grade.
3. When I model a ground source heat pump, it is triggering HERS tests for airflow and refrigerant
charge (climate zone 10). Can this be corrected?
Until the program can be changed so that it does not trigger HERS airflow (unless there are ducts) or
refrigerant charge testing, you can advise the installer to treat the system as a package unit. A CF2R-
MCH-25f will be completed, but no HERS requirements apply.
FAQS POSTED ON DECEMBER 30, 2014
1. With the latest release (bug fix 3b1 (694)), should I start using Example 18 files as my starting
point?
Yes. We have solved some problems (although rare) that may linger and corrupt older files, so we
recommend using the newer example files when starting a new project. The example files are
described in the User Manual on p. 2-2.