User manual

FAQ for CBECC-Res 2013

to check how the file was modified to get it to run. You might need to redefine one or more

components.

2. When a new version of software is approved, how soon do I have to use the new version?

It will vary from two to six months and this date will be displayed on the appropriate web sites. In

the early stages of software development, when new versions are released more frequently due to

errors and bug fixes, this time limit may be quite short. As time goes on and changes are the result

of adding features or refinements, this time will be extended to six months. Be sure to check the

2013 approved programs web site before making a permit application, as this is the date that

determines when a version is acceptable.

3. If I get a plan check correction and need to go back to an earlier version of the software, is there

any way for me to retrieve an older version from the CBECC-Res web site?

You will be able to download older versions of the software from this web site.

4. Can I have more than one version of CBECC-Res on my computer?

Yes. During installation you can specify a different drive or folder location for the program files and

data files (the input files can all be in one location). You will need to manually update the properties

for any desktop icons to ensure you are accessing the appropriate version of software for your new

projects.

NOTE: When fields get added to the program (for example, the status field to identify whether the

zone is new or existing), you will not be able to go back to an older version once the file has

changed. You can rename the input file after opening it to maintain the original input file.

5. Will my results change with the latest software release?

New versions may change the results for a building, depending on what was changed in the software

release. See the release notes for a description of what is affected by a new version.

6. I am using Windows 8. Do you know of any issues I should be aware of?

CBECC-Res was tested and operates in Windows 8 and 8.1. Only a couple of users have reported

that Adobe Acrobat does not operate as they were expecting. Specifically, CF1Rs do not

automatically open once created and the User’s Manual will not open from the program’s Help

feature. If you experience this issue, there is probably a solution posted on the Internet. In the

meantime, the CF1Rs can be manually opened from the Projects directory (same location as your

input files possibly located under the folders My Documents\CBECC-Res 2013 Projects\). The User’s

Manual is included with files such as the program’s .exe files. Look for a CBECC-Res 2013 folder

possibly in a Program Files folder. This might be a good time to change the “search” function to a

more useful tool (required for Windows 7 and beyond) and then you can search for UserManual.

Once you find it, you can put a shortcut on your desktop.

7. Does the software run every 2 minutes? If the weather data is hourly, what is the point?

The software runs at ~30 timesteps per hour or about once per 2 minutes. It needs to run with a

smaller timestep than older software because of the new air movement and mass calculations,

which are more accurate.

Increasing the speed of the processing time is a high priority for staff who hope to be able to provide

some improvement soon.

8. Is it possible to model a building with all cathedral ceilings (no attic)?