REM/Rate™ Version History

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

General:

• Update to new version of Hourly Engine. Now supports 301-2019ABCD.
• Improvements in error messaging coming back from Hourly Engine.
• Display CO2 Index in QA.
• Allows entry of Registry ID on building downloaded from RESNET post 16.2.1
• Allows saving a building for modification and updating RESNET registry.
• IECC 2021.
• Many bug fixes and new error messages

Build 1008

• fixes IECC2021 Climate zone changes, RESNET Upload, and some crash bugs.

Build 1009

• fixes IECC2021 errors in DHW, 301-2014 report bugs, as well as other stability issues.

Build 1010

• Fixes IECC2021 errors in the climate zone on the reports being incorrect. The data was processed and reported correctly just the climate zone was reported in error.
• Fixes package sent to RESNET for HVAC commissing.

Build 1011

• Fixes a couple of location errors in EnergyStar reporting.
• Fixes a persistent problem in batch reporting causing crashes.
• Fixes internal issue causing buildings to be kept in memory when not needed anymore.
• Fixed an issue with updating locations in foundation walls.
• Fixed a problem causing a crash when runnng reports for 301-2014.
• Changed the effective date on the 45L tax credit to 2022

Build 1012

• Fixed batch labels error.
• Fixed HERS Label crash.
• Changed Energy Star report to show ERI instead of HERS
• Fixed 2 building reports to correctly load the second building.

Build 1013

• Fixed runing NGBS reports.
• Added PSD reference home changes.
• Corrected some error checking on heat pumps
• Added build number to the title.

Build 1014

• Fixed runing LEEDS reports.
• Added PSD version change for export to include build number.

Build 1015

• Altered Trial mode to produce sample data
• Fixed an issue with export to data base
• Changed DOE standards to use ERI instead of HERS

Build 1016

• Fixed a bug in Register to RSENET that cuased the building to be registered but not updated.
• Limited Dehumidifers to Conditioned Space
• Fixed a bug introduced for IECC2021 Label and Certificate

HotFix 1017

• Fixed bug causing file not found Merge.ll in reports
• Caught an error where a window has an overhang but the distance to top is greater than or equal to distance to bottom.
• Refined the error given for a single building report from a choice of 4 reasons to the actual reasons.

HotFix 1018

• Added error detecting that the overhang distance to top of window is greater than or equal to overhang distance to bottom of window creating a window of 0 height.
• Refined error given on a single building where no valid reports are selected.
• Fixed an error where the message Merge.ll is not found.
• Removed Build number from title and changed to HotFix in About.
• Implemented a fix for RESNET submission returning and error of . when a special character is contained within a string such as tab.
• Implemented Evaporative Cooler as valid.
• Fixed an issue where the Analysis page shows wrong title for HERS as ERI (Typo).
• Detect an error where a door has an area of 0.
• Added missing weather file USA_TX_Corpus.Christi.NAS.722515_TMY3.

HotFix 1019

• Critical Fix - 1018 had an error in trying to prevent loading a bad building file causing a crash. It resulted in failing to load a valid building.

Reports:

• Updates to NGBS 2015.
• IECC 2021 UA, Performance, Label and Certificate and ERI Reports
• 2018 ERI – uses IECC 2015UA if PV is present, otherwise 2009 UA.
• Added Dehumidifier data from hourly engine to the Lights and Appliance Report.

Bugs in v16.3.3 that were fixed in v16.3.4 include:

General:

• Message improvement when closing building..
• Don’t generate a roof when a garage is completely under the floor above and there is no roof.
• Fixed a warning message for GHSP (Air Distribution).

Reports:

• Energy Star Reports the check for infiltration limits rounding error.
• Energy Code Checklist Report was not displaying.
• Fixed Export Code Report.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

General:

• Improvements in uploading to RESNET Registry.
• Improvements in error messaging coming back from Hourly Engine.
• Updates to Utah 2015 ERI code per January 2021.
• Added error message for buildings with both conditioned basements and crawlspaces on how the foundation type needs to be set.
• Added error message for ERV/HRV outside of 0 to 1.
• Added error message for foundation wall area of 0.0.
• Added error message if 2 different heat pumps systems are connected to the same distribution system. If either is shared that is a warning.

Reports:

• For ERI Reports added square footage of the home in Emissions Data Section.
• Component Design Loads Report hooked up for Hourly Engine.
• Cleaned out Tools->Options for reporting items that are no longer valid.
• Improved Building Summary Report with data from Hourly Engine.

Bugs in v16.3.2 that were fixed in v16.3.3 include:

General:

• Fixed an error in the internal gains calculation.
• Uploading to RESNET with duct exemption. Would get error message but it did not fail.
• Clothes Washer/Dryer in unconditioned space, was defaulting to Basement-unconditioned and would cause an error if building did not have a basement
• Fixed scaling issues with windows display, Windows 10, Windows 11 and Surface Pro.
• Fixed it so the ddx file and the scalar.cfg files are stored in the same directory as the exe. Including when double-clicking on a building.
• Fixed an error in a building where number of equipment units was abnormally high.
• Lights and Appliances when dishwasher gas rate and gas cost were 0 causing -nan in the calculations.
• Mechanical Ventilation was not handling the check box for CFM Not Measured being checked correctly.
• Hourly Data 8760 csv files not working correctly.

Reports:

• Energy Star Labels was not aligning if using EPA label paper.
• Fixed Batch and Energy Star Labels not working.
• Fixed program crashing when running LEED Report.
• Not reporting ducts correctly coming back from Hourly Engine.
• Fixed Reports going over 1 page – Energy Star Home Verification Summary.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

General:

• Export to Database Improvements. Due to the increase time of the Hourly Engine, we have made changes to increase speed and give the user more control.
  • Under Tools->Options->Export we allow the user to select which Hourly Engine Code run to export for the buildings. Default is HERS, ENERGY STAR selection in Mandatory Requirements, and DOE ZERH if applies.
  • The reference and design building exports for IECC, MEC, State and Utility Codes will not include the HERS or all the ENERGY STAR codes.
  • Batch Export will run what is selected in Tools->Options->Export for each building.
  • PSD Export Codes – As Is export will run what is selected.

Bugs in v16.3.1 that were fixed in v16.3.2 include:

General:

• Windows with no overhang were causing errors in the hourly engine.
• Hourly Engine error when mapping floors over garage. The Conditioned Space MF—locations were not getting mapped correctly.
• Fixed an error when the building is single family detached and the number of bedrooms in Photovoltaics exceeded the number of bedrooms in the building.
• Double-click in Output error window did not go to the correct screen.

Reports:

• Fix a bug in Batch for Energy Star Labels, using previous printed labels

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

Bugs in v16.3 that were fixed in v16.3.1 include:

General:

• Fixed a missing install file so reports can be saved as pdf.
• Fixed a problem where engine standard did not follow dropdown on open.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

General:

• HERS Score via Std 301-2019 or Std 301-2014 (until January 1st, 2022).
• Export the Hourly HERS and Energy Star data to the database.
• Allow Energy Star Single Family to be run for Multi-family homes. A warning is issued.
• Added a new Passive Home Certified to DOE Challenge screen. This will override SHGC validation for ZERH home.
• Improved mapping and error messages coming from Hourly Engine.
• Improved Registry ID handling and security.

Reports:

• New Energy Star Certificate.
• New Energy Star Label.
• Tax Credit turned back on.
• Hooked up X and Y offset to HERS and Energy Star Labels for better printing results.
• New Home Energy Efficient Mortgage has HERS Reference hooked up to Hourly Engine.

Bugs in v16.2.1 that were fixed in v16.3 include:

General:

• REM crashing when exporting a building to XML.
• Fixed error checking for Mechanical Ventilation.
• Double-click or drag and drop to load a building was not allowing the ability for the user to deal with the registry id.
• Adjustments for Window 10 scaling..

Reports:

• REM crashing running HERS and/or Energy Star labels in Batch.
• Building Summary Report crashing on HVAC Cx inconsistencies.
• Older buildings with seasonal runs causing the Energy Star Reports to run seasonal engine and not hourly.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

General:

• HERS Score via Std 301-2019 or Std 301-2014 (until January 1st, 2022).

Bugs in v16.2 that were fixed in v16.2.1 include:

General:

• Fixed skylights causing an error on running ENERGY STAR.

Reports:

• LEED for Homes V4 Report having all zeros in LEED Reference column.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

General:

• HVAC Commissioning per ACCA 310.
• Handle GSHP with no ducts.
• Added a Status Bar (unregistered, Registered, Modified). Works on buildings registered from 16.1 and later. Allows the user to enter the Registry ID on a building downloaded from RESNET if it has not been modified.

Reports:

• Updated Air Leakage Report Layout.

Bugs in v16.1.1 that were fixed in v16.2 include:

General:

• Fixed a bug in slabs screen where location was always enabled.
• Fixed location on the hands on the screens.
• Fixed a bug loading in old buildings with Integrated equipment.
• Fixed a bug with mini-splits.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

General:

• Federal Minimum boiler specifications updated for 2021.
• Disabled the mechanical ventilation “Use Default” checkbox for the Fan Watts of Shared MF systems. Shared systems require field data.
• Removed the duct screen’s “ENERGY STAR” test exemption checkbox, since under Rev 11 the exemption is automatically applied if relevant.
• Removed the ENERGY STAR MFNC laundry checkboxes on the Mandatory Requirements screen, since those are no longer used under Rev 02.
• Removed previously-mandated Error that was blocking simulation for Tiny Houses, per agreement in RESNET Software Consistency Committee.

Reports:

• PA Savings Reference & Design homes updated for new program year.
• ENERGY STAR duct Leakage to Outside exceptions for Rev11 now automated.

Bugs in v16.1.0 that were fixed in v16.1.1 include:

General:

• Fixed hourly heat pump simulation to handle cases where Heating Capacity at 17degF is not specified (e.g. DFHPs and ENERGY STAR Target Reference).
• Fixed issue in Dishwasher inputs when using Specific EnergyGuide Label instead of presets.
• Shared Clothes Dryer hourly simulation now runs successfully.
• MF duct locations – fixed a bug that stopped the Seasonal engine simulation for these.
• Corrected REMxml export/import bug affecting the mechvent ATRE data field.
• Fixed bug in the laundry equip data uploaded to the RESNET Registry.

Reports:

• ENERGY STAR Target Reference simulation now works when have Shared mechanical ventilation systems.
• Fixed ENERGY STAR Target Ref clothes dryer efficiency.
• Fixed subtle issue in glazing area for ENERGY STAR Target Ref configuration for Multifamily and conditioned basements.
• Fixed unconditioned basement configuration bug impacting the 2015 ERI, 2018 ERI, and ENERGY STAR simulations.
• Rounding issue fixed to ensure ENERGY STAR HERS comparison with Target does not compare decimal values, but only whole number values.
• Removed archaic LEED for Homes v2008 report.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

General:

• All HERS is HourlyHERS; all other calculations use the Seasonal engine.
• Complies with Std 301-2019, including Addenda A & B.
  • HVAC commissioning inputs per ACCA 310 will be offered in REMv16.1.1; this release assumes the Grade III default per Addendum B.
• Error and Warning messages added and refined to catch problems before running the HourlyHERS engine.
  • More checks of internal consistency of building geometry.
  • Checks for common input errors that stopped HourlyHERS.
• Updates & improvements to HourlyHERS simulations:
  • Required changes per Std 301-2019
  • Various Software Consistency Committee agreements
  • Foundation wall insulation positioning refinements
  • DFHP simulation refinements
  • Expanded fuel options
  • Fewer limitations, more flexible
• More flexible apartment location options (“Foundation” choices).
• New option in Slab screen to better describe attached Garage dimensions.
  • This Garage input is Not required but can help HourlyHERS simulation if have multiple garages or if larger than 2-car.
• Expanded wall-joist-floor locations (especially new MF spaces), and likewise for ducts and equipment.
  • REM reads in existing blg files and updates to the expanded location choices, especially Foundation walls. You may wish to tweak the inputs, particularly any AgWalls in foundation spaces.
• Significant changes to Lights & Appliances:
  • New location options, e.g. MF shared spaces like Laundry rooms.
  • Dishwasher inputs & calculations updated to align with Addendum A of Std 301-2019. Older blg files are automatically mapped to the closest appropriate defaults.
  • Clothes Washer and Clothes Dryer calculations likewise updated to Addendum A.
• DHW equipment now in a dedicated input screen, allowing for MF Shared water heaters (such as for MF Shared Laundry room).
• Mechanical ventilation now in a dedicated screen; offers:
  • Multiple mechvent systems serving the same home;
  • MF shared systems;
  • Preconditioning for MF shared mechvent (only used by HourlyHERS engine, not Seasonal engine).
• Space Conditioning input screen covers heating, cooling, and dehumidification equipment.
  • Allows for Shared MF equipment dedicated to preconditioning Shared mechanical ventilation.
• New library for Shared MF space conditioning equipment (boilers, chillers, cooling towers, gshp with Shared ground loop).
• Added new window input – “Operable” impacts natural ventilation.
• MF infiltration traits now built-in per Std 301-2019, in place of the old RESNET Multifamily Guidelines work-around.
• Expanded inputs and simulation requirements for Whole House Fans.
• Photovoltaic systems are now able to be MF Shared systems.
• Added new weather location option (in Corpus Christi, TX) for both engines.
• And many other small required changes for Std 301-2019!

Improvment Analysis:

• Disabled in v16.1, pending updates to accommodate the many new features in this release.

Reports:

• Print permissions from older blg files are reset in v16.1, since the simulation results have changed per Std 301-2019 requirements.
• Analysis Pane revised Codes tab; the only HERS is HourlyHERS.
• ENERGY STAR updates: SF v3.x Revision 11, MFNC v1.x Revision 02.
• LEED v4 report logic now accepts compliance with any ENERGY STAR v3.x version to meet the Minimum Energy Performance criteria.
• Updated Performance Path duct test exemption logic to Thermal Boundary basis instead of Conditioned Space, for 2015 IECC and later.
• Removed the old report selector.
• Removed Seasonal HERS from Export database and Batch Report.
• Removed 45L Tax Credit report pending new implementation required by DOE.
• Expanded options for 8760 Hourly output in Options>>Miscellaneous.

UDRH:

• Note that UDRH has not yet been expanded to cover all the new Seasonal Engine features, but we have sought to ensure that existing UDRH functions continue to work in the interim.

Bugs in v16.0.6 that were fixed in v16.1 include:

General:

• Various HourlyHERS bug fixes.
  • Most notable one involved duct locations, in which a large difference in supply vs return %area for locations outside conditioned space required work-around.
• RESNET Registry – if the RegistryID is not received by REM during upload, user should now receive an alert.
• Refined error trap for reading in REM-xml which had invalid number of units for the housing type.
• Made tweaks to shell area and window/wall ratio calculations to ensure only the Dwelling Unit boundary is counted, now including joists.
• Minor tweak to Insulation Grading calculation, ensuring that the Grade applies only to the cavity area.
• HPs in the Space Heating library: the backup heating kW “Use Default” checkbox now retains the setting saved in the blg file.
• Made some Seasonal engine corrections for appliance contributions to Internal Gains. These do not impact the HourlyHERS.
• Fix in Seasonal engine involving 2015 IECC ERI and 2018 IECC ERI when home has a HRV mechvent system. The ERI Reference Home mechanical ventilation fan energy is impacted.

Reports:

• Resolved issue that prevented ENERGY STAR reports in the HourlyHERS engine for unusual duct leakage units.
• Fixed a print issue for NY Certificate.
• Added some missing items in the Analysis Pane report.

Changes for specific versions:

Wisconsin:

• Fixed bug in LEEDv4 report involving custom inputs in WI flavor.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

General:

• Added and refined various Error and Warning messages to help ensure HourlyHERS engine gets the needed data quality.

Reports:

• 45L Tax Credit report expiration date updated.
• Permit Date extended through 30jun2021 to allow MF homes to use ENERGY STAR v3.x instead of ENERGY STAR MF New Construction v1.x.

Bugs in v16.0.5 that were fixed in v16.0.6 include:

General:

• Fixed subtle rounding issue with the HourlyHERS engine, involving Load Served percentages.

Reports:

• Fixed bug in Batch Reporting, where some HourlyHERS blgs showed Seasonal results. This impacts all Hourly Batch reports to prior to v16.0.6.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

General:

• When editing a blg that has a RESNET Registry ID, REM now disables but preserves the ID if the user indicates an intention to re-Register the building as a correction.
• Refined how the HERS engine selection is saved in the blg file.
• Improved garage logic for HourlyHERS engine.

Reports:

• Refined how infiltration is reported on some reports like the HERC.

Bugs in v16.0.4 that were fixed in v16.0.5 include:

General:

• Fixed issue with HourlyHERS error check that involved floor and ceiling areas.
• Added error check for incompatible foundation wall inputs.
• Added errors & warnings for surface areas adjacent to garage.
• Fixed Registry upload bug impacting homes that employed certain duct leakage alternative scenarios.
• Fixed an obscure bug involving loss of Registry ID when preceding blg had no utilities defined.

Reports:

• Fixed a duct configuration bug in the ENERGY STAR and ZERH Target References which was incorrectly following the Addendum L logic.
• Fixed issue in LEED v4 Reference configuration affecting homes with Sealed Attics.
• Updated an archaic code reference on the New York 2020 code certificate.

Changes for specific versions:

Wisconsin:

• Updates to Focus on Energy report.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

Reports:

• 45L Tax Credit updated to meet new calculation requirements that are required for homes with Permit Dates starting 01aug2020.
• ENERGY STAR MFNCv1.0 wall U-value for Target Reference revised per Policy Record change.
• Updated the Qualification Home specs for various PA utility programs.
• Updated New York State ECC to the 2020 code.

Bugs in v16.0.3 that were fixed in v16.0.4 include:

General:

• Corrected data for 5 Seasonal engine weather locations, and conducted automated test of all REM weather locations for similar problem.
• Refined error check for conditioned crawl foundations to allow for adiabatic walls.
• Fixed an HourlyHERS issue involving duct locations which have some supply or some return area, but not both.
• Fixed issue impacting Registry upload of some HourlyHERS ratings.

Reports:

• Fixed “Percent better” calculation issue impacting Performance Path for 2018 IECC and codes based on it. Now correctly includes mechvent fan cost, as shown elsewhere on the report.
• Fixed issue with crawlspace Thermal Boundary choice that impacted Reference Home configuration for 45L Tax Credit. Also aligned Ref Home configuration logic with current best practices for Conditioned Crawls.
• Printing layout tweak made to keep IECC certificates on one page.
• Addressed LEEDv4 Reference Home technical problem affecting homes larger than that Ref Home, so REM now reports the Ref Home results.
• Corrected NCTCOG 2018 and IL 2018 codes, now applying the 2018 IECC mechvent efficacy requirement for balanced systems.
• Fixed situation in NCTCOG 2018 where ASHP library entry was being excluded from using the ACH Tradeoff.

Changes for specific versions:

Wisconsin:

• Fixed issue that sometimes forced the Focus on Energy certificate to run the HourlyHERS engine.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

General:

• Allows the seasonal engine to be used for HERS Ratings with permit dates prior to January 1, 2021.

Bugs in v16.0.2 that were fixed in v16.0.3 include:

General:

• Fixed an error when uploading buildings with alternative duct leakage to RESNET registry.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

General:

• Applies RESNET’s newly-approved Interim Amendment 47i, allowing the HERS duct test exemption even when ducts use building cavities.
• Added validation check to ensure that attic duct locations and the type of attic are in agreement.
• Added more geometry warnings and errors to help ensure the inputs make sense.
• Added additional control for setting for Permit Date, beside the simulation engine selector by the Menu Bar.
• Added new default options to Reset Window Layout.
• Began adding new function in Errors/Warnings screen – double-click on the message to open the relevant screen. Also, tabs change color when they have content you should see.

Improvement Analysis:

• Restored to function.

Reports:

• Flexible “Utility Incentives” report added; replaces the old FedMin checkbox in Options.
• Batch reporting has now been extended to cover both HourlyHERS and Seasonal simulations, for most functions.

Bugs in v16.0.1 that were fixed in v16.0.2 include:

General:

• Tightened up the interaction of permit date and engine selection with reports generated that contain HERS Index.
• Resolved HourlyHERS issue for homes with multiple boilers for space heating.
• Fixed bug in translating mixed foundation types to HourlyHERS engine.
• HourlyHERS issue fixed involving duct locations that include either a supply or a return duct, but not both.
• Fixed how ducts under slab floors are handled in Seasonal Engine.

Improvement Analysis:

• Fixed issue going back to v15.7.3 that sometimes caused REM to crash when grouped measures included an infiltration measure.
• Fixed issue from v15.8 involving infiltration measures using %reduction, where the improvement was showing up as zero % reduction.
• Corrected the position of infiltration measures listed as part of a sequence of measures rank-ordered based on SIR.

Reports:

• Restored IECC duct leak test validation to pre-v16 behavior, so no longer cares which measurement units are used.
• Fixed bug affecting ENERGY STAR Target Reference when simulating ASHPs using Space Heating and Space Cooling library entries.
• Resolved issue where HourlyHERS could not simulate ENERGY STAR Target Reference.
• Corrected issue involving gable end walls for Sealed Attics when doing hourly simulation for ENERGY STAR Target Ref home.
• Fixed issue affecting HourlyHERS simulation of ESv3.1 Target Ref Home zero duct leakage.

Changes for specific versions:

Canada:

• Bug fixed for Package A1 Ref Home forced air distribution.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

General:

• Interim changes made to placement of the navigation hands, to make them work better for wider selection of monitor resolutions.

Improvement Analysis:

• The Improvement Analysis feature is disabled for this release, pending fixes needed to handle the infiltration input revisions made for v15.6.

Reports:

• Updated the 45L Tax Credit report for the Dec 2020 expiration date.
• Added Options checkbox on Reports tab to see csv files for 8760 hours of HourlyHERS simulation of HERS Reference & HERS Design homes.
• Corrected the Export Revision Report.
• Added label and certificate for PA 2015 code.
• The PA utility reports (FirstEnergy, PPL, PECO, UGI) now report ENERGY STAR status for either seasonal or HourlyHERS simulations.

Bugs in v16.0 that were fixed in v16.0.1 include:

General:

• Fixed rounding issue in Error checking for bsmt floor depth below grade.
• Addressed issue with HourlyHERS simulations for blg files located on servers by providing option to set local working directory.
• Fixed issue that was stopping HourlyHERS simulations involving foundations of “More than one type.”

Reports:

• Fixed bug in which pre-v16.0 blgs with permit dates in 2020 were not being fully forced to use the HourlyHERS engine.
• Bug fixed in Batch Reporting which was crashing if picked more than one report.
• Batch log report now showing again when the checkbox is selected in the Options dialog.

Changes for specific versions:

Canada:

• Fixed Reference Home window U-value configuration to use window/wall ratio as defined by Package A1.

Wisconsin:

• Added new export items for Focus on Energy program.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

General:

• HourlyHERS engine now available!
  • New indicator/selector on Menu bar shows whether the HERS Index will be calculated using the seasonal engine or the HourlyHERS engine.
  • Note that some REM features will only be available for the seasonal engine at this time. Look for the label “seasonal.”
  • Check in REM Help to learn which building technologies from the seasonal engine are not yet available in the HourlyHERS.
  • Mouse over the HourlyHERS value to see the unrounded value that becomes the HERS Index. This also shows what percentage of that HERS Index comes from heating, cooling, DHW, and L&A.
• Refined the seasonal engine logic for hot climate heat pump backup strip heating in all seasonal engine ERI calculations.
• Added new error check for appropriate foundation selection of apartments on lowest level.
• Updated all references from ENERGY STAR’s Tropics program to Pacific program, and limited the application to the sites covered by Pacific.
• Updated warning limits for laundry equipment, per RESNET Publication 002-2019.

Improvement Analysis:

• Increased decimal places for mortgage, discount, and inflation rates.
• Disabled 3 Improvement Analysis reports that rely on HERS results.

Reports:

• HourlyHERS “lighting bolt” button on Analysis Pane runs the HourlyHERS as well as all seasonal Analysis Pane results.
• Removed HERS option from Graph feature under Reports menu.
• New energy code reports:
  • PA 2015 code (adopted 2018), incl. PA ERI
  • IL 2018 code
  • UT 2015 ERI report
  • NCTCOG 2018 report
• Updated infiltration in ENERGY STAR MFNC Target Reference homes per the 31may2019 Policy Record.
• Specification updates made to Reference and Design homes for PA utility programs.
• Export feature updates:
  • Added DSE (Distribution System Efficiency) where a home includes a DSE as part of the configuration
  • Added fan energy for mechanical ventilation to the 2018 IECC Performance Path export

Bugs in v15.8 that were fixed in v16.0 include:

General:

• Refined new duct leakage checks that determine whether HERS and other ERI calculations are allowed or show as NA.
• Fixed subtle configuration bug in mechvent fan runtime when mechvent flow not measured.
• Subtle configuration bug fixed for HERS, ENERGY STAR, & code ERIs, involving conditioned crawlspaces that have frame walls.
• Fixed old bugs in seasonal engine HERS & ERI internal gains calculations for refrigerators and ceiling fans.
• Fixed Addendum D logic checks for ERIs that are not HERS. These were broken in v15.8 during the duct overhaul to add Addendum L.
• Corrected IECC Fan efficacy for mechanical ventilation – was evaluating balanced ventilation incorrectly. Also changed the rounding for the efficacy calculation to ensure that the minimum required efficacy is met.
• IECC Reference Home configuration corrected to ensure it has whole-house fan if the Design Home does.
• Batch Modification location fix that ensures users cannot accidentally put a blank location into modified buildings.

Reports:

• Restored ability to save reports directly to pdf.
• Report templates have been revised to not use shading, which some pdf printer drivers treated as black bars instead of shading.
• 2018 IECC Performance Path – fixed bug where the Design Home subtotal for compliance was calculated using the Ref mechvent cost.
• 2018 ERI and the NC 2018 ERI –Addendum L duct test exemption is not relevant for these, and now is no longer applied.
• Reference Home fix for 2004-2018 IECC & related energy codes, ensuring that if Whole House Fans are present, they are in both Design & Ref.
• Export fix: bESTARV3 field is now part of the export feature again.
• Export (and only Export) again shows the seasonal engine pass/fail status for all ENERGY STAR versions, ignoring which version the Rater actually verified.
• Solved issue in ENERGY STAR duct leakage check, involving alternative values for compliance.
• Corrected ESv3.x & ZERH logic to ensure the new duct inputs show Total Duct Leakage is tested.
• ENERGY STAR MF Ref Home fix for v1.0 & v1.1 – configuration of tankless electric water heaters corrected.
• New Home EEM report now works even if Mortgage Rate is set to zero.

Changes for specific versions:

Canada:

• Updated logic for window/wall ratio as defined by Package A1.

Wisconsin:

• Added ability to export the WI Focus on Energy savings & percent better homes.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

Reports:

• Updated 45L Tax Credit to new expiration date.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

General:

• Major changes in Ducts:
  • Revised duct logic and duct inputs to use RESNET Addendum L options for duct leakage.
  • Improved duct analysis for IECC codes (from 2009 onward) by applying DSEs only to the applicable systems, instead of all systems in home.
  • Removed outdated duct leakage input mode based on Std152-2004. Older *.blg that used this will open up now using cfm25 as the unit of measure.
  • Duct warning messages now specify the duct system involved.
• Building Info screen checkbox added to identify whether certain foundation types are within the home’s Infiltration Volume.
• Mechanical Ventilation changes for RESNET MINHERS Addendum 39 including new inputs, new logic:
  • Checkbox available if unable to field-measure mechvent flowrate.
  • Default option for mechvent fan watts.
• All ENERGY STAR MF New Construction versions now available for use.
• Batch Modification updates reflecting infiltration, mechanical ventilation, and duct screen changes. Also added ability to modify the IECC mandatory requirement checkboxes.
• Added more internal consistency warnings for equipment locations.
• Streamlined options in worst-case orientation tool.
• Various refinements in reporting to RESNET Registry.

Improvement Analysis:

• Revised Measure dialog to align with updated inputs for mechanical ventilation.

Reports:

• Analysis pane’s Codes tab now explicitly shows compliance status for each path (UA, Cost Compliance, and ERI) under 2015 & 2018 IECC.
• Revised Building File Report:
  • to show DSE separate from Performance Adjustment, and
  • to show which duct systems have DSE, and which have duct losses.
• NC 2018 and NC HERO logic updated to reflect mechanical ventilation interpretation from NC Dept of Ins.
• DOE Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) specification updates from February 2019 applied.
• Export feature now shows ENERGY STAR compliance only for the version verified in the Mandatory Requirements screen.
• Retired the certificates & labels for 2006 IECC.

Bugs in v15.7.3 that were fixed in v15.8 include:

General:

• Sim Error refined to allow walkup apts with ground floor conditioned entrance.
• Fixed rare bug involving door area too large for the remaining wall in the Index Adjustment Design home; a corrective Addendum to Std 301 is pending.
• Fixed bug involving the rarely-used Visually Inspected option in the infiltration screen; now AsIs building uses the Annual Infiltration Value shown onscreen.
• Fixed issue in Batch Modification to prevent using a blank climate location.

Reports:

• Fixed several bugs in IECC Mandatory duct tests, where some failures were missed in multi-duct homes with a test exemption claim.
• When adding missing heating & cooling equipment for IECC codes, corrected the logic for setting the DSE assigned to it.
• Corrected the SHGC for ESv3.2 OR-WA Reference Home.
• DOE ZERH mandatory check fixes
  • Now confirm compliance with the ENERGY STAR version selected.
  • Logic added to verify the required ZERH window specs.
• Fixed duct surface area for LEED v4 Reference Home.
• Corrected typo in 2018 ERI report that mentioned the 2015 ERI.
• Fixed several minor display bugs in various reports.

UDRH:

• Fixed & clarified a special case involving the FixtureDist parameter under PlumbingValues.

Changes for specific versions:

Wisconsin:

• Various requested tweaks for the Focus on Energy report, & bug fix for DSE of the Percent Better than Code reference when have hydronic heating.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

Reports:

• Updated 45L Tax Credit to new expiration date.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

Bugs in v15.7.2 that were fixed in v15.7.3 include:

General:

• Repaired bug from v15.7.2 involving Mandatory compliance checks for UA Compliance reports, impacting the 2012, 2015, 2018 IECC and the IA, IL, and MI codes.
• Fixed a bug in Sampled Batch if the new infiltration fields were not included in the file.

Reports:

• Fixed NY Certificate reporting for slab perimeter insulation.

Changes for specific versions:

Canada:

• Fixed reporting for slab perimeter insulation.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

General:

• For attached housing: added checkbox that automatically applies the infiltration adjustment as described in the RESNET Multifamily Guidelines. Useful for Multifamily HERS ratings & ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction(MFNC) v1.x.
• Added new checkboxes on Mandatory Requirements screen for ENERGY STAR MFNC v1.x (class AW windows and ES laundry equipment).
• Added Permit Date input on Rating Information screen. Used to apply date-related requirements in various programs, and also by RESNET to assess which software versions are allowable for HERS Ratings.
• Updated Washer presets: Should now be easier for QAD review, since the preset values are not editable unless the Custom preset is selected. Also added preset "ENERGY STAR 2018" which is the same clothes washer specified for the ES MFNC v1.x Reference Homes.
• Batch Reporting dialog revised, to streamline expanded label options.
• Report selector’s Groups have been revised, to make it easier to find certification vs code reports.
• Made revisions to the HERC Criteria Check feature, to eliminate outdated energy codes and clarify which paths are passing for 2015-2018 IECC.
• Added more validation checks for the “More than one type” foundations.
• Updated RESNET Registry uploads to XML schema 2.10.
• Added initial hourly reporting functionality for a provided test building.

Improvement Analysis:

• Added “Oregon Methodology” for Economic Factors in the Improvement Analysis feature.

Reports:

• Applied official ICC interpretation to calculation of 2018 ERI.
• Codes tab of Analysis Pane now explicitly shows Pass/Fail status of the UA and Performance paths of 2015-2018 IECC.
• Updated NC code and HERO reports to 2018 code, and added the NC ERI report.
• ENERGY STAR mandatory requirements now verified for only one ES version at a time, for better quality assurance.
• Added the new ENERGY STAR MFNC v1.1 reports; next release will include the other two versions.
• Tweaks made to ENERGY STAR reports to reflect evolution between original and Rev09.
• Implemented the DOE ZERH program’s Nov2018 update to electric water heater efficiency for attached housing Reference Homes.
• Additions to Batch reporting include the IECC’s 2018 ERI.
• Added the FedMin checkbox function to the 2015 MI energy code.

Bugs in v15.7.1 that were fixed in v15.7.2 include:

General:

• Duct surface area calculator now correctly handles homes with multiple duct systems.

Improvement Analysis:

• Subtle bug in the Present Value calculation has been fixed for the DOE Methodology, involving an incorrect measure lifetime.

Reports:

• Fixed subtle Reference Home bug for ENERGY STAR, ZERH, and LEEDv4 so that original duct surface areas are now retained.
• For 2006-2018 IECC Performance Paths, fixed subtle bug that made some Reference Home window areas too large. Impacts homes with window/floor ratios smaller than the threshold percentage specified for each code’s Reference Home.
• Fixed issue where energy code checklist was not being added to the ERI reports when “Attach Checklist to UA and Performance Reports” is marked in Tools>>Options.

Changes for specific versions:

Wisconsin:

• Fixed bug involving Registry ID being blanked when moving from WI flavor to standard flavor within the same REM release version.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

Reports:

• Updated various reports to display percentages for LED interior lighting. Includes HERS certificate, ES Summary & certificate, NGBS.
• Added additional logic to REM XML import to address imports from versions lacking the new LED lighting inputs.

Bugs in v15.7 that were fixed in v15.7.1 include:

General:

• Error check for Conditioned Crawl walls refined to allow for Townhomes with adiabatic foundation walls between units.
• Threshold input type fixes for infiltration and duct leakage, to allow the use of different measurement units for the Threshold values and the Field Test results.
• Fixed HERS Index issue where if the home’s only door was in a garage wall, the IAD home was not able to be configured.

Improvement Analysis:

• Fixed a bug that would cause REM to crash, involving the checkbox for interaction of improvement measures, in combination with infiltration improvements.

Reports:

• Fixed bug dating to v15.5 that sometimes wrongly indicated mechanical ventilation code compliance failure. Only impacted MI and IA codes, and NGBS 2015.

Changes for specific versions:

Canada:

• Fixes for Package A1 Report.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

General:

• The IAF (Index Adjustment Factor) is now part of the HERS Index, per RESNET’s requirements in effect at the start of July.
• Lighting inputs revised per Addendum G, to account for the small additional savings from LED lighting. Corresponding update to the Batch Modification for lighting.
• Updated labeling of mechanical ventilation recovery efficiencies to ASRE and ATRE, in alignment with current AHRI labeling.
• Trial Mode changes - duration of trial changed to 14 days.
  • For Rater training purposes, we suggest using the 90-day trial mode in v15.6.1. We are developing a longer-term solution for future training needs.
• Added a couple of appliance fields to Export function.
• Clarifications on some error messages, and added warnings.
• Updated to use v2.08 of RESNET Registry schema.

Reports:

• Added the 2015 ERI and 2018 ERI to the Analysis Pane. Unlike the HERS Index, the two ERI entries do not include the IAF, nor Addendum G lighting, and are designed to remain constant for the duration of energy codes that adopt them.
• Updated and New ERI reports.
  • We have added 2015 ERI and 2018 ERI reports which use stable versions of the ERI. They are based on Std 301-2014 as republished in Jan 2016, including Addenda A & B which were published at the same time. The 2018 ERI includes the change to Reference Home mechanical ventilation specified in 2018 IECC.
  • REM retains the RESNET-branded 2015 ERI report (as the “HERS-ERI” in the report selector), which uses the current HERS Index as the ERI.
  • The TX ERI report has been revised to use the 2015 ERI value described above, instead of the HERS ERI. This keeps it stable based on when TX adopted this code.
• ENERGY STAR v3.2 reports expanded to cover OR as well as WA.
• The Target Indices as well as HERS Indices in ENERGY STAR reports now include the IAF.
• Added logic for NC code “semi-conditioned” spaces, so duct insulation levels are tested per that criteria under the NC 2012 code and NC HERO.
• Removed outdated custom reports for NV programs.

UDRH:

• UDRH syntax updated to accommodate the new lighting input options.
• Refinements to data in UDRH export.

Bugs in v15.6.1 that were fixed in v15.7 include:

General:

• Fixed issue where buildings created with Simplified Inputs mode occasionally had problems due to not having access to the DHW Efficiencies inputs.
• Fixed how library entries in REM XML are identified as Quick-Fill or Path Layer modes.

Reports:

• Made fixes to how the Tax Credit behaves when the RESNET duct testing exemption is claimed.
• Fixed Performance Path bug involving Leakage to Outside with the new IECC duct testing exemption checkbox.
• Fixed old Performance Path issue where duct conduction losses were being counted with the Distribution System Efficiency of untested duct systems.
• Ensured that all Design Homes starting with the 2012 IECC are now configured to use the Rating Tab inputs, consistent with the Reference Homes.
• Source Energy & Emissions report labeling clarified – it uses the HERS Design & Reference homes, and not an “All-electric” reference.

Changes for specific versions:

Canada:

• New report for Ontario Building Code’s Package A1.

Wisconsin:

• Refinements to calculations & configuration for the 2018 Focus on Energy report.

CT Eversource:

• Refinements to configuration.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

General:

• Per RESNET decision to delay implementation until July, we have separated IAF (Index Adjustment Factor) back out of the HERS Index.

Bugs in v15.6 that were fixed in v15.6.1 include:

General:

• Fixed a major bug in how the IAD Home was configured.
• Fixed a minor bug where IAD Home for HERS calculation was unable to be configured for unusual building configurations.
• Fixed a minor bug in Exterior Lighting configuration of IAD Home for HERS calculation.
• Tweaks to how the new duct leakage test exemption changes are handled for old building files, and displayed in the Building File Report.

Reports:

• Export database fixed - bTaxCredit field now populates.

UDRH:

• Fixed bug dating to v15.4 affecting 2-building reports within the UDRH feature. In these reports, only the User Defined Reference Home was getting configured when the *.udr file specified changes to both Design & Reference. Note the export to database homes were not affected by this bug.

Changes for specific versions:

Wisconsin:

• Fixed conversion routine for LP gallons to therms.
• Eliminated false error from Finished Floor area input that was preventing HERS calculation on same WI building files.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

General:

• Index Adjustment Factor now incorporated within the HERS Index.
• 2018 IECC: added the Performance path and the UA Compliance paths.
• Updated criteria for modeling buried attic ductwork.
• Automated logic for applying deeply buried ducts in the 2018 IECC performance path.
• RESNET-required updates:
  • Added rating type “Confirmed Threshold,” which like “Sampled” ratings uses a threshold HERS Index rather than the actual field test values.
  • Added mandatory “final test” fields for blower door and duct leakage testing, required for rating types “Sampled” and “Confirmed Threshold.”
  • Registry schema version update, including clarifying refinements on values uploaded;
  • Implemented fix for error in Std 301-2014 about calculation of clothes washer savings
• Major update to duct systems input screen:
  • Now have separate checkboxes for claiming duct test exemptions for RESNET (per Addendum D to Std 301-2014), ENERGY STAR, and IECC.
  • Separate sub-tabs for Leakage test inputs vs Location of ducts.
• Updated the Sampling Batch tool to bulk-process the new “final test” fields for “Sampled” and “Confirmed Threshold” rating files.
• Added Error messages for when equip is placed in spaces that don’t exist, and for badly-configured conditioned crawlspaces.

Improvement Analysis:

• Added option within the Economic Parameters dialog to switch between the DOE methodology and the RESNET Std 301-2014 methodology.

Reports:

• Updated 45L Tax Credit to new expiration date.
• Updated the Energy Code Inspection Checklist to include 2018 IECC.
• NGBS 2012 & 2015 report logic updated to allow Design home to get credit for tankless water heaters (by request of Home Innovation Labs).
• Updated the ZERH logic to ensure the home meets the specific version of ENERGY STAR certification selected in the Mandatory Requirements screen.

Bugs in v15.5 that were fixed in v15.6 include:

General:

• IECC Performance Path involving the DHW distribution inputs. Now both Design and Ref homes are set to the RESNET defaults, which neutralizes all energy consumption adjustments from these inputs.
• Fixed Reference home attic return duct insulation for 2015 IECC and codes based on it. Now set at R-8 instead of R-6.
• Fixed bug in 2012 IECC and later that sometimes failed to check that AirCycler strategy was using an ECM motor.
• Ancient bug: mass wall configuration for IECC Performance Path Reference Homes now corrected.
• Corrected another old bug affecting basement wall U-values in Reference homes for 2004 & 2006 IECC and related codes, in climate zones 6-8.
• Fixes to fan & pump energy for multiple heat pumps when modeled using the equipment multiplier.
• Fix to subtle Reference Home bug involving R-value of slab floor carpet.
• Corrections to weather location data: spelling of Corpus Christi, and climate zone for Roanoke Rapids, NC.
• Applied a partial solution to issue of Reference Home door size vs available wall area in apartments. Solution for HERS needs RESNET Interpretation.

Changes for specific versions:

• Wisconsin - Refined configurations for 2018 Focus on Energy.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

General:

• Refined mechvent logic for cases where HERS and other programs (like the 2004-2009 IECC) require the Design Home to comply with a specific mechanical ventilation flowrate. Now,
  • where the input runtime can simply be increased to comply, it is;
  • where the input flowrate is below the continuous rate needed for compliance, then flow is increased to the compliant continuous rate and fan watts are boosted to maintain the original cfm/watt.
• Removed outdated feature that allowed users to override the HDD and CDH for the selected weather location. Files converted to v15 from v14 and earlier will now see changes in performance as these values align with the updated v15.x weather data.
• Added explicit checks for 2012-2015 IECC mandatory mechanical ventilation flowrate compliance; also for IL 2015 and NY 2016 codes. Amended versions of 2012 IECC only check that mechvent is present.
• Streamlined & clarified mechvent messages in Warnings window.
• Refinements and clarifications in XML uploads to RESNET Registry.
• Added RESNET's UEF to EF converter to the Supplemental Modeling Tools workbook deployed in REM installation folder.

Reports:

• Added TX 2015 ERI report, valid from 01sep2016 to 31aug2019.
• Added TX 2015 Performance path for NCTCOG regional variation.
• Added ENERGY STAR v3.2-WA reports.
• Updated ENERGY STAR v3.0 & v3.1 reports to Rev09.
• Updated ENERGY STAR v3.0 Tropics reports to include the window Projection Factor compliance option, and to include the US Virgin Islands.
• Retired outdated reports: ENERGY STAR BOPs, Tax Credit, ESv2.5, most of ESv2.0.
• ESv2.0 Home report has been rebranded for needs of LEED-Homes 2008.
• Added slab insulation information in Reference Home building file reports.

Bugs in v15.4.2 that were fixed in v15.5 include:

General:

• Re-aligned oil & kerosene heating equipment Eae values with Std 301-2014 for HERS calculations.
• For homes with no mechanical ventilation, fixed bug going back to REM v15.0 involving minimum allowable infiltration threshold in 2004-2009 IECC Design Homes.
• Fixed IECC Ref Home mechanical ventilation flowrate to stop applying an infiltration credit that was only intended for existing construction.
• For the 2015 IECC and derivative codes, fixed Ref Home attic return duct insulation level; previously had followed the 2012 IECC logic.
• Fixed several uncommon equipment configuration bugs for the DOE ZERH and ESv3.1 Reference homes.
• Fixed subtle bug in Above Grade Wall library for Standard Steel Frame.
• Fixed subtle bugs in HERS 130 home, with small affects to the reported savings on a minority of homes.
• Fixed ESv3.x Reference Home configuration for Conditioned Crawlspaces, to align with RESNET's 2016 Interpretation.

Reports:

• Typos fixed in Indoor Air Package homeowner letter.

UDRH:

• Fixed a bug in the Reference Home output of mechanical ventilation fan watts when using UDRH syntax [Fan Watts] set to -2.

Changes for specific versions:

• Wisconsin - Updated reports for the 2018 Focus on Energy program.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

Reports:

• Tax Credit Report extended to December 31, 2017.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

General:

• Added 2015 IL code to the codes impacted by the Federal Minimum Equipment checkbox option (used only for Utility incentive programs). Also made the impact blatantly obvious on affected reports, to ensure no confusion for code compliance.

Reports:

• Signature area increased on RESNET Disclosure and the UA Compliance Path reports.

Bugs in v15.4.1 that were fixed in v15.4.2 include:

General:

• Fixed logic for Sealed Attic ducts and equipment so that they are correctly processed for IECC code compliance, and ensured that Reference Homes correctly show the revised locations for these items.
• Added simulation errors for:
  • Doors that have not been assigned to a wall.
  • Cases where wall is too small for the combined windows and doors assigned to it.
  • Hybrid Active Solar systems with disproportionate collector vs storage.
• Refined simulation error logic for conditioned crawl slabs and adiabatic floors above.
• Removed redundant ceiling area warnings that were superseded by the RESNET QA checks.
• Updated the Supplemental Modeling Tools workbook referenced in REM Help, including fix to 62.2-2013 tab and some updated references.
• Cleaned up errors in zip code tool for selecting weather locations.
• Updates to REM Help:
  • Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems.
  • Latest definitions from Std 380 changes.
• Fixed subtle issue for far northern AK ensuring that incoming water temperature does not go below freezing.
• Fix to ensure old equipment with Performance Adjustments retains those Performance Adjustments in the HERS Design Home.
• Aligned the Mobile Home quick fill library logic to match the regular quick fill air film logic.
• RESNET Registry:
  • Reporting for clothes dryers and below-grade slabs revised to align with newly clarified RESNET assumptions.
  • Added more refinements to protect Registry from ampersand character in name fields.
• Fixed issue with importing REM xml, involving the verifier inputs.

Reports:

• Fixes in NY 2016 code reports:
  • Performance Path reports now are NOT impacted by the Federal Minimum Equipment checkbox option.
  • Fan efficacy failure messages now show up when relevant.
  • Also fixed the Projected Rating warning message so that it is not truncated.
• Corrected text of failure message for Iowa 2012 code when home does not comply with the 4.0 ACH50 infiltration threshold.
• NGBS 2012 report logic revised based on feedback from Home Innovation Research Labs, correcting the points earned and clarifying the pass/fail status. Also affected the appearance of the 2015 NGBS report.
• Corrected a problem with how Total Duct Leakage for NC and NC HERO code Reference Homes were being displayed on the Building File Report.
• For ecoSelect report & label, formatting refined for dominant space conditioning equipment.
• Clarified description in Export Format Report for some IECC duct parameters.

Bugs in v15.4 that were fixed in v15.4.1 include:

General:

• Corrected description in REM context Help for infiltration volume.

Reports:

• Fixed bug in NY 2016 code for mandatory infiltration threshold applicable to MF dwelling units.
• Fixed optional display on HERS Certificate of additional compliance programs such as ENERGY STAR.
• Fixed issue with logos in old reporting tool.
• Corrected the value reported to RESNET Registry for enclosure area when conditioned crawlspaces are present in foundations of "More than one type."
• Added clarifying warning to Batch Log report about weather location substitutions when REM doesn't recognize the saved weather location.
• Page break improvements for Air Leakage report and NY Certificate.

Changes for specific versions:

• Wisconsin: Edit to Focus on Energy report, and re-alignment of rim joist framing factor assumption to match rest of industry. Shell area calculations for MF housing now protected from misuse in detached SF housing.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

General:

• Added DRAFT version of Index Adjustment Factor (IAF) to Analysis Pane. Use to explore the potential impact of pending Std 301 Addendum E.
• Added Analysis Pane "Air" tab for Infiltration and Ventilation. Includes the metric of cfm50/sqft shell area.
• Added explicit Sealed Attic location options for ducts and equipment, along with small refinements to all attic duct loss calculations.
• Per 2016 RESNET Interpretation on MF buildings, HERS calculations are blocked for any whole-MF building models. Non-HERS simulations for these buildings continue as before.
• Added Errors for frame floors incompatible with the selected foundation type, and improved Warnings & Errors involving Conditioned Crawlspaces.
• Added "Set RESNET defaults" button to DHW Efficiencies screen. Also, simulation errors are triggered if plumbing lengths are left at zero.
• RESNET Registry upload date now visible in Rating Info screen below Registry ID.
• Relabeled the "Rating Date" as "Last Field Insp" to support RESNET QA efforts.
• Added dominant building assemblies as new data fields in Export.
• Dryer CEF and washer IMEF inputs replace the outdated parameters, and pre-v15.4 building files will automatically be converted to the new parameters per RESNET Interpretations.
• Whole House Fans are now automatically removed from Tax Credit calculations, per RESNET Interpretation.
• Integrated Library disabled for use in new models, still allows simulation of existing blg files.
• Batch Modification for Duct Leakage to Outside now can mark checkbox for test exception.
• Sampling Batch feature updated with more fields and flexibility.

Improvement Analysis:

• Clarified Help pages for the Improvement Analysis economic parameters.

Reports:

• Added ability under Logos to save a jpg signature to be automatically added to all reports with signature lines.
• Air Leakage report now includes infiltration in cfm50/sqft shell area.
• Batch.csv file now contains the nMEUL and REUL values that are combined to generate the HERS Index.
• Added NY 2016 code in place of the NY 2010 code reports.
• Added NGBS 2015 report.
• Added ability in Options to block Label print position popup.
• Iowa code compliance reports extended to REM/Design from REM/Rate.
• Updated Richmond certificate.
• Removed various outdated regional reports.

Bugs in v15.3 that were fixed in v15.4 include:

General:

• Made a subtle change in logic to the Total Duct Leakage test exception for 2012 IECC and subsequent codes. REM now evaluates whether the entire distribution system is inside the thermal boundary. Prior codes remain more restrictive, and require staying within conditioned space.
• Fixed issue affecting ENERGY STAR Reference Homes when had a mixed foundation with equipment in a Conditioned Crawl Space.
• Fixed Reference Home issue involving electric baseboard heating; now, one single ASHP is assigned in the Reference Home to cover all the loads met by the baseboard units.
• Fixed subtle bug for 2012-2015 IECC reports that use the FedMin equipment checkbox; affected DSE value for Reference Home cooling equipment.
• Fixed bug affecting auto-generated space cooling equipment DSE value for IECC reports.
• Fixed bug to ensure HERS Reference Home never has pipe insulation.
• Batch Modification fix now allows infiltration to be set in SLA units.
• Sampling Batch feature now truncates data where necessary to get content from the *.csv file into the *.blg fields.

Reports:

• Realigned the RESNET Disclosure in REM with current version from RESNET.
• Fixed bug involving the "Attach Checklist to UA and Performance Reports" feature when in Batch.
• Obscure bug fixed in LEED-Homes report involving doors in foundation walls.
• MI Certificate now stays single page.

UDRH:

• Fixed bug triggered by unnecessary parsing of comment lines.
• Fixed bug involving Total Duct Leakage to Outside in units of cfm25/CFA.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ v15.3 include:

General:

• All existing Quick Fill library entries are being updated to use default air film values that are aligned with ANSI/RESNET/ICC Std 301-2014. Prior air film values used best available data from NREL's work with BESTEST-EX. Library components saved in Path Layer are not impacted by this change.
• Sealed Attic entries saved in Quick Fill mode have an updated assembly to better reflect actual structures. U-values change accordingly.
• Revised treatment of crawlspaces for HERS calculation per RESNET Interpretation 301-2014-09 issued in Sep 2016. Conditioned crawls will see biggest impact.
• Revised fan efficiency (watts/cfm) logic for RESNET QA checks on AirCycler mechvent type. Now uses estimated max air handler fan flow.
• Batch Modification now includes the DHW Efficiencies input screen, as well as the ECM checkbox on the mechanical ventilation screen.
• Updates to Help to reflect CFA and Infiltration Volume definitions in ANSI/RESNET/ICC Std 380-2016.

Reports:

• Added option to use jpg signature in various REM reports.
• Changed how Efficient Lighting % is calculated for the 2015 IECC ERI report.

UDRH:

• Added ClimateZone syntax for screening by climate zone number and/or moisture classification.
• Added more options to keyword MechanicalVentilation, including ability to set the mechvent strategy and to set Fan Efficacy.

Bugs in v15.2 that were fixed in v15.3 include:

General:

• Refined RESNET QA errors and warnings by rounding areas to nearest square foot before comparisons.
• Improved logic for dealing with conditioned crawl slabs in homes with mixed foundations.
• Fixed bug where internal gains was not getting counted for mechanical ventilation fan motor runtime. Also aligned the logic with other HERS software packages.

Reports:

• Bug corrected in the Lighting compliance check for the 2015 IECC ERI report.
• Fixed old bug in hot water gpd for all energy code Performance path calculations.
• Fixed bug involving ducts and Distribution System Efficiency (DSE) in 2004/2006 IECC Design Homes.
• Hot water pipe insulation logic refined in the ERI report. Now relies primarily on Mandatory Requirements checkbox, but cross-checks when there is a hot water recirculation system.
• Resolved an ancient bug involving CFL lighting limitations for ESv2.0 compliance. The logic has been entirely disabled after consultation with LEED-Homes, which is the most prominent program still using ESv2.0.
• FedMin Equipment checkbox option was not forcing DHW equipment efficiencies down to FedMin level, and is now repaired.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ v15.2 include:

General:

• Items duplicated from v14.6.3.1:
  • Added Warning if building uses the Integrated Library. The Integrated Library is only retained for backwards compatibility with building files created before 2007.
  • Revision to the Compliance Tab of the Analysis Pane: Now, all compliances get updated even if one or more have fatal errors. The ones with fatal errors get marked N/A.
  • All Federal Minimum equipment efficiencies have been updated to the current requirements. This includes the regional variations in split-AC SEER minimums. This will impact various energy code reports.
• Export database feature: Added new tables REGIONALCODE, ENERGYSTAR, and HERSCODE. Various members of the COMPLIANCE table have been moved, as the COMPLIANCE table had run out of capacity.
• Export database feature: Added GSHP Wells.
• Export database feature: NC and NC HERO code results.
• All ENERGY STAR Reference Home equipment settings fully updated to latest versions (ESv3.0/3.1 rev08). The Checklist checkboxes will be revised in a future release.
• ENERGY STAR and DOE ZERH reports now all use the same DHW Efficiencies Reference Home settings as the HERS Reference Home.
• User can Hide/Show the Next/Previous 'Hands' on the screen and use the arrow buttons on the menu bar for navigation. This is to help with using larger display sizing and the button appearing in the middle of the screen.

Reports:

• Items duplicated from v14.6.3.1:
  • Updated IL code to IL 2015.
  • Updated NC regular and HERO codes to reflect errata and 2014-2016 Approved Cumulative changes.
  • Added MI 2015 code.
  • Removed outdated official reports for v2.0 and v2.5 of ENERGY STAR. Home and Summary reports still remain for informational purposes.
• Added RESNET-branded ERI reports for stock 2015 IECC (Confirmed and Projected ratings only).
• Updated the 2015 IECC Reference home window area calculation to reflect ICC errata dated 17dec2015.
• Updated REM's ERI report for stock 2015 IECC, now used for Sampled rating types.
• Password protection removed from North Central Texas Council of Governments report.
• Updated terminology used in "HERC-Home Performance" report for indicating "Inspected and Tested" vs "Sampling Protocol", as selected in the Options.
• Added the PPL and PECO report for Performance System Development.
• Using the assembly when dominate wall, roof, and floor is path layer.

UDRH:

• Added DHW Efficiencies to UDRH. See Keywords "PlumbingValues" and "DWHRValues" in the UDRH Script Syntax report (under Help menu).
• Updated the abilities for setting DHW heater EF to include volume-based current NAECA (Federal Minimum) values.
• Updated mechanical ventilation options, including [Rate] options for NoChange, and 62.2-2013 with infiltration credit. Also options to set [FanWatts] per IECC or ANSI/RESNET/ICC Std 301-2014 Reference Home rules.

Bugs in v15.1 that were fixed in v15.2 include:

General:

• Fixed bug affecting plumbing length calculations for homes with conditioned basements that are fully below grade.
• Bug fixed involving "More than one type" of foundation when Conditioned Crawl was part of the mix, which was triggering a RESNET QA Error.
• GSHP systems should not be replaced by ASHP in the Reference homes, starting with the 2012 IECC. This has now been corrected.
• Items duplicated from v14.6.3.1:
  • Dominant Assemblies using Path Layer inputs now report the overall R-value from the Path Layer data.
  • Fixed ancient bug in 2004 & 2006 IECC Design Home duct leakage logic.
  • Federal Minimum (NAECA) update bugs fixed which involved Energy Code Reference Home errors.
• Fixed bug in RESNET Registry upload for building files with no duct systems, or with duct systems only connected to heating or cooling.
• Fixed bug in RESNET Registry upload for the RFI format not being accepted.
• Fixed bug in RESNET Registry upload for the Rating Date set into the future.

Improvement Analyis:

• Fixed a bug in the Home Retro-Fit report where the interest rate used was not displayed in the percent format.

Reports:

• Fixed bug to clarify what qualifies as "tested" infiltration in codes from 2009 IECC onward. (Duplicates a fix from v14.6.3)
• Fixed long-standing bug in which Design Homes should not have tankless water heaters, for all codes since 2006 IECC. Both Design and Ref now get matched storage water heaters using same fuel type.
• Fixed bug affecting 2012 IECC and subsequent codes, where GSHP systems were still being replaced with ASHP systems in the Reference Homes. Now only non-HP electrical heating systems get changed to ASHP in the Reference Home.
• Fixed 2015 ERI report Pass/Fail criteria to ignore duct leakage values.
• Fixed bug in ESv3/3.1 exemption for Leakage to Outside duct testing.
• Fixed bug affecting only ESv2.5 reports, where the Hot Water Addendum was not fully factored into the HERS Index displayed on those two reports.
• Fixed a bug in the Batch Summary Report and the IECC text string showing the same building name for multiple buildings.

Changes for Specific Versions:

• Canada: Removed Package J displays, pending new code coming in 2017. HERC matches the standard version of REM.
• Washington (NW): (Copied from v14.6.3) Fixed duct leakage failure message in ENERGY STAR BOPs to reference Total Duct Leakage instead of Leakage to Outside. Reports no longer connected to the RESNET Registry ID for print permissions.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ v15.1 include:

General:

• Updates for DOE ZERH program per the Nov2015 changes
• Update Federal minimum water heater EF values to match the version of NAECA effective as of Apr2015

Reports:

• Added new report datum: DHW Load without standby tank losses. Is found on the Analysis Pane and the Performance Summary, underneath REM's existing DHW Load value, which has always included tank standby losses. The new value helps in observing the effects of the new Hot Water features in the DHW Efficiencies screen.
• Refined the reporting for DHW Efficiencies values in the Building File Report, to clearly show what is in the AsIs vs Design vs Reference buildings.
• Like v14.6.2: Updated 45L EPACT Tax Credit report to new expiration date.
• Like v14.6.2: Fixed crawlspace Reference Home bug (going back to v14.6) in all IECC-based codes. Now, when the crawlspace Thermal Boundary is set to Default, REM correctly assigns an insulated Reference Home U-value for either the crawl wall or floor above crawl.

Bugs in v15.0 that were fixed in v15.1 include:

General:

• Two subtle bugs are fixed in HERS Index calculations related to the new hot water features. One fixes the DWHR energy load calculation, so now the HERS Index responds more strongly. The other fix affects consumption in the nMEUL calculation for recirculating DHW systems, thereby increasing the HERS Index response.
• Bug in whole-MF building calculations for clothes washer energy consumption fixed.

Changes for specific versions

• Wisconsin:
  • Updates to UDC Reference Home for 2016; also fixed Finished Floor bug that affected other IECC-based codes. Removed HERS Index and Tax Credit status from FOE report, to allow use when houses are not HERS Rated. Revised print permissions accordingly.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ v15.0 include:

General:

• New for ANSI-RESNET 301
  • Reference Home changes to lower SHGC
  • Reference Home changes to lower infiltration
  • Applied ASHRAE 62.2-2013
  • RESNET Interpretations applied:
    • Reference Home air exchange rate increased by ASHRAE 62.2-2013-compliant mechanical ventilation
    • Mechanical Ventilation fan energy for Reference home
    • Shading: Adjacent shading is now set to NONE for the HERS Design Home, to match HERS Reference Home
    • HPWH gains interact with the surrounding space
    • Water heater inlet temperature interpretation
  • Hot Water Addendum:
    • REM’s DHW tank temperature has been changed from 120°F to 125°F based on real-world data, gathered as part of RESNET’s household water efficiency analysis
    • RESNET corrections to Clothes Washer hot water calculations
    • New input screen for DHW systems efficiencies, including plumbing, fixtures, recirc, and drain water heat recovery
  • QA features that are paired with ANSI–RESNET 301
  • New RESNET Registry upload requirements, including:
    • Inputs added for multiple HERS Verifiers, including Rating Field Inspectors
    • Added reminder to Providers that uploading to Registry implies that certifications for Verifiers has been confirmed
  • All modeling locations updated to TMY3 climate data or equivalent timeframe - Click here to download the list of location name changes
• Mechanical ventilation fan efficacy checks for HRVs & ERVs revised for 2012 and 2015 IECC, based on expected interpretation from ICC
• Updates for ESv3.0/3.1 Rev08; revisions to the Checklist checkboxes and a rare Ref Home scenario will be addressed in future release
• Updates to DOE ZERH Reference Home per Revision 05
• Updated infiltration calculations to use real annual average wind speed from the location
• Added checkbox for ECM Fan Motor for fan cycler mechanical vent types
• Updated ASHRAE 62.2-2013 calcs per clarification; Single Family and mobile home are the only house types that get the infiltration reduction

Reports:

• Fan efficacy verification for whole-dwelling mechanical ventilation in the 2012 & 2015 IECC now includes a check for the ECM fan motor exception
• The display of Estimated Energy Costs & Consumption on the HERS Certificate is back to using the Design Home’s regular consumption, as opposed to the nMEUL (Normalized Modified End-Use Loads) that is used for the HERS Index calculation. The nMEUL was used only in the New Reports HERS Certificate for v14.6 and v14.6.1.
• Added photovoltaics to the New York Certificate
• Added ASHRAE 62.2-2013 requirements to the Air Leakage Report
• Removed the HERS Score from the LEED report
• Updated Report generation software to fix bug with blank pages in printing and pdf
• Batch reporting is now using the new reporting tool
• Updated the FHA Report based on the HUD site and RESNET
• Changed the disclaimer for the ESv 2.5, 3.0, and 3.1 reports
• IAP Label added the option to use the Label Paper or not
• Removed the Fort Collins report
• Added in ‘Options’ the capability to set the organization instead of the rater on the ENERGY STAR Labels
• Update to new labels and certificates for Southern Energy Management
• Change the calculation for the % better in the LEED Report

Bugs in v14.61 that were fixed in v15.0 include:

General:

• Fixed a bug in mechanical ventilation fan energy consumption, which only affected runtimes less than 24 hours
• Updated the Refrigerator kWh calculation for the HERS Reference home to multiply correctly for MF whole buildings
• Fixed a bug in the clothes washer savings calculation
• Fixed a bug in the export of IECC 2015: the data was correct, but the label said 2012
• Cleaned up inconsistencies in Duct screen handling of duct testing exemptions for ENERGY STAR and IECC codes
  1. Leakage to Outside checkbox only applies to LtO exemptions
  2. Conditioned space exemptions for Total Leakage are evaluated automatically, based on construction phase as well as duct and equipment locations
  3. Any input value of "0.00" for duct leakage means that the leakage measurement for that entry was NOT collected, whether in the LtO input or in the Total Leakage input
• Fixed bug in how mechanical ventilation was getting set in the HERS Design Home; now it is consistent with the HERS Reference Home

Reports:

• Fixed a bug in the LEED-Homes report where the percent improvement was not being calculated using Source energy
• Fixed a bug with the DOE ZERH not writing out correctly on the reports
• Fixed a bug in the Fuel Summary report where it would crash with no utilities
• Fixed a bug in the HERC Performance Home report where it would go to 3 pages when it included 3 Mechanical Equipment and the Annual Energy Savings
• Fixed Climate Zone 3A basement wall U-val for 2009 IECC Reference Home, which needed to reference the warm-humid zone
• Fixed a distinction in the IECC 2015 Performance Path, which only requires that ducts be tested, with no performance requirements
• Fixed a bug with not including the mandatory checkbox on the IECC Rating Report
• Fixed a bug with IECC 2015 for Infiltration and Duct Leakage not showing up on the Energy Code Checklist Report

Changes for specific versions

• Canada:
  • Deprecate Canada’s old DWHR code; now is using the new RESNET 301 standard
  • Removed the DHW Heat Recovery Efficiency field from the DHW Library and the Building File report
• Added PSD requested changes for the PA Savings Reference home ASHP with 8.2 HSPF and 14 SEER
• Removed label adjustments for Northwest REM

Bugs in v14.6.3.1 that were fixed in v14.6.4 include:

General:

• A bug which mistakenly forced the IECC Reference Home DHW EF to be no greater than Recovery Efficiency for tankless and HP water heaters (which have RE=0).
• Another bug in IECC Reference homes, which assigned incorrect space heating equipment types for hydronic heating equipment found in the actual home.
• A long-standing bug affecting 2012 IECC and subsequent energy codes where GSHP equipment should not be replaced by ASHPs in the Reference Home.
• A bug affecting only the WI flavor, involving the calculation of mechanical ventilation in WI code reports.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ v14.6.3.1 include:

General:

• Added Warning if building uses the Integrated Library. The Integrated Library is only retained for backwards compatibility with building files created before 2007.
• Revision to the Compliance Tab of the Analysis Pane: now, all compliances get updated even if one or more have fatal errors. The ones with fatal errors get marked N/A.

Bugs in v14.6.3 that were fixed in v14.6.3.1 include:

General:

• Inconsistency in MI 2015 code requirement was resolved, wherein the MI Reference Home was requiring ducts be in attics even when dwelling had no attic.
• Federal Minimum (NAECA) update bug fixed which involved Energy Code Reference Home errors.
• Fixed issue in which Reference Home Eae values could go negative when heating loads were extremely small.

General:

• (Copied from v15.x) Mechanical ventilation fan efficacy checks for HRVs & ERVs revised for 2012 and 2015 IECC, based on expected interpretation from ICC.
• All Federal Minimum equipment efficiencies have been updated to the current requirements. This includes the regional variations in split-AC SEER minimums. This will impact various energy code reports.

Reports:

• Batch reporting has now transitioned to the New Reports.
• Added MI 2015 code
• Updated IL code to IL 2015
• Updated NC regular and HERO codes to reflect errata and 2014-2016 Approved Cumulative changes. Notably, NC Reference homes now include mechanical ventilation air exchange.
• Removed outdated official reports for v2.0 and v2.5 of ENERGY STAR. Home and Summary reports still remain for informational purposes.

Bugs in v14.6.2 that were fixed in v14.6.3 include:

General:

• Dominant Assemblies using Path Layer inputs now report the overall R-value from the Path Layer data.
• Exemption from testing Duct Leakage to Outside - fixed bug affecting the Performance Path of all energy codes, so that the exemption is treated as an Untested system.
• Fixed ancient bug in 2004 & 2006 IECC Design Home duct leakage logic.

Reports:

• Duplicated bug fix from v15.0 which corrects the 2015 IECC performance path duct testing criteria.
• Fixed bug to clarify what qualifies as "tested" infiltration in codes from 2009 IECC onward.
• Fixed long-standing bug in which Design Homes should not have tankless water heaters, for all codes since 2006 IECC.
• Corrected section reference for fan efficacy checks in 2012 IECC reports.

Changes for specific versions:

• Washington (NW): Fixed duct leakage failure message in ENERGY STAR BOPs to reference Total Duct Leakage instead of Leakage to Outside.

Reports:

• Updated 45L EPACT Tax Credit report to new expiration date.

Bugs in v14.6.1 that were fixed in v14.6.2:

• Fixed crawlspace Reference Home bug (going back to v14.6) in all IECC-based codes. Now, when the crawlspace Thermal Boundary is set to Default, REM correctly assigns an insulated Reference Home U-value for either the crawl wall or floor above crawl.

Changes for specific versions:

• Wisconsin: Updates to UDC Reference Home for 2016

Bugs in v14.6 that were fixed in v14.6.1 include:

General:

• New RESNET QA warnings have new and improved logic so they only show up in situations that warrant them. (REM/Rate only)
• The ENERGY STAR^® design home HERS^® Index because of a small bug dealing with internal gains. (REM/Rate only)
• Fixed a bug with mechanical ventilation in IECC reference homes. This was causing the HERS^® Index to be "N/A"
• Tax credit reference home for the Wisconsin version was using the wrong energy code. (REM/Rate only)
• Illinois, Iowa, North Carolina and Texas state energy code reports were not showing all mandatory requirement failures. (REM/Rate only)
• Setting correct fan efficacy checks based on fan flow for IECC 2012 and 2015.

Solutions:

• Added higher duct leakage allowance for ENERGY STAR^® v3.0 that is part of Rev 08 for homes with 3 or more return registers. (REM/Rate only - Requested by EPA)
• Setting a standard attic in the ENERGY STAR^® v3.0 reference home that is part of Rev 08 for multifamily units with an adiabatic ceiling. (REM/Rate only - Requested by EPA)

General:

• New IECC 2014 compliance reports and Energy Rating Index (ERI) Report.
• Added RESNET QA errors/warnings.
• Added ENERGY STAR^® 3.0 Hawaii and ENERGY STAR^® to the compliance table.
• Updated ENERGY STAR^® duct leakage message to Rev 08.
• Increased the error check on ASHP SEER or EER to 40 from 30.
• Put mechanical fan efficacy in IECC checks for US.
• Updated requirements for ENERGY STAR^®v2. All bypass and products check set to TRUE.
• Updated DRAFT printing mode for default values in infiltration and duct leakage for HERS^® Ratings
• Updated information to report in order to match the infiltration code verification.
• Added mechanical ventilation fan efficacy check.
• Now have foundation wall U-values to match what is in the code books and still changed based on soil.
• Updated AEC to NORESCO in address and footer.
• Modified the foundation wall U-Value calculation for basement type above-grade walls that are 50% or more above-grade (does not apply to crawlspace walls)

Bugs in v14.5.1 that were fixed in v14.6 include:

General:

• ENERGY STAR^® Certificate -was not summing the insulation values for slabs, list the under and edge out separately.
• Corrected foundation wall U-value for CZ 3A where U-value should be 0.36 and 0.091 for 3B and 3C
• Set duct leakage units for total leakage to duct leakage units for reports which fixed a problem with the building files saving old units and mismatch.
• Corrected internal gains problem with TAX CREDIT and RESNET^® and RESNET^® testing
• Fixed bug with the slab information not displaying for the code checklist.
• Fixed bug with print permissions if IAP Certificate and Letter were selected.
• Fixed bug with the report not showing the kwh/yr for a dishwasher if it was being used - always showed Energy Factor.
• Fixed bug where enclosed crawl space with floor as thermal boundary was having an insulated foundation wall in CZ1.
• Fixed bugs with mandatory requirements for 2012 and 2015 IECC.
• Fixed bug with 2009 UA compliance for ENERGY STAR^®. This report should only check the actual UA values and not the mandatory requirements for 2009 IECC UA.
• Fixed bug in batch mode - the reference results were incorrect.
• Corrected an issue where a slab below grade was showing a UA of 0 for slabs. Grade exposure was on but has been corrected.
• Fixed 2012 IECC and Mechanical ventilation check which was not working correctly.
• Corrected duct leakage setting for Iowa 2012 Reference Home.
• Fixed bug on the NY have "N/A".
• Fixed bug with the attachment to the UA and Performance features that caused an issue with the HERC Certificate.
• Fixed bug with SHGC check for climate zone 4 (This only applies to North Carolina energy codes).
• Fixed bug in slab UA calculations for the code reference homes.
• Fixed bug with print permissions and the building summary design and reference not working correctly.

Solutions:

General:

• Set U-Value for Vaulted Ceiling in Northwest BOPs to 0.034.
• Updated Roof U-Values for Northwest BOPs.
• Changed internal gains equation to account for Northwest ENERGY STAR^®.
• Changed ENERGY STAR^® BOP testing from nMEUL to annual energy consumption.
• Corrected code for Northwest BOPs for Refrigeration setting to 423 kWh.
• Updated Washington BOP 1 new reference home specifications.
• Updated names for the Washington 1 Reference Home to new and old.
• Added adiabatic surfaces for all home types for Wisconsin.
• Upgraded FE Report to remove PV calculations from House and corrected kW savings for house when no geothermal is present.
• Corrected above grade shell area for adiabatic surfaces for Wisconsin.

• Added ENERGY STAR v3.1 Code.
• Added ENERGY STAR v3.0 for Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Guam Code. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Changed ENERGY STAR duct leakage at rough-in to 0.04 CFM25/CFA for all size homes based on 2014 expiration. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Adjusted the Pacific Northwest ENERGY STAR BOPs and removed BOP name. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• DOE Challenge Home has become DOE Zero Energy Ready Home. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Added Iowa 2012 IECC Code.
• Changed foundation type open crawl to open crawl/raised floor.
• Changed Frame Floors naming to Floors.
• Made Rim/Joists uninsulated for unconditioned basements and enclosed crawlspaces when the thermal boundary is the floor.
• Changed Above Grade Wall color from dark to medium for ENERGY STAR Reference home based on requirements.
• Fixed heat pump sizing routine when low load areas could calculate negative capacities.

Reports:

• Added ENERGY STAR v3.1 reports and v3.0 for GU-HI-PR (reports, labels, certificates). (REM/Rate™ Only)
• New Southern Energy Management Certificate and password access. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Added Iowa code compliance reports, labels, certificate.
• Batch is now using the new reporting tool.

• Added ENERGY STAR v3.1 reports and v3.0 for GU-HI-PR (reports, labels, certificates). (REM/Rate™ Only)
• New Southern Energy Management Certificate and password access. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Added Iowa code compliance reports, labels, certificate.
• Batch is now using the new reporting tool.

Bugs in v14.4.1 that were fixed in v14.5 include:

General:

• Door area for ENERGY STAR Reference Home set to the door area of the Rated home. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Hot water load was adjusting in the wrong direction for efficient dishwashers and clothes washers. The corrected calculation will improve (lower) the HERS Index for homes with water-efficient dishwashers and clothes washers.
• Fixed a bug in the infiltration for NC code.
• Corrected a bug for duct leakage settings for IECC reference home.
• Expanded HDD and CDH default limits so Yuma does not get ignored during a UDRH analysis.
• Radiant Barrier problem in batch modification fixed.
• Fixed a bug where path layer was set, but the program was not retaining the information.
• Fixed a bug in exporting ASHP to the database.

Reports:

• The DOE Challenge Home reports incorrectly showed non-compliance for Total Duct Leakage testing done at Rough-In with the Air Handler. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• The ENERGY STAR Inspection Checklist is now printable for Confirmed Ratings even before being uploaded to the RESNET Registry. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Fixed a bug affecting the labels for 2010 NY ECC; now, when printed individually, the HERS Index will appear on the label for all 4 positions on the label sheet. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Reference Home duct leakage values in IECC codes – corrected a bug affecting homes with multiple duct systems, where the CFM25/CFA per duct system was being set two low.

General:

• Updated the Canadian version to remove printing restrictions for uploading to the RESNET^® Registry. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Corrected IECC Labels to show dominant ceiling type rather than listing each type. The IECC Certificate shows a listing of each type.

Bugs in v14.4 that were fixed in v14.4.1 include:

General:

• Fixed a bug in the ENERGY STAR and DOE-Challenge Home UA Calculations. Now the reports show similar UA values to the 2009 and 2012 IECC UA Reports. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Fixed a bug with the REM/Rate™ PNW Version with the Building Option Package (BOPs) Reference Homes due to incomplete heating and water heating settings. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Fixed XML import bug where surfNum, wallNum, heatingEquipNumber, coolingEquipNumber fields were incorrectly set to the first item of the list.
• Fixed the bug in the duct settings for the 2004 and 2006 IECC Design Building. This affected the Tax Credit calculations that are now fixed and getting the same results as past Tax Credit scores in REM/Rate™ v14.3.

General:

• Added the RESNET^® energy savings life cycle cost methodology. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Per EPA/ENERGY STAR request, added Slab Insulation exemption checkbox to the Mandatory Requirements screen. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Added the ability to model adiabatic ceilings for individual apartments under conditioned space. This allows the apartment shell area to be calculated correctly.

Reports:

• Added a LEED^® for Homes code and report. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Added ecoSelect HERS^® Index label for Southern Energy Management. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Added the Illinois 2012 Performance Report to the group that can show an unofficial report using mechanical equipment which meets the Federal Minimum Efficiencies.
• Added the Texas Performance - North Central (NCTCOG) code report, which requires an access code provided by the North Central Texas Council of Governments.

Bugs in v14.3 that were fixed in v14.4 include:

General:

• Corrected bug which checked insulation grade for adiabatic surfaces, which created problems for Multifamily ENERGY STAR ratings. Insulation grade is now ignored for adiabatic surfaces. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Corrected foundation insulation bug for ENERGY STAR, where exterior foundation insulation was adequate to allow grade 2 cavity insulation. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Corrected the U-value and SHGC check for NC codes. The NC code reports have been removed from REM's old reporting tool, and are only available in the new reporting tool.
• Corrected subtle bug in SHGC evaluation in UA Compliance Reports; the 2009 & 2012 IECC set a maximum value for the area weighted average SHGC, while the other codes use the worst individual SHGC in the building instead of an average.
• Corrected bug in internal gains for mult-family whole-building models. Prior to the fix, increases in mechanical ventilation power caused a decrease in the annual consumption.
• Adiabatic surfaces are no longer being listed as the dominant assembly type in reports with assembly summaries. Now, only assemblies which are part of the thermal envelope are included in the “dominant assembly” summaries.

General:

• Added requirement to model adiabatic frame floor over conditioned crawlspaces; this allows better definition of the HERS^® and ENERGY STAR Reference Homes. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Per revision 07 of ENERGY STAR v3.0, (REM/Rate™ Only)
  • The Indoor airPLUS Verification Checklist is no longer an alternative to the ENERGY STAR Water Management System Builder Checklist.
  • The total duct leakage testing options for rough-in have been added.
• Added ability to model an adiabatic frame floor for individual apartments; this allows better calculation of the apartment shell area.
• Added location options specifying conditioned crawlspaces in the rim/band joists and mechanical equipment screens.
• Updated emissions data to eGRID2012.
• Added location between sealed attic and ambient for walls, floors, roofs.
• Added location for adiabatic frame floor.
• Duct surface area estimator is now based on area served by the duct rather than the conditioned floor area.
• Updated Ohio savings and qualification reference homes.
• Added roof exterior and gable walls to shell area if a sealed attic exists.
• A home with a conditioned crawlspace will now have a vented enclosed crawlspace in the HERS^® reference home instead of a conditioned crawlspace.
• Update dishwasher hot water consumption used in audit table for L&A. Matches 2011 MELS updates in RESNET^® standard.
• Updated the design home window SHGC mandatory check for UA compliance that allows the weighted average SHGC to be used rather than the max SHGC. This matches the SHGC check for performance compliance.
• Changed foundation wall code so that conditioned crawls that are 50% or move above grade are not considered above grade walls.
• Updated NC code to add duct leakage to outside as a check for duct leakage requirements.

Reports:

• Removed reference to Table 402.1.1 in UA compliance warnings for ENERGY STAR v3.0 & DOE Challenge compliance. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Updated DOE Challenge Code and reports to revision (03). (REM/Rate™ Only)
• ENERGY STAR v3.0 – total up duct leakage for certificate. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Richmond Report – added duct leakage to show combined outdoor leakage if multiple duct systems.(REM/Rate™ Only)
• Added a function to merge all selected reports into one so that all reports can be printed into one document as in the past with old reports. Individual reports can still be printed as well.
• NY Label showing HERS^® index rather than NY score.
• Added notes and quick analysis to the new report method.
• Updated the new report viewer, contains scrollbar.
• Quick Analysis Report – added Registry ID and RESNET^® message.

Bugs in v14.2 that were fixed in v14.3 include:

General:

• The ENERGY STAR v3.0 Reference Home now correctly assigns an enclosed, vented crawlspace for homes with conditioned crawlspaces. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Building files created in v13.0 which had zero entered in the exterior attic area will now auto-fill with ceiling area value, as do building files from all earlier versions.
• Lights & Appliances, Audit tab: the “Set Lights & Appliances Defaults” button incorrectly set the dishwasher consumption based on the pre-2011 RESNET^® calculation. Now updated.
• Conditioned Crawlspace foundation walls are no longer treated like basement walls in the Reference Home. No matter how much of the wall is above grade, the Reference Home uses the crawlspace u-value specifications for the relevant code.
• Corrected frame floor shell area calculation for adiabatic surfaces.
• Plugged hole in non-zero auto fill for attic exterior area, affects only REM v13.0 buildings.
• Corrected rounding code for infiltration check for IECC Codes.
• Batch Modification – sample set ID always getting overwritten.

Reports:

• Corrected messages for envelope failures for ENERGY STAR v3.0 and DOE Challenge Home. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Correct bug with DOE Challenge Home envelope compliance in relation to ENERGY STAR v3.0. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• HERC Report (old), the RESNET^® message was overwriting the logo. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Fixed a bug in the lights and appliance report where the dryer and oven cost were always 0.
• Fixed bug for duct data on IECC certificates.
• Each new report has own print job name. Should help with saving and printing.
• OK tax credit compliance statement bug.

UDRH:

• Fixed joist spaced issue using no change.

Changes for specific versions:

Wisconsin -

• Fixed tax credit on reports.
• Fixed adiabatic rim joist and foundation wall issues.
• Added kW code to reports.

General:

• Minor repairs:
  • Corrected the certification calculation for the new Tax Credit. (REM/Rate™ Only)

• Added RESNET^® Registry upload report for DOE Challenge Home. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Created new tax credit report based on RESNET^® Publication 13-001. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Added the 2012 NAHB Standard Performance Report. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Added Richmond Homes HERS^® Certificate and Label (Password Only). (REM/Rate™ Only)
• ENERGY STAR v3.0 label can be printed as text only or entire label. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Updated clothes washer defaults for ENERGY STAR washers. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Created a Pacific Northwest version with performance BOPs. (REM/Rate™ Only)

Other minor repairs:

• Corrected savings for Wisconsin Home Energy Rating Certificate. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Corrected electric water heater bug for DOE Challenge Reference Home. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Corrected new HERC Report going to two pages. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Corrected the North Carolina UA calculations for above grade walls.
• Corrected a bug with exterior roof area in simplified inputs.
• Mobile homes uploaded to RESNET^® Registry as a single family home.

General:

• GSHP updated to RESNET^® amendments. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Added DOE Challenge Home calculations and reports. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• RESNET^® Registry Upload - changes to meet new requirements: (REM/Rate™ Only)
  • Cannot upload anything except ‘confirmed’ or ‘sampled’.
  • Message on reports in 14pt font at the start.
  • Revision reason added to upload.
• Added auto fill button for sealed attic “roof area” input, to automatically calculated attic exterior area based on “ceiling area”. Also added error for values less than ceiling area, and warning for large improbable values.
• Export database is now forward compatible.
• Batch Modification – added sample set ID and rater ID.
• ASHP – added an error when the capacity of the 17F heat pump is above that of the 47F capacity.
• Simplified Inputs – updated code if an infiltration setting is code default or user input, the verify type is Visual rather than Tested.
• Batch Modification – added modification based on location.
• Building file name field and building model field increased size to 50 characters.

Reports:

• Provider ID and sample ID shown in Building File Report for both provider and rater. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• IECC Certificate, HERC, & Tax Credit – added sealed attic to the report. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Added DOE Challenge Report. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Added Richmond Certificate and Label. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Removed Mailing Labels, Builder’s Challenge, ES V2 Thermal Bypass Checklist, IA HERC and IA HERC Cost, ASHRAE 90.2, Energy Code Compliance. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Added a new Reporting Tool and logo selection dialog.
• Added NY Labels to Batch.
• Other Minor Repairs:
  • Fixed bug in ESv3.0 slab insulation check, which previously allowed underslab insulation to pass in absence of perimeter insulation. (REM/Rate™ Only)
  • Fixed bug with RESNET^® upload and the sample set ID. It takes alpha-numerics. (REM/Rate™ Only)
  • Fixed slab perimeter insulation checks for ES v3.0. (REM/Rate™ Only)
  • Fixed bug where the exterior attic roof area is set to zero. This error was missed in v13.0
  • Fixed bug with IECC verification set to visual verification.

General:

• GSHP updated to RESNET^® amendments. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Added DOE Challenge Home calculations and reports. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• RESNET^® Registry upload -- changes to meet new requirements: (REM/Rate™ Only)
  • Cannot upload anything except ‘confirmed’ or ‘sampled’.
  • Message on Reports in 14pt font at the start.
  • Revision reason added to upload.
• Added auto fill button for sealed attic “roof area” input, to automatic calculation attic exterior area based on “ceiling area”. Also added error for values less than ceiling area, and warning for large improbable values.
• Export database is now forward compatible.
• Batch Modification – added sample set ID and rater ID.
• ASHP – added an error when the capacity of the 17F heat pump is above that of the 47F capacity.
• Simplified Inputs – updated code if an infiltration setting is code default or user input, the verify type is Visual rather than Tested.
• Batch Modification – added modification based on location.
• Building file name field and building model field increased size to 50 characters.

Reports:

• Provider ID and sample ID shown in building file report for both provider and rater. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• IECC Certificate, HERC, & Tax Credit – added sealed attic to the report. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Added DOE Challenge Report. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Added Richmond Certificate and Label. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Removed Mailing Labels, Builder’s Challenge, ES V2 Thermal Bypass Checklist, IA HERC and IA HERC Cost, ASHRAE 90.2, Energy Code Compliance. (REM/Rate™ Only)
• Added a new reporting tool and logo selection dialog.
• Added NY labels to batch.
• Other minor repairs:
  • Fixed bug in ENERGY STAR v3.0 slab insulation check, which previously allowed underslab insulation to pass in absence of perimeter insulation. (REM/Rate™ Only)
  • Fixed bug with RESNET^® upload and the sample set ID. It takes alpha-numerics. (REM/Rate™ Only)
  • Fixed slab perimeter insulation checks for ENERGY STAR v3.0. (REM/Rate™ Only)
  • Fixed bug where the exterior attic roof area is set to zero. This error was missed in v13.0
  • Fixed bug with IECC verification set to visual verification.