HotFix 2003

Administrative fix for Trial Mode expiration check.

HotFix 2002

CRITICAL FIX - Fixed a proble where the ventilation fan was recovery not being sent to the engine correctly resulting in HERS/ERI being N/A with no error.

Fixed a typo where we had Conditioned.conditioned space to just conditioned space.

Navigation Tree - fixed so it shows up for New Building as well as stability issues addressed.

Licensing - fixed so admintator backup can alter print permissions.

Web URL's - fixed the Update link to point to the correct url in the new website.

HotFix 2001

CRITICAL FIX - Fixed a bug in DHW Distribution. Incorrectly modeled recirculation of DWH.

Added features and modifications for REM/Rate™ include:

General:

• Licensing code was totally changed to provide more control for contractors over users. It also allows for better customization of features within REM/Rate for specific uses. The RATIK.INI files are not longer used. Each user is required to have their own user name/password. Each authorized users install of REM/Rate is locked to the computer.
• REM/Rate 2023 has the latest NREL engine. It provides the latest checks from 301-2019.
• REM/Rate 2023 also has a new Navigation Tree allowing to better visualize the building and its associations. The tree also shows all pertinent data entered for the building. Clicking on an entry in the tree will bring up the associated page view. This should make moving through the building quicker. Additionally the "hands" have been removed. The values in the Navigation Tree are automatically updated from entered data in the pages. Additionally, the Navigation Tree fully expanded can be saved to a file or printed by right clicking on any node to either expand, collapse, print, or save the tree.
• Like 16.3.4 REM/Rate 2023 will continue having HotFixes applied. These will include new standards that are suppored by the engine, any interface enhancements, RESNET registration changes and other items that do not require either a building change or a different engine.

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

HotFix 1020

• Critical Fix - Found an internal error which would cause an engine failure for some balanced ducts work.
• Critical Fix - Discovered a change in RESNET QA would fail a building with Note content of special characters. It would reject the building with no error listed. Added code to encode the special characters in the note.
• Prevented -0.0 from showing up. Was changed to 0.0. For clarification in floating point both -0.0 and 0.0 are identical but are allowed.

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.

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 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.

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

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 1014

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

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 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 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 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 1009

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

Build 1008

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

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.