EnerGuide Rating System Workaround and Conversion Guide ... · EnerGuide Rating System—Workaround...

EnerGuide Rating System Workaround and Conversion Guide

for HOT2000 v.11.2 Version 3

October 2016

EnerGuide Rating System—Workaround and Conversion Guide for HOT2000 v.11.2—Version 3

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Summary of changes Significant changes are summarized in the following table.

Section Changes 1.1.13 Addition. Dryer supplemental component 1.1.14 Addition. Supplemental HRV not considered 1.1.15 Addition. Attached Crawl space – Below Grade wall area 1.2.16 Addition. Cooling system results in "Calculate Upgrade Savings Individually" – General mode 1.2.17 Addition. Changing the Air Leakage Test Data checkbox – error message 1.2.18 Addition. Modelling sequence for building envelope components – TSV 1.2.19 Addition. Printing the Energy Savings Calculator 1.2.20 Addition. Basement User specified R-Value of “0” 2.3.3 Revision. Electric Tank DHW not displayed

2.3.11 Revision. Maximum photo size 2.3.16 Addition. Heat pump upgrades in the post-retrofit file – TSV 2.3.17 Addition. DHW upgrade without energy savings doesn’t appear in report 2.3.18 Addition. Supplementary Heat System upgrades 3.2.3 Addition. Pony Wall component not displayed separately 3.2.4 Addition. Basement, Pony Wall and Crawl Space wall composites not displayed separately


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Introduction The intent of the EnerGuide Rating System1 Workaround and Conversion Guide is to provide some additional information for using HOT2000 version 11.2 and its associated Report Generator version 15.2.3. Workarounds are provided in this document to address some issues that have been encountered with the release and to facilitate modelling. Section 1 deals with HOT2000 workarounds and tips; section 2 deals with the Renovation Upgrade Report (upgrade report) workarounds and tips; section 3 deals with the Homeowner Information Sheet workarounds and tips; and section 4 discusses the conversion of HOT2000 files from version 10.51 to 11.2 and provides conversion tips. If the software is found to have other issues not indicated in this document, please advise Natural Resources Canada of the findings. Please use Appendix A: HOT2000 and EnerGuide Rating System Outputs - Issue Documentation Form to communicate any issues you have encountered. The workarounds indicated in this document are subject to change and further iterations are forthcoming. Most of the tips in this document will be included in future iterations of the technical and modelling procedures.

1 EnerGuide is an official mark of Natural Resources Canada.


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Reference documents In addition to the Workaround and Conversion Guide, the following referenced documents are required for the administration of the EnerGuide Rating System. References to these documents in the Workaround and Conversion Guide apply to the most current versions, which are maintained and available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/HousingIndustry.

Title and description EnerGuide Rating System—Standard—Version 15.2 Defines the scope and technical requirements for rating the energy efficiency of new and existing houses

under the EnerGuide Rating System EnerGuide Rating System—Administrative Procedures—Version 15.2 Defines key roles, responsibilities and required administrative procedures

EnerGuide Rating System—Quality Assurance Procedures—Version 15.2 Defines the quality assurance audit process that validates overall service organization and energy

advisor performance, effectiveness, and compliance with program procedures and guidelines EnerGuide Rating System—Technical Procedures—Version 15.2 Defines required on-site data collection and evaluation procedures and protocols

EnerGuide Rating System—HOT2000 User Guide—Version 15.2 Defines procedures and protocols for the use of the HOT2000 energy modelling software in producing

EnerGuide ratings and other outputs of the EnerGuide Rating System Maps of Climate Data Defines climate data to be used for modelling purposes under the EnerGuide Rating System for all

geographical locations in Canada

http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/HousingIndustry


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Table of contents SUMMARY OF CHANGES ................................................................................................................... II

INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................III

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS ................................................................................................................. IV

1 HOT2000 ............................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 HOT2000 ISSUES AND WORKAROUNDS .......................................................................................... 1

1.1.1 Pony Wall – Reference House error ..................................................................................................................... 1 1.1.2 User-defined code error – Strapping ................................................................................................................... 2 1.1.3 Multiple basements – Pony Wall area .................................................................................................................. 2 1.1.4 Wood pellet stove modelling ............................................................................................................................... 2 1.1.5 Combo Heating/DHW default efficiency ............................................................................................................... 2 1.1.6 Large PV system – calculation screen .................................................................................................................. 3 1.1.7 DHW modelled without heating system upgrade – TSV ........................................................................................ 3 1.1.8 New blower door models .................................................................................................................................... 3 1.1.9 Floor Headers above grade – TSV ....................................................................................................................... 3 1.1.10 DHW Standby option – TSV ................................................................................................................................ 3 1.1.11 Composite RSI/R remainder ............................................................................................................................... 4 1.1.12 Ventilation warning ............................................................................................................................................ 4 1.1.13 Dryer supplemental component .......................................................................................................................... 5 1.1.14 Supplemental HRV not considered ...................................................................................................................... 5 1.1.15 Attached Crawl space ─ Below Grade wall area ................................................................................................... 5

1.2 HOT2000 MODELLING TIPS ........................................................................................................ 5 1.2.1 Greenhouse gas (GHG) not displayed .................................................................................................................. 5 1.2.2 Batt insulation drop-down options ....................................................................................................................... 5 1.2.3 HOT2000 installation .......................................................................................................................................... 6 1.2.4 Scrolling alters HOT2000 data ............................................................................................................................ 6 1.2.5 Semi-detached using Wizard ............................................................................................................................... 6 1.2.6 Full House Report in ERS Mode ........................................................................................................................... 6 1.2.7 Crawl spaces – heated or unheated .................................................................................................................... 6 1.2.8 Air sealing upgrade calculation ........................................................................................................................... 6 1.2.9 Wizard Year built 2011 – current......................................................................................................................... 7 1.2.10 Invalid file – saving a file with errors ................................................................................................................... 7 1.2.11 Crawl space error message ................................................................................................................................. 7 1.2.12 User-defined codes – small windows error message ............................................................................................. 8 1.2.13 Software crash – DWHR or P.9 – Open with new code library ............................................................................... 8 1.2.14 Combo heating/DHW system modelling ............................................................................................................... 8 1.2.15 Pervasive calculation error impacts subsequent files ............................................................................................. 9 1.2.16 Cooling system results in "Calculate Upgrade Savings Individually" – General mode ............................................... 9 1.2.17 Changing the Air Leakage Test Data checkbox – error messages .......................................................................... 9 1.2.18 Modelling sequence for building envelope components – TSV .............................................................................. 9 1.2.19 Printing the Energy Savings Calculator .............................................................................................................. 10 1.2.20 Basement User specified R-Value of “0” ............................................................................................................. 10

2 RENOVATION UPGRADE REPORT (UPGRADE REPORT) ..................................................................... 11 2.1 RENOVATION UPGRADE REPORT ISSUES AND WORKAROUNDS ...............................................................11

2.1.1 Pony Wall upgrade without a basement wall upgrade ......................................................................................... 11 2.1.2 Oil heating not displaying ................................................................................................................................. 12 2.1.3 Electronic Thermostats not displayed ................................................................................................................ 12 2.1.4 Energy Efficiency Upgrades and Results table incorrect ...................................................................................... 12 2.1.5 Incorrect DHW upgrade TSV value .................................................................................................................... 12 2.1.6 No DWHR for second DHW system ................................................................................................................... 12 2.1.7 Basement and crawl space Composites not displayed ......................................................................................... 13 2.1.8 Crawl space floor above foundation not displayed .............................................................................................. 13 2.1.9 Secondary DHW system upgrade ...................................................................................................................... 13 2.1.10 Integrated Heat Pump Water Heater EF ............................................................................................................ 13 2.1.11 Wood DHW upgrade ........................................................................................................................................ 13 2.1.12 Wood heating upgrades ................................................................................................................................... 14 2.1.13 DWHR and Household Operating Conditions ...................................................................................................... 14

2.2 FOUNDATION UPGRADES ............................................................................................................14 2.2.1 Basement wall insulation composites ................................................................................................................. 14 2.2.2 Crawl space wall insulation composites ............................................................................................................. 18 2.2.3 Crawl space floors above foundation (Open, closed and vented crawl spaces) ..................................................... 18


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2.3 RENOVATION UPGRADE REPORT MODELLING TIPS .............................................................................19 2.3.1 Window upgrades not displayed ....................................................................................................................... 19 2.3.2 Upgrades not displayed .................................................................................................................................... 19 2.3.3 Electric Tank DHW not displayed ...................................................................................................................... 19 2.3.4 Energy use bar graphs ..................................................................................................................................... 20 2.3.5 ASHP upgrade not displayed ............................................................................................................................. 20 2.3.6 GSHP and WSHP upgrades not displayed........................................................................................................... 20 2.3.7 Thermostat settings in Household Operating Conditions ..................................................................................... 20 2.3.8 Condensing gas heating upgrades not displayed ................................................................................................ 20 2.3.9 ENERGY STAR gas boiler upgrade not displayed ................................................................................................ 21 2.3.10 Photo orientation ............................................................................................................................................. 21 2.3.11 Maximum photo size ........................................................................................................................................ 21 2.3.12 HTML used in RUR Comments .......................................................................................................................... 21 2.3.13 Cooling Months – Household Operating Conditions............................................................................................. 21 2.3.14 Only HRV ventilation system upgrade displayed ................................................................................................. 22 2.3.15 Additional errors .............................................................................................................................................. 22 2.3.16 Heat pump upgrades in the post-retrofit file - TSV ............................................................................................. 22 2.3.17 DHW upgrade without energy savings doesn’t appear in report .......................................................................... 22 2.3.18 Supplementary Heat System upgrades .............................................................................................................. 23

3 HOMEOWNER INFORMATION SHEET ............................................................................................ 24 3.1 HOMEOWNER INFORMATION SHEET ISSUES AND WORKAROUNDS ..........................................................24

3.1.1 User-defined window and wall details not displayed ........................................................................................... 24 3.1.2 Integrated Heat Pump Water Heater upgrade .................................................................................................... 24

3.2 HOMEOWNER INFORMATION SHEET MODELLING TIPS ........................................................................24 3.2.1 “Legacy” EnerGuide Rating TSV value ............................................................................................................... 24 3.2.2 Greenhouse gas emissions – wood appliances ................................................................................................... 24 3.2.3 Pony Wall component not displayed separately .................................................................................................. 24 3.2.4 Basement, Pony Wall and Crawl Space wall composites not displayed separately ................................................. 25

4 HOT2000 10.51 TO V. 11 CONVERSION .................................................................................... 26 4.1 CONVERSION METHODOLOGY ......................................................................................................26 4.2 CONVERSION WORKAROUNDS ......................................................................................................29 4.3 HOT2000 CONVERSION TIPS .....................................................................................................30

4.3.1 Code Library – v.10 to v.11 .............................................................................................................................. 30 4.3.2 Comparing v.10.51 and v. 11 results ................................................................................................................. 30 4.3.3 N/A displayed for insulated component ............................................................................................................. 30

APPENDIX A: HOT2000 AND ENERGUIDE RATING SYSTEM OUTPUTS – ISSUE DOCUMENTATION FORM .................................................................................................................................... 32


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1 HOT2000 The following workarounds can be adopted when the software generates error messages, prevents calculations, or creates other modelling barriers. Most of the issues indicated in the following table are not commonly encountered when modelling with HOT2000 version 11.2. NOTE: The “NRCan #” reference indicated in the “Issue” column is for NRCan internal referencing. Also note that text in the colour blue indicates information that has been revised or added since the previous version of this document. 1.1 HOT2000 issues and workarounds

Issue Details Workaround 1.1.1 Pony Wall – Reference

House error

NRCan #: 4125, 4472

A series of error messages indicate that the Reference House basement window/door area is too large for the Pony Wall. The error messages may appear when the basement wall height above grade is greater than 0.6 m, the software creates a “virtual” pony wall for the Reference House. When the software performs a calculation for the Reference House, it may determine that the “virtual” pony wall is too small to accommodate the total window and door area. The first error message, “The Net area of the component entry is less than zero”, prevents calculations. The final error message indicates that this error pertains to the “ERS reference house”. The error messages may occur even when a Pony Wall wasn’t modelled or when modelling two separate foundations.

Incrementally decrease the basement Depth Below Grade until the error message is no longer generated (e.g. decrease by increments of 0.1 m or less). When this workaround procedure has been implemented, add a justification note indicating the change to the Depth Below Grade in the data collection sheets and in HOT2000’s Info tab.


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1.1.2 User-defined code error

– Strapping NRCan #: 3457

Modelling Strapping using a User-defined code in the Code Editor causes an error that prevents calculations when the Strapping > Cavity Insulation > Material Type > Thickness is indicated as “0”.

When modelling and Material Type of Strapping for a component (e.g. ceiling or wall) with an uninsulated Strapping cavity, the Thickness of the uninsulated Cavity Insulation layer cannot have a numeric value of “0”. Therefore, model the Thickness with a miniscule numeric value, as close to zero as possible (e.g. 0.01) and a Resistivity of zero.

1.1.3 Multiple basements –

Pony Wall area

NRCan #: 3694, 4348

When modelling a house with multiple basements, an error message indicates that “Pony Wall does not have sufficient area to account for all the attachments” for the evaluated house. The error message may occur even when a Pony Wall wasn’t modelled in either of the basements. The message is generated as a result of the amount of window area modelled in the basement.

Move windows (one at a time, beginning with the smallest window) from the basement that has the most windows to the basement that has the least windows until the error message is no longer generated.

1.1.4 Wood pellet stove

modelling

NRCan #: 3616

The drop-down menu for Energy Source > Supplementary Heat > Wood Pellets does not include a wood pellet stove modelling equipment type option.

Select Other from the list of Equipment Type drop-down options and enter “Wood Pellet Stove” in the Description field. Model according to the EnerGuide Rating System HOT2000 User Guide Version 15.2, section 7.14.14 on Supplementary Heat modelling procedures. Input a flue diameter according to unit specifications (usually 3 or 4 inch). If the unit’s Steady State Efficiency isn’t known, input a default value of 65%.

1.1.5 Combo Heating/DHW

default efficiency

NRCan #: 4526

When opening Combo Heating/DHW the default Efficiency for Natural Gas > Heater w/ Induced draft fan may incorrectly indicate 80% Steady State. The correct Efficiency is 84% Steady State. Also, the Combo Heating/DHW default Efficiency for Propane > Heater w/ spark ignition incorrectly indicates 82% Steady State. The correct Efficiency is 80% Steady State.

Model Combo Heating/DHW with the correct default Efficiency for Natural Gas > Heater w/ Induced draft fan at 84% Steady State. Model Combo Heating/DHW with the correct default Efficiency for Propane > Heater w/ spark ignition at 80% Steady State.


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1.1.6 Large PV system –

calculation screen

NRCan #: 4471

When modelling a large PV system (one that offsets more than 90% of the total energy use), the value indicated in the calculation screen for House with standard operating conditions may not be correct. However, the value indicated for the Rating and Net AEC-AEP are correct.

When modelling a “large” PV system, compare the Rating and the Net AEC-AEP with the House with standard operating conditions values to ensure they equal the same rounded whole number. If they aren’t equal, disregard the value indicated for House with standard operating conditions and rely on the Rating and Net AEC- AEP.

1.1.7 DHW modelled without

heating system upgrade – TSV

NRCan #: 4701

When modelling an upgrade for a DHW system the TSV value for DHW is not populated in the .xml file. The .xml file (the file format of the .h2k file) does not indicate the correct TSV information for an upgraded Domestic Hot Water system unless the Heating/Cooling System is also present in Energy Upgrades interface.

When modelling a Domestic Hot Water system upgrade, the Heating/Cooling System must also be present in Energy Upgrades interface. The Heating/Cooling System performance or unit specifications do not have to be altered, the Heating/Cooling System component need only be present in the upgrade interface.

1.1.8 New blower door models

NRCan #: 3930, 3929

The current version of the software has not been updated with the some of the newer blower door Fan Type models.

If the software does not accommodate a specific blower door Fan Type, model the blower door test data using the appropriate third-party proprietary blower door software and input the results into HOT2000.

1.1.9 Floor Headers above

grade – TSV

NRCan #: 4689

No workaround is required.

1.1.10 DHW Standby option –

TSV

NRCan #: 4722

Modelling a primary or secondary DHW system in the base or upgrade case with Energy Factor > Standby option results in the associated TSV values indicating “0”. The TSV values affected are: pDHWEF, UGRDHWsysEF, sDHWEF and UGRsDHWsysEF. Also, an incorrect result for “Ratings Reduction (GJ/year)” in the “Recommended Upgrades and Results” table will appear in the Renovation Upgrade Report if Standby Heat Loss is modelled with the %/hr option.

Firstly, model the DHW system using Energy Factor > Standby and input the Standby Heat Loss and Input Capacity. Document the resultant Energy Factor. Next, remodel the DHW system with User specified using the resultant Energy Factor from the Standby modelling option. Note: model Standby Heat Loss using W (Watts) or BTU/hr options.


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1.1.11 Composite RSI/R

remainder

NRCan #: 4759

A file error upon saving will be created if the Composite RSI/R Calculator is used for a foundation component (i.e. basement wall interior or exterior, pony wall, and crawl space wall) without using the Remainder row. If foundation composite values are entered using only the Section fields, then the % of area in the last populated section (i.e. 2 or 3) will be shifted to the Remainder row with an insulation value of 0 when the file is saved, closed, and reopened. As a result, the rating may be altered and the composite insulation values in the TSV for the last portion of FNDDEF will show 0 regardless of the initial modelling.

When using the Composite RSI/R Calculator, always model the last section using the Remainder row. The Remainder row’s % of area will automatically populate.

1.1.12 Ventilation warning

NRCan #: 4647

NOTE: If the HOT2000 file does not contain any whole-house ventilation components, this workaround procedure does NOT need to be implemented. The insufficient ventilation warning may be triggered (i.e. when Q Tot is less than Q Warn in the calculation screen) even if there is sufficient ventilation in the house. This issue occurs because the critical month Q Tot in the calculation screen is calculated using a whole-house ventilation system operation schedule of 8 hours/day instead of 24 hours/day.

Please use the Ventilation Warning Calculator to determine if the house has sufficient ventilation in cases when the Homeowner Information Sheet or Renovation Upgrade Report contains a ventilation warning. If the resultant HOT2000 Whole-house ventilation system > ACH value is greater than or equal to 0.3 ACH, then provide the homeowner with a copy of the letter, Natural Resources Canada’s EnerGuide Rating System: Ventilation Information that advises the homeowner to disregard the ventilation warning in the Homeowner Information Sheet or Renovation Upgrade Report. The Ventilation Warning Calculator and the Ventilation Information letter are located in the ‘Attachments’ tab (paperclip icon) to the left in the navigation pane.


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1.1.13 Dryer supplemental

component

NRCan #: 4898

If a file has been modelled with a ventilation option in Ventilation > Whole-house components and without a Dryer in Supplemental components, the file will not contain the required default Dryer.

Ensure that every file has a Dryer modelled in Supplemental components > Ventilator/Fan type > Dryer, particularly when converting files from HOT2000 version 10.51. Model a dryer if a dryer is not present.

1.1.14 Supplemental HRV not

considered

NRCan #: 4896

A HRV modelled in Ventilation > Supplemental components has only a marginal impact on energy consumption.

Model all HRVs in the Whole-house components tab. See EnerGuide Rating System HOT2000 User Guide Version 15.2, section 7.16.2.1 for directive when modelling multiple HRVs.

1.1.15 Attached Crawl space ─

Below Grade wall area NRCan #: 4920, 4919

When modelling a crawl space with an attached wall area or when multiple foundations are present, the crawl space below grade Exposed Surfaces Perimeter > Exterior Area > B.G. indicated in the HOT2000 interface is incorrect (indicates “0”). This error may have an impact on total heat loss.

There is no workaround for this issue in HOT2000 v. 11.2, however this issue has been resolved in HOT2000 v. 11.3.

1.2 HOT2000 modelling tips

Subject Details Tip 1.2.1 Greenhouse gas (GHG)

not displayed

When creating a file using File > New > House and the province/territory is not indicated in the General screen’s > Region field, the GHG information will not be indicated in the calculation screen.

Ensure that the General screen’s > Region field is populated with the correct province/territory so that the GHG information will be indicated in the calculation screen.

1.2.2 Batt insulation drop-

down options

The batt insulation drop-down options for components indicate a nominal insulation value which only pertains to a specific batt thickness. For example, the drop-down selection “R19 @ 5.5” batt for 2x6 wall framing would perform at a nominal value of R19. However, the drop-down selection “R20 @ 6.0” for 2x6 wall framing would only perform at a

Model batt insulation for components based on the precise depth of the framing member indicated in the drop-down options. When determining the batt insulation modelled for components careful attention must be paid to the manufacturer’s specified batt thickness and the nominal R-value indicated for the product. When modelling batt insulation, ensure that


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nominal value of R18. The reduced nominal R-value is due to batt compression within the 5.5 inches of space of the 2x6 wall framing studs.

the selected drop-down option’s nominal R-value and batt thickness matches the specifications indicated for the installed product.

1.2.3 HOT2000 installation

NRCan #: 4454

The final step of the HOT2000 installation process may result in a delay in which all the screen windows close except for the taskbar “HOT2000 setup”; however this delay is part of the normal sequence in the installation of the software.

Despite the appearance of crash-like symptoms during installation, it is recommended to patiently wait about two minutes to ensure HOT2000 is fully installed.

1.2.4 Scrolling alters HOT2000

data

If the scroll wheel on the computer’s mouse is inadvertently rolled while in the main interface of HOT2000, the drop-down menu data may be altered.

Be careful not to inadvertently roll the mouse’s scroll wheel when modelling or reviewing a file in HOT2000’s main interface.

1.2.5 Semi-detached using

Wizard

Using the Wizard to model a left or right semi-detached House Type will result in a Row, end unit indicated in the main interface. The selection of a semi-detached house in the Wizard will be altered to a Row, end unit in the main interface.

Reselect the most appropriate House Type selection in the main interface.

1.2.6 Full House Report in

ERS Mode

NRCan #: 3988

The Full House Report generated by HOT2000 is based on the General mode, regardless of what mode has been selected.

The data indicated in the Full House Report cannot be used for comparison purposes with the data modelled in HOT2000 in the EnerGuide Rating System mode. To review data modelled in the EnerGuide Rating System mode, review the calculation screen output or the XML data the .h2k file.

1.2.7 Crawl spaces – heated

or unheated

The assessment of a crawl space as heated or unheated is not dependent on the insulation level of the floor above a Closed or Vented crawl space.

A crawl space is deemed heated based solely on: the provision for heating (e.g. a heating source with a thermostat, electric baseboard heaters, or warm air registers); or if the crawl space is permanently open to an adjacent space where there is a provision for heating. The insulation level of the crawl space’s Floor Above Foundation is not a consideration in the assessment of the crawl space as heated or unheated.

1.2.8 Air sealing upgrade

calculation

When Natural Air Infiltration is modelled as an upgrade, HOT2000

Partners offering air sealing upgrade incentives based on the v.10.51 target


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NRCan #: 4763

v.11.2 calculates an upgrade value based on a 10% reduction in air leakage and this value is indicated in the Renovation Upgrade Report. In HOT2000 v. 10.51 the target was sometimes more stringent than the 10%. To determine the target that version 10.51 would generate, the following workaround can be used.

may wish to use the equation to generate the air sealing upgrade target value to input in HOT2000 v. 11.2. If this is the case, the air sealing upgrade target may be determined by using the Air Sealing Upgrade Target Calculator. It is located in the ‘Attachments’ tab (paperclip icon) to the left in the navigation pane.

Use the Air Sealing Upgrade Target Calculator to determine the target ACH@50 and ELA to enter into HOT2000’s upgrade case: Natural Air Infiltration > Air Change Rate @50 Pa. and Equivalent Leakage Area > Value. Consequently, the air sealing upgrade target and relative percentage will be indicated in the Renovation Upgrade Report.

1.2.9 Wizard Year built 2011 –

current

Files modelled with the Wizard for Year built 2011 to current will be populated with default values based on a 1930 house construction date.

If the Wizard is to be used, select a 2010 Year built and the file will be populated with relatively new construction default values. Alternatively, do not use the Wizard.

1.2.10 Invalid file – saving a file

with errors

NRCan #: 3987

If a file containing an error is saved without first running calculations, the upgrade report will not be generated. The Report Generator’s Messages section will indicate “The file is invalid. The file does not have any results.” Note: this issue also applies to the Homeowner Information Sheet and Label.

Run calculations before saving files to determine if errors are present. Correct modelling errors, save the file, and then proceed to generate the report(s).

1.2.11 Crawl space error

message

If an Open crawl space is initially modelled and then it is altered to either Vented or Closed, error messages will be generated when running calculations. The first error

Upon encountering the error messages, model the complete crawl space construction details in the tab Wall/Floor Construction > Wall Construction >Type.


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message indicates that the file appears to be corrupted and a subsequent message indicates that “SOC house could not be parsed”. The error messages will prevent calculations.

1.2.12 User-defined codes –

small windows error message

NRCan #: 3072

Windows with small dimensions (either the width or height) modelled with a User-defined code may result in error messages that indicate, “The frame height = X appears to be too large for this type of window” and “the R-value or SHGC is out of range”. This error prevents calculations.

In the Code Editor, successively reduce the Frame Height in the User-defined code for the window that has the smallest dimension (width or height) until the error messages no longer appear. Reduce down to “0” if necessary.

1.2.13 Software crash – DWHR

or P.9 – Open with new code library

Files modelled with a DWHR or a P.9 combo system will crash if opened with the “Open with new code library” option. This issue occurs because this file opening option substitutes the usual access pathway to HOT2000’s default code library for the code library of the file that is being opened. However, the code library for the file that is being opened does not contain the DWHR library (titled “dwhrenc”) or the P.9 combo system library (titled “p9enc”), both XML documents. Consequently, without access to these libraries (that contain manufacturer/model details), the file crashes upon opening. In the case of DWHR modelling the file will crash upon opening and in the case of P.9 systems the file will crash when clicking on the Heating/Cooling System tab.

If the “Open with new code library” option is desired to be used for opening files modelled with DWHR or P.9 combo systems, the following procedure will prevent the file from crashing. This procedure requires that the problematic .h2k file and HOT2000’s default code libraries be located in the same file folder. This can be achieved by accessing HOT2000’s default code library, which is titled “StdLibs”, and is a file folder located on the C: drive for the version of HOT2000 that you are working in (e.g. HOT2000 v. 11.2). i) In the StdLibs folder, copy the DWHR library (titled “dwhrenc”) and the P.9 combo system library (titled “p9enc”) and paste these libraries into the file folder that contains the file that you wish to open. ii) Open the desired .h2k file using the “Open with new code library” option; it will now have access to the DWHR or P.9 libraries.

1.2.14 Combo heating/DHW

system modelling

Modelling the Combo Tank & Pump > Energy Factor with a Use defaults value will result in a file that will be rejected by the mailbot.

Model the Combo Tank & Pump > Energy Factor with a User specified value (as per modelling procedures) to ensure that the file is accepted by the mailbot. For combo heating/DHW modelling see section 7.14.7 of the EnerGuide Rating System—HOT2000 User Guide—Version 15.2.


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1.2.15 Pervasive calculation error impacts subsequent files

Occasionally, a HOT2000 error message is generated that becomes “pervasive”, that is, it reoccurs and affects other files even after the problematic file with the error is closed. Issue 2.1.6 describes a modelling scenario in which a pervasive error message is generated.

If a pervasive error is encountered, save the current file (if possible) and close HOT2000. Reopen the software and proceed.

1.2.16 Cooling system results

in "Calculate Upgrade Savings Individually" – General mode

NRCan #: 4910

The results for the energy savings calculator "Calculate Upgrade Savings Individually", located in the upgrade interface, are based on the savings from the General mode. If the General mode has not been altered, the energy savings calculator result will show the same results as the Standard Operating Conditions with the exception of cooling upgrades. The cooling upgrade results indicated in "Calculate Upgrade Savings Individually” are based on the Season modelled in the General mode. The EnerGuide Rating System mode will not impose the rule set for Season > Start Month and End Month, rather it will impose the Season modelled in General mode.

Do not use the output for the cooling upgrade indicated in the "Calculate Upgrade Savings Individually". Use the results for cooling upgrades indicated in the EnerGuide Rating System calculation screen for upgrades. Do not alter the General mode if using the “Calculate Upgrade Savings Individually”.

1.2.17 Changing the Air

Leakage Test Data checkbox – error messages

NRCan #: 4905

A specific modelling sequence when checking and then unchecking the Air Leakage Test Data checkbox (to change the test conditions) may result in a series of error messages that prevents completing the Equivalent Leakage Area and further modelling.

Move from the Natural Air Infiltration screen to another selection in the Tree View (e.g. Heating/Cooling System) and continue to press "Enter" on the keyboard until error messages stop. Return to the Natural Air Infiltration screen and continue modelling Equivalent Leakage Area with a User specified value.

1.2.18 Modelling sequence for

building envelope components – TSV

If the modelling sequence/order of building envelope components (walls, ceilings, headers) in the pre-retrofit file differs from the post-retrofit file, the file may be rejected by the Mailbot.

The order that components appear in the Tree View should be the same in the pre-retrofit and post-retrofit files when multiple components of the same type are modelled. For example; if the pre-retrofit modelling order is Ceiling 1 and then Ceiling 2, model the post- retrofit in the same order as it appears in the Tree View (i.e. Ceiling 1 and then Ceiling 2), do not model post-retrofit in order of Ceiling


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2 and then Ceiling 1.

1.2.19 Printing the Energy

Savings Calculator

The Energy Savings Calculator will not print more than once. Trying to print any file with the Energy Savings Calculator more than once will result in an error message that prevents printing.

The workaround is to close HOT2000 and reopen the file to print the Energy Savings Calculator an additional time.

1.2.20 Basement User specified

R-Value of “0”

Uninsulated basement walls must be modelled using the methodology prescribed in the modelling procedures. Do not model an uninsulated basement wall with an R-value of “0” by using Wall Construction > Interior Added Insulation > New Code. This modelling method may result in alterations to the R-Value upon saving and re-opening the file.

To model uninsulated basement interior walls with an R-Value of “0”, manually input a numeric value of “0” in Wall Construction > Interior Added Insulation > User specified.


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2 Renovation Upgrade Report (upgrade report) The following workarounds can be adopted to address missing information, discrepancies or errors identified in the report. It is the responsibility of the energy advisor to ensure that all the text generated in the report accurately reflects the upgrades modelled and that the expected results are displayed. To create report text for specific components (e.g. main walls, doors, cooling system, etc.), add text to the RUR Comments (Renovation Upgrade Report) screen located in the EnerGuide Rating System selection of the Tree View of HOT2000. General comments can be added in the Additional Comments, located in the same section. Use HTML to format RUR Comments and only use the HTML tags indicated in section 7.18.1 of the EnerGuide Rating System—HOT2000 User Guide—Version 15.2. TIP: in cases when it is necessary to determine an approximate GJ energy savings for an upgrade, check mark the Calculate Upgrade Savings Individually checkbox in the Energy Upgrades main interface (bottom right hand corner of screen), then click on Calculate Upgrade Savings to display the results. This information can be used where adding customized text to the EnerGuide Rating System > RUR Comments section, in cases when custom comments need to be substantiated with quantified energy savings (i.e. adding text that indicates an upgrade will result in a specific GJ reduction in total energy use). It should be noted that the GJ energy savings indicated in the Calculate Upgrade Savings Individually screen are based on the General mode and not the EnerGuide Rating System mode, therefore they should be considered as approximations only. TIP: if a component has not been modelled with an upgrade, or an upgrade does not appear in the report, the comments field for the particular component will not appear in the report. In such cases, use the EnerGuide Rating System screen > RUR Comments > Additional Comments section to add customized text to the report. 2.1 Renovation upgrade report issues and workarounds

Issue Details Workaround 2.1.1 Pony Wall upgrade

without a basement wall upgrade

NRCan #: 4029, 3686

Pony wall upgrades modelled alone, without a basement wall upgrade, will not indicate a pony wall upgrade in the report. However, if a pony wall is modelled with a basement wall upgrade, a foundation upgrade will appear in the report that includes the pony wall upgrade. Note that the GJ savings indicated for the pony wall and basement wall upgrades will be indicated as a combined energy consumption value (GJ).

Provide a comment in the RUR Comments section indicating the pony wall RSI/R value upgraded. The approximate GJ savings for the pony wall upgrade can be determined by checking the Calculate Upgrade Savings Individually checkbox (at the bottom right of the HOT2000 Energy Upgrades interface).


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2.1.2 Oil heating not

displaying

NRCan #: 3667,3668

An oil furnace and boiler with a flame retention head upgrades modelled with Furnace or Boiler w/ flame ret. head will not appear in the report (both ENERGY STAR and non-ENERGY STAR).

Model oil furnace and boiler flame retention head upgrades as a mid-efficiency unit at 83% AFUE – 83%, Mid- eff. Furnace/Boiler (no dil. air).

2.1.3 Electronic Thermostats

not displayed

NRCan #: 3684

Modelling electronic thermostats as an upgrade does not generate any upgrade information in the upgrade report.

Provide a comment in the Additional Comments section of the upgrade report that indicates the electronic thermostats upgrade.

2.1.4 Energy Efficiency

Upgrades and Results table incorrect

NRCan #: 4484, 4516

When a solar DHW system is modelled in the base case, the Recommended Energy Efficiency Upgrades and Results table indicating all the individual upgrades displays incorrect GJ values in the upgrade report.

Remove the solar DHW system from the base case and produce an “interim” upgrade report (with all other upgrades modelled). Send the report to the homeowner with a note indicating that it is an interim report (without solar DHW modelled) and that NRCan is processing the final report to be sent to the homeowner. Subsequently, send the .h2k file to ManuEval and indicate that the file has a solar DHW in the base case which requires an NRCan workaround.

2.1.5 Incorrect DHW upgrade

TSV value

NRCan #: 4701

When a DHW system is upgraded without upgrading the heating system, the TSV value indicated for the upgraded DHW is based on the base case DHW system (not the upgrade).

When modelling a DHW system upgrade, concurrently model a heating system upgrade. Note that this workaround does not require altering of the heating system performance details (i.e. the workaround will work whether you keep the same equipment and efficiency details or not).

2.1.6 No DWHR for second

DHW system

NRCan #: 4343, 4624

A DWHR unit can’t be modelled for a second DHW system in the upgrade case or in the base case when a solar DHW system is modelled. Modelling in either scenario will result in a “pervasive error” message that prevents calculations. See issue 1.2.15 for more information on pervasive errors.

It is not possible to model a DWHR unit in the secondary DHW system when a solar DHW system has been modelled. If it is intended to model a second DWHR unit as an upgrade, model only one unit. Provide a comment in the Additional Comments section for the upgrade report indicating that a second DWHR unit will result in GJ savings of approximately 50% of the first unit upgraded.


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2.1.7 Basement and crawl

space Composites not displayed

NRCan #: 4629, 4627

Upgrade recommendation texts are not displayed in the report for basement wall insulation composites, and crawl space wall composites. See details following this table. See details in section 2.2 of this document.

See details in section 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 of this document.

2.1.8 Crawl space floor above

foundation not displayed

NRCan #: 4630

When upgrading the floor above a crawl space, the text for the crawl space floor also appears in the report.

See details in section 2.2.3 of this document

2.1.9 Secondary DHW system

upgrade

NRCan #: 4672, 3768, 4193

Modelling one DHW system in the base case and two DHW systems in the upgrade case results in only the primary system being considered in the upgrade report.

Model a secondary DHW system in the base case that has the same specifications as the primary system. Next, model the desired secondary DHW system in the upgrade. Create the upgrade report and document the energy savings of the DHW upgrade shown in the upgrade report. Remove the secondary DHW system in the base and upgrade case. Provide a comment in the RUR Comments indicating the energy savings noted from upgrading the secondary DHW system.

2.1.10 Integrated Heat Pump

Water Heater EF

NRCan #: 4398

The energy factor indicated in the upgrade report for an integrated heat pump water heater is incorrect. The energy factor indicated is the energy factor for the separate heat pump unit, not the integrated tank-heat pump (i.e. not the entire heat pump and tank system).

To obtain the correct energy factor, for the integrated unit, multiply the energy factor indicated in the upgrade report by 0.9. Indicate the corrected energy factor for the integrated heat pump water heater in the RUR Comments.

2.1.11 Wood DHW upgrade

NRCan #: 3993

The report generator does not generate any upgrade text in the upgrade report for wood fueled DHW system at any energy factor. However, the upgrade report will indicate the resultant energy savings in “Rating Reductions (GJ/year)” in the “Recommended Upgrades and Results” table and it will be included in the upgrade rating calculation.

Model the wood DHW upgrade as desired. Approximate GJ savings for the upgrade can be determined by checking the Calculate Upgrade Savings Individually checkbox (at the bottom right of the HOT2000 Energy Upgrades interface). Provide a comment describing the upgrade and energy savings in the RUR Comments > Additional Comments.


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2.1.12 Wood heating upgrades

NRCan #:4643

When modelling wood heating systems with the CSA/EPA check box selected, the upgrade will not appear in the upgrade report.

Model wood heating system upgrades without checking the CSA/EPA checkbox. As a result, the wood heating system upgrade will be present in the upgrade report. A comment regarding the CSA/EPA condition can be added to the RUR Comments for the benefit of the homeowner.

2.1.13 DWHR and Household

Operating Conditions

NRCan #: 4343

When household operating conditions are modelled with a combination of either one or two occupants and an energy efficient clothes washer, modelling a DWHR unit will result in error messages that prevent calculations.

First, model and save the file with the Household Operating Conditions modelled and without the DWHR unit modelled (this file will be used to generate the upgrade report that will be provided to the homeowner). Next, generate a Renovation Upgrade Report for the same file with the DWHR unit modelled and without Household Operating Conditions modelled (this file will be sent to NRCan). Document any differences in energy consumption resulting from DWHR modelling as indicated in the upgrade calculation screen, for DHW and total energy use. Provide the homeowner with this information in the RUR Comments > Additional Comments in the upgrade report.

2.2 Foundation upgrades The following workarounds are specific to basement wall insulation composites, crawl space wall composites, and the crawl space floor above foundation. The workarounds will result in the foundation upgrade appearing in the report and upgrade text is added to enhance the clarity of upgrade recommendations. 2.2.1 Basement wall insulation composites NRCan #: 4627 The Exterior Added Insulation field can accommodate composite modelling in the base case but not in the upgrade case. When a basement wall upgrade is modelled using Composite the Foundation upgrade text will not be generated unless the following two conditions are met: The basement walls Exterior Added Insulation must be modelled with 100% User Specified wall

area in the upgrade case (i.e. no composites).


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The basement walls Exterior Added Insulation must be modelled with an increase in the insulation level in the upgrade case.

Different scenarios are illustrated to show different workarounds. The two configurations to the left show the base and upgrade cases intended to be modelled without a workaround. The two configurations to the right show what needs to be modelled for the base and upgrade cases, using the workaround, in order to display the foundation upgrade in the report.

Scenario A:

Intended upgrade Workaround modelling

Base Case Upgrade Case Base Case Upgrade Case

Figure 1 - Scenario A: Basement wall insulation composites

For scenario A in Figure 1, the intended upgrade case does not meet both conditions since 1) the exterior wall is not modelled with 100% User specified and 2) the Exterior Added Insulation isn’t modelled with an increase to the insulation level.

Note that the Interior Added Insulation composites for the base and the upgrade cases are modelled as intended.

The workaround requires the following steps:

1. To meet the two conditions, model the upgraded Exterior Added Insulation at 100% of the wall area and increase the User Specified R-value by R 0.01 or the lowest possible increase in R/RSI insulation level that results in an Insulate Foundation upgrade appearing in the report. Do not use Composite. As a result, the Insulate Foundation text in the report will indicate an upgrade to the basement walls from the exterior.

2. Include text in the RUR Comments for Foundation to indicate the details about the upgrade

recommendation to every wall component upgraded, for example, “Add R20 to the interior basement wall area that is uninsulated. This represents about 50% of your basement walls. Please note that this upgrade recommendation has been included in the modelling and that the estimated energy savings are indicated in the report."


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As a result of step 1, also add text in the RUR Comments for Foundation to inform the homeowner to ignore the references to the addition of insulation to the exterior of the foundation, for example, “Please disregard recommendations in the report to increase the insulation level of the basement walls from the exterior." Scenario B:



Figure 2 - Scenario B: Basement wall insulation composites

For Scenario B in Figure 2, the first condition has not been met because the exterior walls have composite insulation modelled in the intended upgrade case. Also, the second condition has not been met because the exterior wall has not been modelled with an increase in insulation level in the intended upgrade case.

Note that the Interior Added Insulation composites for the base and the upgrade cases can be modelled as intended.


1. Note the combined insulation value of the upgrade case Exterior Added Insulation composite modelled.

2. To meet both conditions, do not use Composite while performing the following steps. Click on any other insulation option in the Exterior Added Insulation drop-down menu of the upgrade case. This will reset the composite.

3. Click back to select the User specified option and input the combined composite R-value as

previously documented in step 1 to which you need to add R/ RSI 0.01 or the lowest possible increase in R/RSI insulation level that results in an insulate foundation upgrade appearing in the report.

4. Include text in the RUR Comments for Foundation to indicate the details about the upgrade recommendation to every wall component upgraded, for example, “The basement wall upgrade was modelled with an increase of R12 to the uninsulated interior wall area (50% of interior wall area). Please note that this upgrade recommendation has been included in the modelling and that the estimated energy savings are indicated in the report."


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Since a marginal increase in R-value was modelled to the combined insulation value of the Exterior Added Insulation (for the purpose of generating a foundation upgrade in the report), also add in the RUR Comments for Foundation to inform the homeowner to ignore the references to the addition of insulation to the exterior of the foundation, for example, “Please disregard recommendations in the report to increase the insulation level of the basement walls from the exterior."

Scenario C and D:



C

D

Figure 3 - Scenario C and D: Basement wall insulation composites

For Scenario C and D in Figure 3, the first condition has not been met because the exterior walls have composite insulation modelled in the intended upgrade case, but the second condition is met because the exterior wall insulation has been increased in the upgrade case.

Note that the Interior Added Insulation composites for the base and the upgrade cases can be modelled as intended.


1. Note the combined insulation value of the Exterior Added Insulation intended upgrade composite modelled.

2. To meet the first condition, do not use the Composite in the upgrade cases. Click on any other insulation option in the Exterior Added Insulation drop-down menu of the upgrade case. This will reset the composite.


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3. Then click back to select the User specified option and input the combined composite R-value as previously documented in step 1. This will enable the recommendation to appear in the report.

4. Include text in the RUR Comments for Foundation to indicate the details about the upgrade

recommendation to every wall component upgraded since the exterior wall upgrade text displayed is based on an upgrade to the entire wall area, for example, “The basement wall upgrade was modelled with an increase of R12 to the uninsulated exterior wall area (50% of interior wall area). Please note that this upgrade recommendation has been included in the modelling and that the estimated energy savings are indicated in the report."

2.2.2 Crawl space wall insulation composites NRCan #: 4629 Currently, when a crawl space wall is modelled using composites the Foundation upgrade text will not be generated in the report. The following workaround for crawl space wall composite modelling requires that the crawl space header be modelled as an upgrade with a minimal level of additional insulation.

Perform the following procedure if the crawl space header has not been modelled with an upgrade. If a crawl space header upgrade has been modelled, only perform Step 2 (don't perform Step 1 or Step 3).

1. Alter the base case crawl space header in Construction > Floor Header Type so that a User specified value is indicated (do not alter the RSI/R value). Next, model a header upgrade with a User specified value of the lowest possible increase in RSI/R insulation value that results in an Insulate Foundation upgrade appearing in the report. Modelling an upgrade to the header will generate header upgrade text in the report typically indicating an increase of either RSI 0/R 0 or a very low level of insulation.

2. Provide the following text in the RUR Comments for Foundation only for the crawl space wall components that were upgraded.

3. Wall insulation upgrade: Indicate the nominal insulation value increase and percentage of wall

area for each crawl space wall composite modelled with an upgrade, for example, “Add R12 to your crawl space wall that is uninsulated. This represents about 50% of your crawl space walls. Please note that this upgrade recommendation has been included in the modelling and that the estimated energy savings are indicated in the report."

If the crawl space header was modelled with an upgrade as indicated in Step 1, also add the following text in the RUR Comments for Foundation, "Please disregard all recommendations in the report to increase the insulation level of the foundation headers".

2.2.3 Crawl space floors above foundation (Open, closed and vented crawl spaces) Note that if an upgrade is modelled to the Floors Above Foundation the upgrade recommendation will incorrectly indicate text for both the crawl space floor and the floor above the “unheated crawl space” (regardless of whether the crawl space was modelled as heated or unheated). To clarify the upgrade recommendation in the report, provide the following text in the RUR Comments for Foundation:


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“Please disregard the upgrade recommendation to increase the insulation level of your crawl space floor.”

Also, if the crawl space was modelled as heated, provide a comment indicating that the crawl space was actually modelled as a heated crawl space. 2.3 Renovation upgrade report modelling tips

Subject Details Tip 2.3.1 Window upgrades not

displayed

NRCan #: 3610

Window upgrades will only be generated in the upgrade report when there is an increase in RSI/R-value to the window(s). If the SHGC is increased, it may not alter the rating. If the SHGC has been significantly decreased, it may result in a net energy loss and the window upgrade will not be generated in the upgrade report. Also, the Rating Reductions (GJ/year) in the “Recommended Upgrades and Results” table may indicate a negative value when the combined impacts of RSI/R value and the SHGC result in a net reduction in energy performance.

If the window upgrade(s) indicate a negative value in Rating Reductions (GJ/year), provide a description of the window upgrades in the RUR Comments. Indicate the number of windows upgraded (i.e. those with either a higher RSI/R-value or a higher SHGC). Also provide comments that explain the negative Rating Reductions (GJ/year) value (e.g. “the upgraded window(s) performance has resulted in an increased RSI/R-value but a net decrease in overall window energy performance due to a lower SHGC”).

2.3.2 Upgrades not displayed

When components are modelled with upgrades that result in less than .5 GJ energy savings (rounded value to the whole number) they will not show up in the upgrade report.

If a component is modelled with an upgrade but doesn’t appear in the upgrade report, provide a description of the upgrade in the RUR Comments and an explanation that the upgrade resulted in less than 1 GJ energy savings. Review the upgrade calculation screen to confirm the GJ energy savings for the component.

2.3.3 Electric Tank DHW not

displayed

NRCan #: 4609, 4175, 4539

An electric tank-type water heater upgrade will not show up in the upgrade report unless it is modelled using Standby Heat Loss > Input Capacity. Note: an incorrect result for “Ratings Reduction (GJ/year)” in the “Recommended Upgrades and Results” table will appear in the upgrade report if Standby Heat Loss is modelled with the %/hr option. Therefore, model Standby

Model an electric tank-type water heater upgrade using Energy Factor > Standby Heat Loss and Input Capacity. A recommended “average” 151.4 L electric tank-type water heater upgrade will have a 3,000 watt Input Capacity and 60 watt Standby Heat Loss. This will result in the upgrade appearing in the upgrade report that will be given to the homeowner. Separately save the .h2k file that was


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Heat Loss using the W (Watts) or BTU/hr option.

used to generate the upgrade report. Next, model the DHW system as indicated in HOT2000 Workarounds section 1.1.10 so that the correct DHW TSV values will be populated for the file. This is the file that will be submitted to NRCan.

2.3.4 Energy use bar graphs

NRCan #: 4220

The two bar charts in the upgrade report, Before and After: Heat Loss Through the building Envelope and Before and After: Estimated Energy Use incorrectly indicate that household operating conditions were used for the calculations.

Standard operating conditions (not household operating conditions) are used to calculate energy use in the two bar charts in the upgrade report. This information can be communicated to the homeowner in the RUR Comments. Also, the bar colours used for the Before and After: Estimated Energy Use bar chart are black and mauve (not grey and blue as stated).

2.3.5 ASHP upgrade not

displayed

An air source heat pump upgrade will not appear in the upgrade report if the Heating Efficiency or Cooling Efficiency is modelled with the COP option in the upgrade case. Also, the upgrade report does not provide any upgrade text for the cooling component of an air source heat pump.

Model air source heat pumps with the HSPF option for Heating Efficiency and the SEER option for Cooling Efficiency. To ensure that the homeowner is made aware of the cooling component of an air source heat pump upgrade, add a comment in RUR Comments indicating the details of the upgrade.

2.3.6 GSHP and WSHP

upgrades not displayed

NRCan #: 3673

Ground source and water source heat pumps upgrades will not appear in the upgrade report unless a checkmark is indicated for the CAN/CSA-C448 checkbox.

Ensure that ground source and water source heat pump upgrades have a checkmark for the CAN/CSA-C448 checkbox.

2.3.7 Thermostat settings in

Household Operating Conditions

Modelling a Cooling season thermostat setting in Household Operating Conditions that is less than the Heating season – daytime or Heating season – nighttime setting will generate the following error message that prevents calculations, “The Main floor Cooling Set Point temperature must not be less than the Main Floor Heating temperature”.

Sufficiently raise the Cooling season thermostat setting to above or equal to the heating season temperature(s) until the error message no longer appears.

2.3.8 Condensing gas heating

The text for natural gas and

In the Heating/Cooling System


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upgrades not displayed

NRCan #: 4214

propane condensing furnaces and boilers will not display unless modelled with an Energy Efficient Motor.

interface, > Fans/Pumps screen, check the Energy Efficient Motor checkbox to generate the upgrade text for condensing natural gas and propane furnaces and boilers. Model all furnace and boiler upgrades using AFUE efficiency.

2.3.9 ENERGY STAR gas

boiler upgrade not displayed

Gas boilers modelled with an ENERGY STAR upgrade will appear in the report even if they don’t meet the current ENERGY STAR requirements for minimum % efficiency.

When modelling ENERGY STAR heating and cooling system upgrades, ensure that the % efficiency modelled meets or exceeds the current ENERGY STAR requirements for minimum % efficiency. The following link may be helpful in determining ENERGY STAR requirements: https://www.energystar.gov/productfinder/product/certified-boilers/results

2.3.10 Photo orientation

NRCan #: 4696, 4191

A portrait orientation for the front of the house photo will result in a distorted image on the front page of the reports. Note: this issue also applies to the Homeowner Information Sheet.

Always take the front of house photo in a landscape orientation (by physically rotating the camera to a landscape orientation).

2.3.11 Maximum photo size

NRCan #: 3733

The Report Generator imposes a 2 MB limit on the photograph for the front of house photo that appears on the reports. If the size of the photo (when checked in Properties) exceeds 2MB, the report generator will indicate “The image size is too big” and reports will not be generated. Note: this issue also applies to the Homeowner Information Sheet.

If the photo for the front of the house is greater than 2 MB perform the following procedure to reduce its size: right click on the photo located in the appropriate folder; select “Resize Pictures”, and select the largest size possible that will reduce the pixel sizing until the photo is < 2 MB.

2.3.12 HTML used in RUR

Comments

NRCan #: 4700

<p> is not functional.

To break up paragraphs use the list function <ul><li>paragraph </li></ul> instead of <p>.

2.3.13 Cooling Months –

Household Operating Conditions

One (1) is the minimum number of months that can be modelled under Household Operating Conditions > Cooling season (# of months). Attempting to model zero (“0”) # of months for Household Operating Conditions may be desired in an effort to create a theoretical

To simulate a zero number of months cooling, perform the following procedure which is a comparison between the house with and without a cooling system under Standard Operating Conditions. In the case of an A/C cooling system scenario, remove the Air


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scenario in which space cooling is present in the house and the homeowner wants to know how much energy would be saved if it wasn’t used.

conditioning system, run calculations and document energy use (GJ) from the calculations screen. In the case of an ASHP with cooling system, model Equipment > Unit Function > Heating, run calculations and document energy use (GJ) from the calculations screen. Communicate the total energy use (GJ) results from the zero number of months simulation to the homeowner. Remodel the file with the actual cooling system.

2.3.14 Only HRV ventilation

system upgrade displayed

NRCan #: 4587

Upgrades other than an HRV in the Whole-house components > Ventilator/Fan type don’t appear in the report (i.e. Bathroom, Range hood and Utility whole-house ventilation upgrades don’t appear in the report).

Provide a comment in the Additional Comments section of the upgrade report indicating the Whole-house components option that was modelled. There are no workarounds for the Homeowner Information Sheet.

2.3.15 Additional errors

Other component upgrades that may need text corrections, replacements or complementary statements in the upgrade report are: crawl space sub-components, supplementary heating systems, secondary DHW unit, slab on grade skirt insulation/thermal break, P10 IMS, dual fuel system (bi-energy), foundation wall composites (%), above slab insulation. Ensure that nominal insulation levels are correctly displayed.

Use the RUR Comments section to add customized text or more specific upgrade information so that the text is correct and aligns with the upgrades modelled. Note: ensure that the modelling used for the upgrade case is the same methodology that was used for the base case.

2.3.16 Heat pump upgrades in

the post-retrofit file - TSV

A post-retrofit file modelled with an air, water or ground source heat pump upgrade may be rejected by the Mailbot. This will occur when the Model information field for the Type 1 system has not been populated by a minimum of seven characters.

If the Type 1 system’s Model field has been left blank, as may be the case with electric baseboard heaters, enter seven x’s (e.g. xxxxxxx) into the Model field.

2.3.17 DHW upgrade without

energy savings doesn’t appear in report

NRCan #: 3991

A DHW upgrade will only appear in the report when there are energy savings realized by the modelled upgrade. If the DHW upgrade results in a net increase in energy consumption, upgrade text will not appear in the report (e.g. in the case of switching from electric to gas or oil DHW systems).

Use the RUR Comments section to add customized text and provide more specific upgrade information so that the homeowner is aware of the DHW upgrade, including the impact on energy consumption.


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2.3.18 Supplementary Heat System upgrades

Supplementary Heat Systems removed from the upgrade interface may not be in the same modelling order when compared to the base case Supplementary Heat Systems modelling. If the number of base systems modelled (i.e. “Supplementary Heating 5…4…3…etc.) does not correspond to the number of upgrade systems modelled, as a result of removing or adding a Supplementary Heat System, the upgrade report will not indicate correct information for the upgrades.

If the Supplementary Heat Systems modelling order or number of units have been altered in the upgrade interface, remodel the base systems to ensure that each system matches the order and type modelled in the upgrade.


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3 Homeowner Information Sheet 3.1 Homeowner Information Sheet issues and workarounds

Issue Details Workaround 3.1.1 User-defined window

and wall details not displayed

NRCan #: 3641

The Homeowner Information Sheet doesn’t indicate any construction details in the Building Envelope > Type section for windows and walls modelled with User-defined (blue) codes.

If also performing a renovation upgrade service, when modelling windows and walls with User-defined codes, provide a description of the components’ construction details in the RUR Comments. Otherwise, if only a Basic Service is performed, leave the information as-is.

3.1.2 Integrated Heat Pump

Water Heater upgrade

NRCan #: 4429

The upgrade text for an integrated heat pump water heater indicates an incorrect Type (“Electric add-on heat pump”) and indicates the Efficiency for only the tank instead of the energy factor for the integrated heat pump unit.

If also performing a renovation upgrade service, provide a description of the upgrade in the RUR Comments that indicates the correct Type (“Integrated heat pump water heater”) and the correct Efficiency (integrated heat pump’s energy factor). Otherwise, if only a Basic Service is performed, leave the information as-is.

3.2 Homeowner Information Sheet modelling tips

Subject Details Tip 3.2.1 “Legacy” EnerGuide

Rating TSV value

NRCan #: 4813

The TSV block displayed within each .h2k file (as viewed in the XML data) will still display the TSV field entitled ‘EGHRATING’, indicating a value between 0 and 100. Although the TSV field indicates a number between 0 and 100, it must not be referenced as the equivalent EnerGuide rating (0 - 100 scale).

Do not use the TSV field “<EGHRating>” in the .h2k file’s XML data for communicating the rating. The “<EGHRating> value is not the 0-100 rating that would have previously been generated by version 10.51. The two values are not comparable and should not be regarded as equivalent ratings.

3.2.2 Greenhouse gas

emissions – wood appliances

Wood appliance greenhouse gas emissions may be comparably less than those from other fuel-fired appliances because carbon dioxide emissions are not included in wood appliance net greenhouse gas emission calculations.

If a homeowner makes an inquiry regarding a discrepancy between greenhouse gas emissions for wood appliances compared to other fuel-fired appliances, explain the GHG accounting methodology used for wood appliances.

3.2.3 Pony Wall component

The Pony Wall component is

Inform the homeowner of the Pony


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not displayed separately

NRCan #: 3360, 4683

captured within the Basement component in the Homeowner Information Sheet and will not appear as a separate component.

Wall construction details at the time of the Basic Service and provide a comment in a separate document (e.g. Word) indicating the Pony Wall construction details including RSI/R value.

3.2.4 Basement, Pony Wall and Crawl Space wall composites not displayed separately

NRCan #: 4268

The Homeowner Information Sheet does not provide specific text indicating the percentage and RSI/R values of multiple wall sections modelled in composites Basement, Pony Wall and Crawl Space.

At the time of the Basic Service, inform the homeowner of the percentages and RSI/R values modelled for each Basement(s), Pony Wall(s) and Crawl Space(s) wall section and provide a comment in a separate document (e.g. Word) indicating this information. There is no workaround for this issue in HOT2000 v. 11.2, however this issue has been resolved in HOT2000 v. 11.3.


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4 HOT2000 10.51 to v. 11 conversion 4.1 Conversion methodology The following steps can be undertaken in order to open a HOT2000 v.10.51 file in v.11 of the software. Firstly, open the .hse file in v. 10.51 of the software.

1. Set the Display Units to Metric. 2. Remove all upgrades modelled in the Energy Upgrades interface. Note: a global deletion of all

window upgrades can be performed by using Ctrl + Shift in Summary View. 3. Perform a calculation run (ALT + C). 4. Save the .hse file.

Open the v. 10.51 .hse file in v. 11 of the software.

1. Select the EnerGuide Rating System mode and select the correct Vermiculite option (that was modelled in 10.51).

2. For windows modelled in the base case, “enable” all the window codes by going to Summary View and clicking on the Windows icon located in the tree, on the extreme left of the screen.

3. “Enable” the correct heating degree days of the correct location by clicking on the Weather tab. 4. Perform a calculation (ALT + C). 5. If an error message appears, take note of the component associated with the error message (e.g.

typically crawl spaces, headers and components modelled with favourite/user-defined codes) and “enable” the code by either opening the code used to model the component (i.e. open the component’s Code Selector drop-down and click “OK”) or by going to the Summary View and clicking on the component icon (e.g. Walls, Doors, Foundations, etc.).

6. Try running a calculation again, make note of any error messages, and enable the codes associated with problematic components.

7. If desired, remodel all energy upgrades removed from the v.10.51 file.


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Review the EnerGuide Rating System technical and modelling procedures to ensure that every relevant field has been input into the v. 11 software and modelled correctly. This may require a review of data collection forms or building plans to obtain specific v. 11 inputs that were not previously required in v. 10.51 (e.g. heated floor area). Note: the v. 11 Base Loads screen will indicate the v. 10.51 base load values, however the software will overwrite the 10.51 values with the v. 11 base loads when performing a calculation run in the EnerGuide Rating System mode. To view the v. 11 values in the Base Loads interface, click on the Restore Defaults box.

When applicable, the following fields must be verified or modelled in v.11 of the software:

1. House > Specifications tab:

i. Above-Grade Heated Floor Area

ii. Below-Grade Heated Floor Area

2. Specifications tab:

i. Ensure the Wall Colour is set to the default value of 0.4. ii. Ensure the Roof Colour is set to the default value of 0.4.

3. Temperatures:

i. If cooling equipment is present (e.g. air conditioning) and the basement is cooled, ensure

that the Basement > Cooled checkbox is checked.

4. Select Adjacent to Enclosed Unconditioned Space for relevant buffered walls and exposed floors.

5. Basement/ Crawl space/ Slab-on-grade:

i. Wall/Floor Construction tab > Floor Below Frostline OR Floor Above Frostline selection. These fields only impact the Reference House.

ii. Wall/Floor Construction tab > Heated floor checkbox iii. Wall/Floor Construction tab > Integral footing checkbox (Slab-on-Grade only). This

field only impacts the Reference House rating. iv. Crawl space Floor Header (need to model one). v. Crawl space Depth Below Grade and Total Wall Height (note that the crawl space

geometry modelling is different in v. 11).

6. Basement:

i. Ensure Basement > Foundation > Opening to Upstairs is set to the default setting of Standard door - Open.

ii. Model all concrete basements with either full slab insulation or an uninsulated slab using insulation configuration BCCB_4. For concrete basements with partial slab insulation, model using insulation configuration BCCB_8. Review section 7.9.1.2 of the EnerGuide


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Rating System—HOT2000 User Guide—Version 15.2 to ensure basement modelling procedures are adhered to.

7. Ensure all Window Measurements > Width and Height and construction details are those that

are documented for the as-built house. Model the actual Window Type for each window.

8. Ventilation: i. Confirm that a Dryer has been modelled in Ventilation > Supplemental components.

ii. For Supplemental components, model the specific flow rate (if data available).

9. Adjust flue diameters for furnaces, boilers, domestic hot water and supplementary heating systems when non-dampered combustion air supply or vent damper present.

10. Model Supplementary Heat as either Never or Always as per the instructions in section 3.5.22

of the EnerGuide Rating System—Technical Procedures—Version 15.2

11. Ensure the Heating Systems Fan/Pump > Mode is set to Auto and the Cooling Systems Fan > Indoor Mode is set to Auto.

12. Domestic Hot Water:

i. DHW equipment Energy Factor (Option to model using Standby Heat Loss, Thermal Efficiency and Input Capacity)

ii. Slope and Azimuth for solar DHW system iii. Heat pump water heaters: remodel integrated units as per section 7.15.1.1 EnerGuide

Rating System—HOT2000 User Guide—Version 15.2. iv. Drain Water Heat Recovery checkbox: include specific equipment data

13. Remodel CSA P.9-11 Tested Combo Heating/DHW systems.

14. Model number of low flow toilets observed in the Water Conservation tab > Number of low

flush toilets > Observed (base).

15. Perform a calculation (ALT + C).

16. Save the newly-created version .h2k file.


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4.2 Conversion workarounds Opening a v. 10.51 file in v. 11 may result in error messages that prevent running calculations or saving the file. Following the steps indicated in the error message usually resolves the issue. However specific v. 10.51 modelling configurations and input parameters may result in error messages for which the software does not indicate a workaround methodology. The following is a list of the most predominant workarounds for file conversion issues. In the case that a workaround is unsuccessful at resolving the issue, the component can be deleted and remodelled in v. 11 using the exact same data from the v. 10.51 file.

1. Crawl spaces: When converting files with crawl spaces, an error message is sometimes generated that prevents calculations - the software will generate an “SOC can’t be parsed” error message that prevents calculations. The workaround requires the user to open the crawl space code and click “OK” (which effectively “enables” the code).

2. Basements: in some converted v. 11 files with basements, an error message is generated when

performing a calculation that indicates that the total window area exceeds the above grade basement wall area or pony wall area (even if a pony wall wasn’t modelled). This is due to the Reference House which will model a pony wall for the foundation above grade portion that is beyond 0.6 m that requires “main wall” insulation compliance. To eliminate the issue, incrementally decrease the basement Depth Below Grade until the error message is no longer generated (e.g. decrease by increments of 0.1 m or less). For example, if the error message occurs when the Total Height is 2.5 m, and the Depth Below Grade is 1.7 m, the workaround requires a decrease in the Depth Below Grade by increments of 0.1 m or less until the message is no longer present when performing calculations. See section 1.1.1 of this document for more information.

3. Basement wall depth < 2 feet below grade: in a v. 10.51 file, basements modelled with a

basement wall depth below grade of less than 2 feet will generate an error message in v. 11 that prevents calculations. The error message that is generated is “Depth below grade (value = x) for the foundation (Foundation x) is outside of boundaries (0.5m to 50.0m)”. The only workaround is to remodel the basement as a slab on grade foundation with the same geometry and construction details.

4. Insulation values for components: some v. 10.51 files that have been converted to v. 11 will,

upon attempting to run a calculation, generate a message that indicates that the insulation value of the component is incorrect and editing of the component is required to correct the problem. The workaround is to “enable” the code for the component by clicking on it or opening up the Code Selector drop-down menu and clicking on “OK” or clicking on a sub-component. This issue often occurs with crawl spaces, headers and window codes. Usually, all the base case window codes can be “enabled” by going to Summary View and clicking on the Windows icon.

5. User-defined and favourite codes: some components modelled with user-defined (blue) or

favourite (red) codes can get altered or become unrecognizable to the software when converting from v. 10.51 to v. 11. Consequently, when running calculations, an error message appears indicating that the code prevents calculations. The workaround for these error messages requires that user defined and favourite codes be “enabled” (as previously indicated in this document) or


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be remodelled. The user must ensure that for each component the v. 10.51 codes match the v. 11 modelling after converting the file.

4.3 HOT2000 Conversion Tips

Subject Details Tip 4.3.1 Code Library – v.10 to

v.11

NRCan #: 4726

If the user code library from v.10.51 is used with HOT2000 v.11 and saved using version 11, the newly saved code library will no longer be accessible from version 10.51. This occurs because the previous v.10.51 binary code is automatically converted to the v.11 .xml format. Note that if you open a code library in HOT2000 v.10.51 that has previously been saved in HOT2000 v.11, a message will appear that the file is too new for this version.

In HOT2000 v.11, before creating a new HOT2000 file, select File > Preferences > Libraries > Default Code Library to reference the v.10.51 code library you wish to use with v.11. Next, in HOT2000 v.11, open the code editor. A series of messages will appear to advise that the v.10.51 code library file is in an older version and it needs to be saved in the new file format. Select “Yes” in order to create a copy of the v10.51 code library in the new file format within the same folder. The original v.10.51 will remain unchanged. Although not advisable, if “No” is answered in which the library is not saved, a v.11 copy will not be created and you will still be able to use the code library in v.10.51.

4.3.2 Comparing v.10.51 and v.

11 results

The total energy consumption indicated for a version 10.51 file will not be the same when opened in version 11 of HOT2000. Due to changes undertaken to create version 11 of HOT2000, some main interface data will be modified when a v. 10.51 file is opened in v. 11. Additionally, changes have been made to the HOT2000 core which impact data and calculations used “behind” the main interface (e.g. ventilation, insulation R-values per inch, and air conditioning).

When converting a .hse file to a .h2k file in EnerGuide Rating System mode, do not expect to be able to directly compare energy consumption, even when main interface data inputs in the v. 10.51 are identical with v.11 inputs.

4.3.3 N/A displayed for

insulated component

NRCan #: 3924

Occasionally, “N/A” will be indicated for a component’s effective or nominal insulation value in the Homeowner Information Sheet when insulation was modelled for the component.

In such cases, the component that has “N/A” indicated for effective or nominal insulation value needs to have the code “enabled” by clicking on the component’s drop-down menu code. This procedure will result in the


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correct RSI/R value being indicated in the report.


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Appendix A: HOT2000 and EnerGuide Rating System Outputs – Issue Documentation Form This form is to be used to communicate to NRCan HOT2000 modelling “bugs” and issues associated with the Homeowner Information Sheet and Renovation Upgrade Report. Add extra "Issue #" fields as necessary. Issue #1: (Provide title or summary) 1. Describe the issue. For example, what were you trying to do?

2. Describe the expected outcome vs. the actual outcome.

3. Define the steps that led you to the issue, so we can replicate the process. Use screen capture(s).

4. Please indicate the HOT2000 file number and attach the H2K file(s) you were working on.

5. Describe any workarounds you may have implemented to resolve the issue.

6. Additional notes or comments.

Ottawa, Ontario Ottawa (Ontario) K1A 0E4 K1A 0E4

July, 2016

Natural Resources Canada’s EnerGuide Rating System: Ventilation information Dear Homeowner/Builder: The current version of the software used in the delivery of the EnerGuide Rating System service is overestimating the ventilation requirements for some homes. For properties where this is occurring the Homeowner Information Sheet and Renovation Upgrade Report incorrectly include the following ventilation warning: “The results of the energy simulation determined that this house may not receive sufficient outdoor air to maintain good indoor air quality. Please seek additional information from your energy advisor and a qualified ventilation contractor.” Following the energy evaluation performed on your property, this warning has been generated. Using an alternate ventilation calculation, approved by Natural Resources Canada, your energy advisor has determined that your home is sufficiently ventilated based on the accepted minimal ventilation rate used for residential housing. Please disregard the ventilation warning indicated in the Homeowner Information Sheet or Renovation Upgrade Report or both. Thank you, Housing Division, Office of Energy Efficiency Natural Resources Canada

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