Frequently Asked Questions
What is COMcheck?
What's the difference between COMcheck-Web and the COMcheck desktop application?
What's New in COMcheck-Web?
How do I know if I can use COMcheck-Web in my state?
How do I know whether I am expected to enter an area or a perimeter length?
What is the difference between cavity and continuous insulation?
Why did the system time me out?
Is my data safe and secure?
Q: What is COMcheck?
A: COMcheck-Web offers an easy-to-understand process for demonstrating compliance with all commercial energy code requirements for envelope, lighting, and mechanical systems. It eliminates calculation tasks other than determining square footages and requires no specialized technical knowledge of commercial codes. When applied to simple buildings, it is self-contained, requiring no additional resources or reference books. Finally, COMcheck-Web uses terminology familiar to the design, construction and enforcement communities.
COMcheck-Web can be used with most commercial energy codes based on ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2007/2010/2013 or the 2009, 2012, or 2015 IECC. Contractors and designers who use COMcheck-Web can save time and effort in documenting code compliance. Officials who receive COMcheck-Web certification forms can confidently view these submissions as "deemed to comply" with the code.
Q: What's the difference between COMcheck-Web and the COMcheck desktop application?
A: COMcheck-Web is the web-based version of the COMcheck software. It performs like the desktop version, but doesn't require you to download or install anything. Saved projects are kept in our database, which is backed up daily. This allows you to access your data anywhere there's an Internet connection.
Q: What's New in COMcheck-Web?
A: The latest release of COMcheck-Web includes support for the 2021 IECC Commercial Energy Code.
Q: How do I know if I can use COMcheck-Web in my state?
A: Jurisdictions that have adopted or incorporated ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2007/2010/2013 or the 2009, 2012, or 2015 IECC as their code or who have adopted codes based on these codes can use COMcheck-Web. As with any code-related question, the adopting jurisdiction is the final authority.
See our State Codes Database for information on codes in your state. Always consult your local code office for specific requirements in your area.
Q: How do I know whether I am expected to enter an area or a perimeter length?
A: The column for entering dimensional data on the Envelope screen has the heading Gross Area/Perimeter. All envelope assemblies are entered as areas except for concrete slab-on-grade assemblies, which are entered as the length of exposed perimeter in feet. When the user is required to input a perimeter length, the unit "ft" is displayed next to the input field. If an area is required, the unit "ft2" is displayed next to the input field.
Q: What is the difference between cavity and continuous insulation?
A: The terms cavity and continuous insulation are used throughout the COMcheck-Web software to distinguish between insulation affected by thermal bridging (cavity) and insulation not affected (continuous). Cavity insulation is insulation installed in the cavities between structural members, such as wood studs, metal framing, and Z-clips, while continuous insulation runs continuously over structural members and is free of significant thermal bridges. Continuous insulation typically is rigid foam board.
Q: Why did the system time me out?
A: COMcheck-Web tracks how long it has been since you've had activity on the web site and will timeout your session if it has been inactive for more than 60 minutes. To avoid losing data:
- Be sure to save your project before leaving your computer, even if you don't think you'll be gone for an hour.
- Save your data periodically for good measure. This will also protect your data from power outages and other such circumstantial problems.
Q: Is my data safe and secure?
A: Please see our Security & Privacy statement.