EnergyPro - World Class Building Energy Analysis Software

State of the art energy analysis

EnergyPro is the most capable building energy analysis program in the world. It can be used with equal benefits on both residential and non-residential (commercial) buildings of all types. EnergyPro can be used standalone or it can be used in conjunction with Elite Software's Rhvac and Chvac HVAC peak load calculation programs. Use it to show compliance with ASHRAE 90.1, LEED, EPAct tax deductions, and various HERS energy rating systems.

Features

Calculates HVAC Operating Costs & Building Energy Usage
Complies with LEED, ASHRAE 90.1 and Title 24
Qualified for Calculating Commercial Building Tax Deductions
Performs 8,760 Hour by Hour Annual Energy Calculations
Provides Complete Life Cycle Cost Economic Analysis
Models All Types of Heating and Cooling Systems, Including VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) Systems
Allows for All Types of Non-HVAC Process Energy Uses
Handles Complex Building Designs and Schedules
Weather Data for Over 1800 Cities Provided
Allows Complex Utility Cost Rate Structures
Daylighting Analysis Capability
Accounts for Solar Space Heating & Domestic Water Heating
Provides Scores of Report Types in PDF Form
Links with Elite’s Chvac & Rhvac Load Programs
No Copy Protection Hassles! - No Annual Fees!

Overview

EnergyPro is a comprehensive residential and non-residential building energy analysis software package. The software allows for entry of any type of building and for virtually all types of cooling and heating equipment, including variable refrigerant flow (VRF) technology. Along with HVAC operating costs, EnergyPro also calculates miscellaneous building energy uses such as outdoor lighting, domestic hot water, pumps, and more. There are 14 EnergyPro software modules that can be combined in any way desired to meet your building modeling and reporting needs.

EnergyPro has evolved for over 25 years and uses numerous sophisticated calculation techniques for modeling buildings of all types. Commercial buildings and non-residential buildings of all types are primarily calculated based on the procedures from the U.S. Department of Energy software, known as DOE 2.1e. Residential buildings are modeled based on procedures developed by the California Energy Commission for use in their pioneering building energy conservation efforts, known as Title 24.

The state of California has long been a leader in requiring energy efficient buildings. The California building efficiency requirements were codified into many documents under Title 24. EnergyPro was born from the need for designers to have a simple way of using personal computers to comply with all the special building modeling and reporting required under Title 24. As you review the 14 EnergyPro modules, you will note that seven of those modules specifically address Title 24 requirements. For California designers, those seven modules are an invaluable aid.

The other seven EnergyPro modules are more generic in nature and are useful to designers all around the world. These include modules for ASHRAE 90.1 and LEED EAc1 compliance, and for general building performance and operating costs. Even some of the California specific modules such as for prescriptive building envelope, indoor and outdoor lighting analysis can be useful to non-California designers.

Below are descriptions of each of the EnergyPro modules. The IM1 interface module is the Windows data entry system that all other modules rely on. Start with it and then add on any other desired modules in any combination desired. Note that there are some commonly requested packages of modules, and a discount is given for those popular combinations.

EnergyPro Reports

As mentioned before, EnergyPro is more than just a Windows version of the original energy analysis software created by the U.S. Dept. of Energy for mainframe computers. As such, most of the EnergyPro reports are different and much improved from the original DOE-2.1e reports. However, as an additional bonus, several of the non-residential modules also offer the original DOE-2 simulation output reports. Wherever you see DOE-2 Simulation Output as a report type, that refers to scores of report pages covering all types of monthly and annual energy use and consumption categorized across all fuel types, utilizing virtually any type of rate structure. The sample report section shows both the new custom EnergyPro reports and the original DOE-2 simulation reports.

EnergyPro Demo

The downloadable demo of EnergyPro provides numerous sample projects and allows you to access all input data and print any reports that are already generated. However, new results cannot be calculated from this demo until you purchase active modules. Note also that you can download the complete user manual to EnergyPro. Use the manual to help you with the demo and to investigate the thousands of advanced features that EnergyPro offers.

EnergyPro Module Guide

With 14 modules to select from, EnergyPro can help every designer achieve their design goals with a minimum of cost. Most people only need 2-3 modules to do exactly what they want, as a number of the modules are California specific. Below is a guide to assist you in selecting the modules most appropriate for your needs. If you already own the IM1 interface module, you can deduct that cost from the packages described below.

Residential Energy Analysis: For someone wanting the ability to analyze residential buildings on an hour by hour basis for the entire year (8760 hours) and compare the performance of various building materials and HVAC equipment, the IM1 ($200) interface module and the RM4 ($300) Residential Performance module is a good combination for $500 total. A California based residential energy analyst would likely substitute RM1 ($300) into that mix as it adds residential Title 24 reporting capability.

Basic Commercial Energy Analysis: For a good basic analysis of commercial and non-residential buildings on an 8760 hourly basis that compares the performance of various building materials and HVAC equipment, the IM1 ($200) interface module and NRM8 ($600) Nonresidential Performance module is a good combination for $800 total. A California based designer would likely prefer NRM5 ($600) Nonresidential Title 24 Performance because of the Title 24 features. If you think you will ever want to perform ASHRAE 90.1 and LEED analysis, it is best to skip NRM8 and go straight to NRM7.

Full Commercial Energy Analysis: Many designers around the world need to analyze commercial buildings with respect to both LEED and ASHRAE 90.1 standards. The ideal combination of modules for that type of analysis is the IM1 ($200) interface module and NRM7 ($1000) Nonresidential ASHRAE 90.1 for a $1,200 total. NRM7 has all the same features as NRM8 plus LEED and ASHRAE 90.1 capabilities.

IM1 - EnergyPro Interface

The EnergyPro IM1 Interface is the data entry module that receives the input data for all modules of EnergyPro. This module organizes the building data into an explorer like "tree" diagram under a single window. See examples below. The tree can be expanded up and down to expose more or less data as desired. Multiple projects can be open at the same if need be.

All buildings, residential or commercial, simple or complex, are entered through the same data entry system. Whether certain inputs are used or not depend upon what EnergyPro modules have been purchased. As you review the modules below, you can see examples of specific inputs that relate to each module. Note that basic building data like roofs, walls, and windows are pertinent to all EnergyPro modules. Other data, such as home loan rates and terms, may only be relevant to one specific module.

Elite Software's Rhvac and Chvac load calculation programs can produce project files for use in EnergyPro. Use the export feature of Rhvac and Chvac to create the equivalent EnergyPro project file and save hours of time not spent on entering redundant data. Note that some additional data (utility rates, schedules, etc.) must still be added once in EnergyPro, but none of the building material and dimensions data have to be reentered.

Whether using just one or multiple modules of EnergyPro, the EnergyPro IM1 Interface module is required.

Price - $200

RM0 - Residential Title 24 Prescriptive

This module demonstrates compliance with the current version of the California Title 24 code for low-rise residential buildings. This will allow you to show compliance using the Prescriptive method for Additions and Alterations. This is a much more streamlined method for additions and alterations that in many cases requires no CF1R registration or HERS testing. The forms include the CF1R-ADD-02 and CF1R-ALT-05 reports.

See the reports here.

Price - $250
(Requires module IM1.)

RM1 - Residential Title 24 Performance

This module performs an hourly simulation of the building to determine energy usage and compliance in accordance with the California Energy Commission (CEC) procedures under the Title 24 code for low-rise residential buildings. The RM1 module is approved by the CEC for use with the Building Energy Efficiency Standards. Reports include Form CF-1R – Certificate of Compliance, Form MF-1R – Mandatory Measures, Form ECON-1 – Energy Use and Cost Summary and Form UTIL-1R – Utility Incentive Worksheet.

The RM1 module is used only on projects in California to demonstrate compliance with the current version of the California Title 24 code for low-rise residential buildings.

Includes these reports:
Form CF-1R Certificate of Compliance
Form MF-1R Mandatory Measures Summary
Form ECON-1 Energy Use and Cost Summary
Form UTIL-1R – Utility Incentive Worksheet
See the reports here.

Price - $300
(Requires module IM1.)

RM2 - Residential Load Calculations

The RM2 module applies the ASHRAE RLF (residential load factor) calculation procedures to the building data to perform a room by room load calculation such that the HVAC equipment can be sized correctly. The capabilities of the RM2 module overlap with various ACCA approved Manual J 8th edition (MJ8) residential calculaton programs. The ACCA MJ8 based programs such as Elite's Rhvac program are very popular as they are now required in the International Residential Code.

However, there are still some states (California for example) and city codes that allow the use of the ASHRAE RLF calculation procedures. The results from the RLF procedures will differ from the MJ8 procedures, but are considered reasonably accurate and useful. (See this article on why peak load calculation methods differ.) While not as current and comprehensive as the more popular MJ8 based software, the RM2 module with ASHRAE RLF reports and sizing information is an excellent value.

Includes these reports:
HVAC System Heating and Cooling Loads Summary
Room Load Summary
Room Heating Peak Loads
Room Cooling Peak Loads
See the reports here.

Price - $100
(Requires module IM1.)

RM3 - Residential GreenPoint Rated

The RM3 module calculates the energy point score used for compliance with the GreenPoint Rated scoring system or rating new and existing homes. This module was developed in partnership with Build-It-Green, www.builditgreen.org, and is primarily used to show compliance with the GreenPoint Rating system used in California. A GPR-1 certificate is printed to demonstrate compliance. This module is prmarily intended for use on projects in California.

Includes these reports:
Form GPR-1 GreenPoint Rated Summary
Home Energy Rating Detailed Data
Form ECON-1 Energy Use and Cost Summary
Form ECON-2 Energy Upgrade Recommendations
See the reports here.

Price - $300
(Requires module IM1.)

RM4 - Residential Performance

The RM4 module performs an hourly simulation of the building to determine the energy performance of a low-rise residential building when no code or compliance baselines are involved. The RM4 module does not provide the specific reports required under California Title 24, but it does include additional energy end-uses beyond those considered in Title 24, including: interior and exterior lights, appliances, and energy generated by on-site renewable energy systems.

The RM4 module is ideal for modeling a residential structure anywhere in the world and comparing the economc benefits of various building materials and types of HVAC equipment. This module is very powerful, and is often used to evaluate the cost effectiveness of such items as spray foam insulation, SIPS panels, low-e glass, high mass materials, and much more. All types of HVAC equipment can be simulated as well, including standard air conditioners, evaporative coolers, heat pumps, furnaces, boilers, chillers, ice water thermal storage, and even variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems.

While the RM4 module produces energy operating cost reports, it does not provide financial and economic analysis reports that deal with interest rates, loan terms, and tax brackets. For those types of reports, consider adding the RM5 module.

Includes these reports:
Form ECON-1 Energy Use and Cost Summary
Form ECON-2 Energy Upgrade Recommendations
See the reports here.

Price - $300
(Requires module IM1.)

SP1 - Residential Title 24 Performance

Includes the IM1 Interface, RM1, and RM2.

Price - $480

SP1A - Complete Residential Title 24

Includes the IM1 Interface, RM0, RM1, and RM2.

Price - $730

SP2 - Complete Residential Package

Includes the IM1 Interface and RM0 - RM4.

Price - $1150

NRM0 - Nonresidential Title-24 Mandatory Measures (California Code Compliance)

More info coming soon.

See the reports here.

Price - $160
(Requires module IM1.)

NRM1 - Nonresidential Prescriptive Envelope

The NRM1 module evaluates building envelope compliance with the current version of the California Title 24 code for nonresidential/high-rise residential/hotel-motel buildings. This module will calculate envelope compliance using the CEC Overall Envelope compliance method and produce the ENV-1 Certificate of Compliance and supporting ENV worksheets. This module is primarily intended for use on projects in California.

Includes these reports:
Form ENV-1-C Certificate of Compliance
Form ENV-3-C Overall Envelope TDV Approach
Form ENV-4-C Minimum Skylight Area Worksheet
Form ENV-MM Envleope Mandatory Measures
See the reports here.

Price - $160
(Requires module IM1.)

NRM2 - Nonresidential Title 24 Prescriptive Indoor Lighting

The NRM2 module evaluates indoor lighting compliance with the current version of the California Title 24 code for nonresidential/high-rise residential/hotel-motel buildings. This module will calculate indoor lighting compliance using the CEC Complete Building, Area Category or Tailored methods of compliance and produce the LTG-1 Certificate of Compliance and supporting LTG worksheets. This module is prmarily intended for use on projects in California.

Includes these reports:
Form LTG-1-C Certificate of Compliance
Form LTG-2-C Lighting Controls Credit Worksheet
Form LTG-3-C Indoor Lighting Power Analysis
Form LTG-4-C Tailored Method Worksheet
Form LTG-MM Lighting Mandatory Measures
See the reports here.

Price - $160
(Requires module IM1.)

NRM3 - Nonresidential Title 24 Prescriptive HVAC Compliance and Load Calculations

The NRM3 module will accurately size the HVAC system equipment and produce the MECH compliance documentation needed for compliance with the current version of the California Title 24 code for nonresidential/high-rise residential/hotel-motel buildings. Capabilities of this module include the ability to do room by room load calculations for buildings up to 1024 zones.

This module uses the ASHRAE transfer function method (TFM) to calculate peak heating and cooling loads such that the HVAC equipment can be sized properly. Over the years, ASHRAE has produced numerous commercial building peak HVAC load calculation procedures such as TETD, CLTD, TFM, RTS, and HB. The results from all of these procedures will differ from each other. (See this link on why peak load calculations differ.) The RTS and HB procedures are ASHRAE's latest procedures.

The NRM3 module features overlap with many popular ASHRAE based commercial peak load calculation programs, such as Elite Software's Chvac program which offers the CLTD and RTS procedures. Besides deciding which ASHRAE procedure you prefer to use for commercial HVAC peak load calculations, there are numerous other considerations such as ease of use, report options, and advanced features concerning minimum and maximum supply air settings, outside air options, temperature set points, and much more. Although the focus of EnergyPro is primarily on building energy analysis, the NRM3 module offers good value for additional commercial peak load calculation ability in EnergyPro.

Includes these reports:
Form MECH-1-C Certificate of Compliance
Form MECH-2-C Air & Water System Requirements
Form MECH-3-C Mechanical Ventilation
Form MECH-4-C HVAC Misc, Prescriptive Requirements
Form MECH-MM Mechanical Mandatory Measures
HVAC System Heating and Cooling Loads Summary
Zone Load Summary
Room Load Summary
Room Heating Peak Loads
Room Cooling Peak Loads
Room Cooling Coil Loads
See the reports here.

Price - $270
(Requires module IM1.)

NRM4 - Nonresidential Title 24 Prescriptive Outdoor Lighting

The NRM4 module evaluates the outdoor lighting compliance with the current version of the California Title 24 code for nonresidential/high-rise residential/hotel-motel buildings. This module will calculate outdoor lighting compliance for outdoor applications as well as signs and produce the OLTG-1 Certificate of Compliance, SLTG-1 Certificate of Compliance and supporting LTG worksheets. This module is prmarily intended for use on projects in California.

Includes these reports:
Form OLTG-1-C Certificate of Compliance
Form OLTG-2-C Lighting Compliance Summary
Form SLTG-1-C Sign Lighting Compliance
See the reports here.

Price - $160
(Requires module IM1.)

NRM5 - Nonresidential Title 24 Prescriptive Process (California Code Compliance)

The NRM5 module evaluates compliance with the current version of the California Title 24 code for nonresidential/high-rise residential/hotel-motel buildings using the Performance Approach. This module will calculate hourly building energy performance for all building end use categories, including the Envelope, Lighting and HVAC systems. Documentation produced by this module includes the PERF-1 as well as the ENV, LTG and MECH supporting worksheets. In addition, this module will produce the UTIL-1 and UTIL-DT utility worksheets needed for participation in the Savings By Design Incentive program.

This module uses the DOE-2.1E* v119 software engine licensed from the Department of Energy to provide a highly accurate hourly simulation of building energy use. The Performance Approach allows trade-offs between various building components to determine Title 24 compliance, and will also calculate building energy cost using utility rates, and produce an ECON-1 form. This module is primarily intended for use on projects in California.

Note: When you purchase NRM5 from 7/22/2014 to 12/31/2014 you will be required to sign a statement saying that you understand that there will be a new module available for purchase after 12/31/2014 for T-24 non-residential performance calculations. Here is a copy of the statement you will be given to sign:

"In addition to the policies of Version 6 that you have already agreed to, please read and sign the following. I EnergyPro Version 6 user ___________(Full Name), understand that NRM5 is certified for the term 7/22-12/31/14 by the California Energy Commission for compliance with the new 2013 energy code, effective July 1, 2013. By signing this document, I understand that after 12/31/14 there will be a new module available for purchase for T-24 Non-Res performance calculations."

Includes these reports:
Nonresidential Performance Title 24 Forms
Form ENV-MM Envelope Mandatory Measures
Form LTG-4-C Tailored Method Worksheet
Form LTG-MM Lighting Mandatory Measures
Form MECH-MM Mechanical Mandatory Measures
DOE-2 Simulation Output - Proposed
DOE-2 Simulation Output - Standard/Baseline
Form UTIL-1 Utility Owner Incentive Worksheet
Form UTIL-DT Utility Design Team Incentive Worksheet
Form UTIL-1R Utility Incentive Worksheet
Form ECON-1 Energy Use and Cost Summary
See the reports here.

Price - $260
(Requires module IM1.)

NRM6 - Nonresidential Title 24 Performance

The NRM6 module demonstrates compliance with the current version of the California Title 24 code for nonresidential/high-rise residential/hotel-motel buildings using the Performance Approach. This module will calculate hourly building energy performance for all building end use categories including the Envelope, Lighting and HVAC systems. Documentation produced by this module includes the PRF-01 Performance Certificate of Compliance.

This module uses the EnergyPlus software engine licensed from the Department of Energy to provide a highly accurate hourly simulation of building energy use. The Performance Approach allows trade-offs between various building components to determine Title 24 compliance, and will also calculate building energy cost using utility rates, and produce an ECON-1 form.

Price - $1000

(Requires module IM1.)

NRM7 - Nonresidential ASHRAE 90.1

The NRM7 module evaluates compliance with the ASHRAE 90.1 Standard using the Appendix G compliance methodology. This module will automatically create the four baseline runs needed to show compliance with either the 2004, the 2007 or the 2010 version of the standard. For LEED compliance, the 90.1 methodology is used for projects outside of California and can optionally be used on projects inside of California as well.

This module uses the DOE-2.1E* v119 software engine licensed from the Department of Energy to provide a highly accurate hourly simulation of building energy use. Reports produced by this module include the EAC-1 worksheet, which can be used to complete the LEED template. The NRM7 module is excellent for use anywhere compliance with ASHRAE 90.1 is required.

NRM7 and NRM6 produce similar reports, but the difference is that NRM7 compares building energy use against a “baseline” model created for ASHRAE 90.1 comparisons while NRM6 compares against the California Title 24 baseline.

NRM7 is a popular module with non-California designers who more often need ASHRAE 90.1 compliance rather than California Title 24 compliance capabilities. Note that NRM7 has all the same features and can also produce all the reports available in NRM8 thus making it capable of general energy analysis around the world. Producing the NRM8 reports with NRM7 is done by specifying that no baseline is to be used.

For just $400 more than NRM8, the NRM7 module is an excellent value because it offers both LEED capability and ASHRAE 90.1 compliance which is not available in the NRM8 module.

Includes these reports:
Form EAC-1 LEED Compliance Summary
Form EAP-2 LEED Compliance Summary
Form EAP-S LEED Compliance Details
Form MECH-5 Mechanical Equipment Details
Form ECON-1 Energy Use and Cost Summary
DOE-2 Simulation Output - Proposed
DOE-2 Simulation Output - Standard/Baseline
See the reports here.

Price - $1,010
(Requires module IM1.)

NRM8 - Nonresidential Performance

The NRM8 module calculates the energy performance of nonresidential buildings when no code or compliance baselines are involved. This module will perform an hourly simulation on the building and determine annual energy consumption and energy cost. In addition, this module can be used for the Savings By Design utility incentive program as a supplement to the Nonresidential Title 24 Performance module, as it will allow for calculation of the “Non-compliance” standard and proposed building energy use, which can be used for incentive purposes.

The NRM8 module is ideal for modeling a nonresidential structure anywhere in the world and comparing the economic benefits of various building materials and types of HVAC equipment. This module is very powerful and is often used to evaluate the cost effectiveness of such items as spray foam insulation, cool metal roofs, SIPS panels, low-e glass, high mass materials, and much more. All types of HVAC equipment can be simulated as well, including standard air conditioners, evaporative coolers, heat pumps, furnaces, boilers, chillers, ice water thermal storage, and even variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems.

The NRM8 module uses the DOE-2.1E* v119 software engine licensed from the Department of Energy to provide a highly accurate hourly simulation of building energy use. For those needing ASHRAE 90.1 compliance, consider the NRM7 module, as it has all the features of NRM8 and can provide the same reports as NRM8.

Includes these reports:
Form MECH-5 Mechanical Equipment Details
Form ECON-1 Energy Use and Cost Summary
DOE-2 Simulation Output - Proposed
DOE-2 Simulation Output - Standard
See the reports here.

Price - $610
(Requires module IM1.)

NRM9 - Nonresidential Savings By Design Performance

This module calculates the utility incentive amounts for nonresidential buildings under the Savings By Design statewide utility incentive program. This module will perform an hourly simulation on the building, and determine annual energy consumption and energy cost. It will allow for calculation of the Non-compliance standard and proposed building energy use which can be used for incentive purposes.

This module uses the DOE-2.1E* v119 software engine licensed from the Department of Energy to provide a highly accurate hourly simulation of building energy use.

Price - $600
(Requires module IM1.)