The Ultimate Pipe Sizing Calculator + 17-Tab Spreadsheet Toolkit
Size pipes faster with Pipe-Sizing Charts in one place, avoid costly mistakes, and design with confidence across HVAC, plumbing, steam, sanitary, storm, and gas systems.
Figure 1: Overview of the Pipe Sizing Toolkit package (Calculator + 17 Charts).
Buy...If you’ve worked on a building project, you’ve probably heard of ComCheck — the free software from the U.S. Department of Energy that helps verify building code compliance. For many small and straightforward projects, it works fine.
But here’s the catch: ComCheck only works when your project fits neatly into the prescriptive path of the energy code. As soon as you hit an exception, a special condition, or a system that doesn’t match the code tables, ComCheck won’t get you there. That’s when you need to step up to a ...
Most engineers, architects, or building owners don’t start their day thinking, “I should build an energy model today.” Instead, something happens that forces the question: a code reviewer pushes back, an owner wants proof of savings, or a tax incentive is on the table. Suddenly, the need for an energy model isn’t theoretical — it’s urgent.
If you’re new to this world, here are the most common reasons people end up needing their very first energy model.
1. Code Compliance Is the First Wake-Up Call Performance path...
If you’ve used ComCheck (DOE’s free prescriptive compliance tool), you know it’s great for simple projects. But the moment your design hits an exception—extra skylights, complex HVAC, mixed uses—ComCheck can’t show the trade-offs you need. That’s when reviewers say: “You’ll need a performance path energy model.”
10 Specific Reasons You Need an Energy Model Instead of ComCheck Excessive Glazing Area
If your window-to-wall ratio (WWR) exceeds prescriptive limits, ComCheck fails. A performance model can show that high-performance glazing or other measures keep the building efficient.
Skylight Limits and Daylighting ExceptionsSkylight area is capped as a...
Convert Model DXF to eQUEST | Start Energy Models Faster
//How to Start an Energy Model from CAD (Without Retracing Floor Plans Twice)
Summary: Create a simplified model DXF with thermal zones, then convert it directly into an eQUEST-ready model with Bim2Sim.com—no second redraw required.
If you’ve ever started an eQUEST project, you know the drill: hours spent just getting the building geometry in place. Produce a usable CAD File. Then retrace the CAD file you produced in your software (eQUEST, EnergyPlus, OpenStudio, IES VE). Most modelers waste 5–20 hours retracing drawings before they can even run the first simulation. The geometry...
“Which saves more carbon—an air-source heat pump or a premium insulation upgrade?”
If you're an energy modeler, you’ve likely faced this question. The answer might surprise you—and the reason why could shape the future of how you model energy projects. (Note that the conclusion will differ depending on the model and the costs!)
🔍 The Case Study: Medical Office in Climate Zone 4A client wanted to reduce emissions and applied for a state decarbonization grant. They had a $50,000 budget and needed to choose between:
Option A: Upgrade to a 16 SEER / 9.0 HSPF heat pump Option B: Upgrade the roof insulation from R-19 to...Carbon ROI (Return on Investment) is quickly becoming a must-have tool for energy modelers and sustainability consultants. It shifts the conversation from just dollars saved to carbon reduced per dollar spent — and that’s exactly where ESG-focused clients, grant programs, and future codes are heading.
What is Carbon ROI?Carbon ROI measures how much CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent) you eliminate for every $1,000 spent on an energy conservation measure (ECM).
Carbon ROI = (Annual CO₂e Savings in tons ÷ Project Cost in $) × 1,000It tells you how carbon efficient an ECM is,...
When it comes to Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs), many projects follow a path of predictable chaos—chasing rebates, installing trendy technology, or layering multiple strategies based on buzzwords or assumptions. Unfortunately, that approach often leads to diminishing returns, budget overruns, and missed opportunities.
We take a different approach—one grounded in data, context, and natural forces.
Over the years, we’ve developed a proprietary framework for identifying ECMs that deliver measurable ROI, tailored to each building’s actual profile, environment, and utility conditions. This method allows us to prioritize impactful upgrades and avoid wasting capital on redundant or low-...
Looking for the most cost-effective Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs)? You're not alone—we get this question all the time, and for good reason. I've included a list of great resources below to help you get started. After reviewing thousands of energy models over the years, I can tell you: many projects throw money at ECMs that don’t deliver value. Many are chosen based on trendy buzzwords, with little regard for actual ROI—or worse, they end up hurting the return. In a surprising twist no one saw coming, engineers sometimes fixate on a single strategy (I know, shocking). This leads to redundant ECMs being stacked on top of each other with diminishing returns, or money spent without considering the broader context....
