Comcheck Blog (2025)

Can I Do The Comcheck Myself?

Written by Jobe Leonard from Comcheck.net who is a supporter of all who do Comchecks.

www.Comcheck.net

Can You Complete a Comcheck Report Yourself?

A common question I hear is whether homeowners can complete a Comcheck report themselves. The answer is yes! You can certainly create your own Comcheck energy report using the Comcheck Web, Comcheck Desktop, or New Comcheck software programs. This blog post will guide you through the process.

Comcheck Energy Code Chart (2025)

Getting Started with Your Comcheck Report:

Begin with a complete set of blueprints. You’ll need to gather the following information from your plans:

• Local Building Code: What are the specific energy codes in your area?
• Foundation: Type of foundation (e.g., slab, crawl space, basement) and whether it’s insulated.

What is a Comcheck Report?

• Wall Construction: Type of wall framing (e.g., 2×4, 2×6, metal, wood, block) and insulation type and R-value.
• Windows: Brand, type, design, SHGC and U-factor (a measure of heat transfer) for each window.
• Doors: Brand, type, design, and U-factor for each door.
• Roof System: Roof system type (Wood, Metal, etc) and insulation type and R-value.
• Square Footage and Lineal Footage: Determine the square footage and lineal footage of key components like roof, foundation, walls, windows, and doors.
• Building Location: Where is your commercial project being built (city, state)?
• Building Inspector Acceptance: Will your local building inspector accept a Comcheck report created by the homeowner?

Using the Comcheck Web Program:

Once you have this information, enter it into the Comcheck Web, Comcheck Desktop, or New Comcheck program. Click the “check compliance” button.

https://www.comcheck.net/frequently-asked-questions/

• Pass/Fail: The program will indicate whether your structure meets the building code. If it passes, it will show a percentage of compliance. If it fails, it will show the areas of non-compliance.
• Energy Allowances: Each building component has an energy allowance based on your climate zone. If your design exceeds these allowances, you’ll need to make adjustments to improve energy efficiency.

Comcheck Tips for Comcheck Users

Many project stakeholders, architects, engineers, contractors, and subcontractors struggle with completing Comcheck reports on their own.

• Expert Assistance: My expertise lies in helping construction teams navigate the Comcheck process. I can suggest upgrades to windows, doors, garage doors, and insulation to ensure your project passes the Comcheck requirements, if needed.
• Free Consultations: I can offer free consultations to discuss your project and provide personalized recommendations.
• Comprehensive Support: I can generate multiple Comcheck reports to compare different insulation values and identify the most efficient options for your home.
• Nationwide Service: I can assist with Comcheck reports for commercial projects being built across the United States.  Pick a state and we can create a Comcheck report for that location using the preffered local code and specifications.

What Does a Comcheck Cost? (2025)

By utilizing my expertise, you can gain peace of mind knowing that your home is being built with proper insulation and meets all energy efficiency requirements.

I can get Comchecks created in a very efficient manor.  We need PDF plans, jobsite address, and square footage to get started.  Most Comchecks can be created within 10-12 hours.  Email project info to Comcheck@Comcheck.net to get started now.

Important Notice: COMcheck-Web Scheduled Maintenance Outage (December 18-19, 2024)

Streamlining Your Building Energy Compliance with Enhanced COMcheck-Web

We love providing Comcheck Energy Reports as a service.  We just received notice that COMcheck-Web will undergo scheduled maintenance starting Wednesday, December 18th, 2024, at 4:00 PM PST, and lasting for 24 hours until Thursday, December 19th, 2024, at 4:00 PM PST.

What to Expect:

• During this period, COMcheck-Web will be temporarily unavailable. You may experience intermittent service disruptions or complete downtime.
• We can still create Comchecks during this time as a service.  Email PDF plans, jobsite address, and square footage to comcheck@comcheck.net and we will get you taken care of.

Why the Maintenance?

This scheduled maintenance is crucial for several reasons:

• Enhanced Performance:  The Department of Energy is continuously optimizing COMcheck-Web for faster loading times and smoother operation.
• Improved Security:   They are busy implementing the latest security measures to ensure your building energy data remains protected.
• New Features: Typically when the updates are rolled out we are excited to introduce new functionalities to further streamline your compliance workflow. We can update you in future blog posts on Comcheck.net about the features we find once they are released and discovered.

Staying Informed:

We’ll keep you updated on the progress and the system’s return to normal operation.

Alternative Resources:

While COMcheck-Web is unavailable use Comcheck Desktop or New Comcheck as a resourse to complete Comcheck reports.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as COMcheck-Web is updated to be an even more valuable tool for your building energy compliance needs.

Temporary System Outage

Please note that due to ongoing maintenance and upgrades, New COMcheck-Web may experience slower load and response times during this transition period. While we are working diligently to minimize any disruptions, users may encounter delays in saving their projects.

Scheduled Maintenance

To further enhance system performance and reliability, we will be conducting scheduled maintenance on October 16, 2024, from 1 PM to 4 PM PST. During this time, COMcheck-Web will be unavailable. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

The building industry is constantly evolving, with a growing emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability. To meet these demands, the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Commercial and High-Rise Residential Code Compliance Tool (COMcheck-Web) has undergone a significant update. The new version of COMcheck-Web offers enhanced functionality, improved user experience, and streamlined compliance processes.

Key Features of the New COMcheck-Web

• Expanded Code Coverage: The new COMcheck-Web now supports both commercial and high-rise residential energy codes. This comprehensive coverage ensures that builders and designers can accurately assess compliance with a wide range of building types.
• Future-Proof Design: The platform is designed to accommodate future national and state energy code updates. As new codes are released, COMcheck-Web will be updated to reflect the latest requirements, saving users time and effort.
• Enhanced User Interface: The new version features a more intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easier for users to navigate the tool and complete their compliance tasks.
• Improved Efficiency: COMcheck-Web’s underlying technology has been optimized to provide faster load times and response times, reducing the time it takes to complete compliance checks.

Conclusion

The new version of COMcheck-Web represents a significant step forward in energy code compliance. With its expanded code coverage, improved user experience, and commitment to future-proofing, COMcheck-Web is a valuable tool for building professionals seeking to create more energy-efficient and sustainable structures.

Common Reasons a Comcheck Fails and How to Avoid Them

Today on the Comcheck Energy Report Blog by www.Comcheck.net we are going to discuss the reasons that a Comcheck might fail. On an everyday basis, we work with all types of Comchecks. We always run across some Comcheck reports that fail. We also run across users of Comcheck Web, Comcheck Desktop, and New Comcheck that have generated a Comcheck Energy report PDF and cannot figure out why it is failing. Follow along as we show the most common reasons for a Comcheck failure, and how to avoid it completely.

New Comcheck

U Values: Your glazed windows and doors will need to meet certain efficiency criteria if you are installing them new on a construction, alteration, or addition type Comcheck. In Comcheck software the efficiency of a window is measured in U Value. Different states have different rules as to the maximum U Value that your windows and glazed doors can have taken as an average. If your U Value average exceeds this preset limit then your project will autmatically fail. Sometimes the U value failure can be as simple as you missed a decimal place in your data.

For example: a .29 window is accidentally entered into Comcheck Web as 2.9 U value. The maximum allowable U value for the location of construction is .35. Since 2.9 is greater than the maximum allowable value of .35 U value then Comcheck Web will generate a failing score and report.

Another example: The windows you chose are .4 U value. The maximum allowable U value for the location of construction is .35. Since .4 U value is greater than the maximum allowable value of .35 U value then Comcheck Web will generate a failing score and report.

Choosing the correct windows and doors is very critical in Comcheck reporting and the U value of components help make sure that your Comcheck will pass without failure.

Comcheck Energy Report: What to Expect

SHGC: This is the solar heat gain coefficient. Each state also has a maximum SHGC that the glazed windows and doors can have. A common threshold in southern states where SHGC is mandated is .25 although it differs state to state. If your windows or doors have an average SHGC that is above the required level in Comcheck Web, Comcheck Desktop, or New Comcheck then the project will automatically fail.

Energy Code: Comcheck has alot of different energy codes that can be used on every project. You can even toggle in and out of some energy codes to see how the project would fair under different criteria. One way to easily fail a Comcheck is to use the wrong code.

Comcheck Energy Code Chart (2024)

For example: Your Comcheck Report required IECC 2024 Comcheck Report but you created your Comcheck Energy report using IECC 2021. The solution would be to use Comcheck Web or New Comcheck to update the Comcheck to the IECC 2024 Comcheck Energy Code.

Another example: You create your Comcheck Using the very stringent IECC 2024 Comcheck Energy Reporting Code. However, the building department automatically failed the project, because the adopted code for their jurisdiction is IECC 2021. The solution would be to use New Comcheck or Comcheck Web to change the project to the correct code.

Overall, it can be easy to enter data incorrectly, choose the wrong components, or use the wrong energy code when creating Comcheck Energy Reports. However, fixing the errors can be easy if you know what to look for. We hope this blog post article on fixing Comcheck report failures can help you. If you need a Comcheck created for you then email PDF plans, jobsite address, and square footage to comcheck@comcheck.net. Thanks for reading our Comcheck Energy Reporting Blog.

Your building inspector has asked you to prepare a Comcheck Energy Report on your commercial construction problem. The only problem is, you do not know anything about Comcheck reporting or the requirements. Welcome to the Comcheck Energy Report blog and today we will help you know what to expect when tasked with a Comcheck.

At this moment in time a Comcheck report can be created using 3 software options:

Comcheck Desktop: This is a software that is stored on the hard drive of your computer and can be accessed without the internet. The major pitfall of Comcheck Web that is infrequently updated and does not include all the latest codes that are needed.

IECC Codes Available in Comcheck Desktop and Comcheck Web

Comcheck Web: This is the most preferred method of creating a Comcheck and a great place for you to start on your Comcheck. The only downfall is that you cannot use Comcheck Web without an internet connection. Remote jobsites and rural areas are not great for this version. However, it does include all the latest energy codes and is frequently updated and maintained.

IECC Codes (2024) Available in Comcheck Desktop and Comcheck Web

New Comcheck Web: New Comcheck Web was recently launched. It works alot like Comcheck Web but has a new user interface. I have worked several Comchecks to completion on New Comcheck Web. Personally, I am not ready to make the switch yet, but I am always open to trying new Commercial energy auditing softwares and sharing them with our readers.

New Comcheck

So after you have chosen your software the anatomy of a Comcheck report will remain very similar on all 3 of the softwares. A typical Comcheck Energy Report will have 4 easy to use sections.

Comcheck Envelope: This portion is the roof, walls, windows, doors, and founation. It will compare the insulation qualities of those components against the climate zone that you are building in and give you a pass or fail percentage based score.

Comcheck Interior Lighting: You will choose the type of area you are constructing and enter the type and quantity of lights you will be installing in the interior of your commercial structure. A pass or fail grade will be established based upon the total number of watts that you install versus the baseline number prescribed by the software.

Comcheck Exterior lighting: You will choose the type of area you are constructing and enter the type and quantity of lights you will be installing on the exterior of your commercial building. An example would be canopy and parking lights. A pass or fail grade will be established based upon the total number of watts that you install versus the baseline number prescribed by the software.

Comcheck Mechanical: This section you enter the data about the HVAC systems that you are installing. It is the final section of the Comcheck report.

Once you have all these components complete you will need to sign, date, and submit your Comcheck Energy report to your building department. Know you know what to expect from your Comcheck Energy Report.

If you need a Comcheck created for you we can do it. Email us PDF plans, jobsite address, and square footage to comcheck@comcheck.net and we will get you taken care of.

Comcheck Web is Back Up and Running after Maintenance Update!

Great news for DIY Comcheck users! Comcheck Web, the online home energy auditing suite, is back online after a 24-hour maintenance period. We know this downtime can be frustrating, because we are Comcheck Web users too. We enjoy helping others as a Comcheck Service and think that providing them live Comcheck Web updates is an important function for us.

We appreciate the Department of Energy, Pacific Northwest Laboratory, and Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for their commitment to maintaining Comcheck Web.

What’s next?

We are going to spend some time looking over the new version of Comcheck Web and generating Comcheck Commercial Energy Reports. We will compare the new Comchecks to the old Comchecks and if we find any major differences in the new versions we can let you know in the Comcheck blog.

Now you can take this time to prepare for any future outages of Comcheck Web, here’s how:

• Download Comcheck Desktop for offline use.
• Perform hand written calculations and enter them later as Comcheck Web comes back online.
• Plan Comcheck reports ahead of scheduled maintenance (as mentioned in our previous blog post).

• Wait for the update to finish if you have the flexibility. Then finish your Comcheck Energy Reports.

Stay informed!

The Comcheck.net Comcheck Blog is your source for the latest Comcheck Web news and updates.

Need a Comcheck?

Email your PDF plans, jobsite address, and square footage to Comcheck@Comcheck.net for assistance.

Thank you for being a part of the Comcheck Web community!

There is a new Comcheck software coming. I just navigated through the interface. If you want to try out the New Comcheck Web software you can visit here:

https://energycode.pnl.gov/COMcheckWeb/

If you travel to the bottom of the screen it will give you a brief description of New Comcheck Web. Here is what it says:

Try the New COMcheck-Web!

A new version of COMcheck-Web is being developed that provides better user nagivation and experience. NOTE: At this time, the new version of COMcheck-Web is intended for evaluation purposes only and cannot be used in project submittals.

1. Advanced Reporting
2. Wizards
3. Data Transfer
4. Mobile App

So basically once you enter into the New Comcheck Web Link you enter your password like any other session of creating a Comcheck Energy Report. It then logs you into a new Comcheck Web User Interface. What I noticed off the bat is that it is a smoother more user friendly interface and colors. Instead of being centered around the center of the screen many of the project buttons have moved to the left side in a column.

Overall, it looks like a cool update for Comcheck Web. I do have some issues with certain browsers and laptop screen resolution on the current Comcheck Web that makes me have to take unnecessary steps to generate a Comcheck Report. Hopefully New Comcheck is the answer to this and many other issues that people might experience using Comcheck Web.

Thanks again for reading this Comcheck blog post. If you need a Comcheck created for you then email pdf plans, jobsite address, and square footage to Comcheck@comcheck.net for fast affordable Comcheck Service.

https://www.comcheck.net/frequently-asked-questions

Reroofing Comcheck (Step by Step Guide)

Today on the Comcheck report blog we want to talk to you about a specific kind of Comcheck project. Many times the amount of construction does not extend beyond replacing the roof on a commercial structure. At www.Comcheck.net we are the leader in commercial re-roofing Comchecks so we wanted to discuss the topic deeper today in this blog post.

What is re roofing?

Reroofing is the process of installing a new layer of shingles, metal, or slate over an existing commercial roof. This is a common practice when the existing roof is still in good condition but needs a new protective layer. Reroofing can be a cost-effective alternative to a full roof replacement, as it can extend the lifespan of the existing roof for many years.

Here are the benefits of a Commercial re roofing project:

Typically does not disturb the insulation systems of the walls, roof, windows, or doors.
Can extend the lifespan of your roof by many years
Can save you money compared to a full roof replacement
Can be done in a relatively short period of time
Can improve the appearance of your commercial structure

Here are some of the signs that your commercial roof may need to be reroofed:

Your roof is more than 20 years old
You have missing or damaged shingles, slate, or metal roof sections
You have leaks in your roof
You have moss or algae growing on your roof
Your roof is sagging or buckling

Once you have determined a commercial re roofing will take place your building inspector may require a re-roofing Comcheck.

Here are the 3 ways you can obtain a Re-roofing Comcheck:

1. DIY Comcheck. Do it yourself Comcheck. Can I do the Comcheck myself? The simple answer is, Yes. There are plenty of tools available in the form of tutorials, videos, and blog posts on our Comcheck blog that could help you create a DIY re roofing Comcheck. Make sure that you have the time and patience to learn a new software. An initial Comcheck can take 12-24 hours for a first time user to navigate Comcheck Web and Comcheck Desktop software correctly.
2. Have your roofing contractor create the re roofing Comcheck. They are supplying the roof material and labor so they are in a good position to provide the re roofing Comcheck as well.
3. Hire www.Comcheck.net to create the Re-roofing Comcheck. We offer low fixed cost pricing and can have the re roofing Comcheck back to you in less than 12 hours. All we need is PDF plans, jobsite address, and square footage to get started.

If you are ready to get a Re-roofing Comcheck started then simply email a PDF plan, jobsite address, and square footage to Comcheck@Comcheck.net and we will get you taken care of. Thanks again for reading the Comcheck Energy Report blog and we look forward to helping you on your next Comcheck.