IES-VE User Forum

Hi Everyone,

I'm a new user of IES Pro, at the moment working on trial version, before considering purchase of software.
Mostly what i'm going to use is to run energy analysis depending on different inputs (U-values, glazing type, hvac systems...). Could you tell me if it is possible to make comparisons between energy consumption after altering one of the input (e.g. U-value of external wall) - if anyone use Sefaira software, for sure know what i'm writing about. As an outcome I need a table showing how much energy is consumed in each particular case.
Could someone send me some user guide regarding that matters? If I want to change some inputs, do i need to do that in Sketch-up, where buildings properties were set?

Thanks for any response.

IES is meant for detailed and bespoke analysis and does not lend itself to quick comparisons.

It is possible that the IES for architects program might provide what you are looking for (I have not used it) but as far as the full package goes, you get out what you put in. There are few short cuts.

Thanks. So do I need to install new software - IES for Architects or it is included in IES Pro?

I think it's a separate program. You can download the software any time from the website but you need a licence for it to work. It's possible that purchasing Pro gives access to the Architect version as well but I doubt it.

Probably best to check with the sales team: sales@iesve.com

But I'd recommend starting here.

https://www.iesve.com/software/ve-for-architects

Interestingly it appears to have a trial option so you may not need to purchase straight away.

Allow me to disagree with complex on this one. You can in fact compare different results according to different inputs. The main draw-back is that depending on project size, the simulation iterations may take some time. To compare results follow the below steps:

1. Creat a full energy model with all necessary inputs (geometry, U-values, lighting, HVAC, profiles/schedules...etc)
2. Run a simulation in Apache (or through PRM navigator), in the simulation menu name the result file as "Option 1" for example.
3. After the simulation is over, adjust the parameter you are testing (so for example change the wall u-value)
4. Run another simulation and name it "Option 2"
5. Compare the results for outputs of interest in VistaPro by selecting the 2 simulation files with the output desired.