FirstRate5 v5.2.0 (3.13) is now available as a free download from www.fr5.com.au.
Version 5.2.0 (3.13) contains a number of new features and enhancements including:
Chenath engine upgrade to v3.13 which includes:
- improved cross flow ventilation, permanent opening, sub-floor and attic space modelling
- new wing wall data entry
- new eaves data entry
- 136 new default windows (replacing 39 generics)
- 2 new default roof windows (replacing 29 generics).
NatHERS Harmonisation Requirements including:
- Zone name changes for consistency across all NatHERS software
- revised NatHERS Waffle Pod guidance included in software
- Floor Height Above Ground Level field must be completed for calculation to proceed
- Exposure level prompts included in software
- Screens must be attached to a wall for calculation to proceed
- timber and aluminium options added to Opaque Louvre functionality
- NatHERS Universal Certificate implemented with Project tab reordering to accommodate extra information required
- NatHERS Group Certificate for multi-unit developments implemented (no extra charge).
New Analytics tab replacing underused Optimise tab including:
- Windows Selection to show rating when default windows have +/-10% SHGC value (see FAQs)
- Rotate Plan
- Internal Temperature Graphs.
Various bug fixes.
For further details on these features refer to:
- updated User Manual (Start > All Programs > FirstRate5-5.2 > FirstRate5-5.2 Manual)
- Frequently Asked Questions section of our website
- v5.2.0 (3.13) Release Notes (Local Disk (C:) > Program Files > FirstRate5-5.2 > README)
- view instructional videos for new functionality.
NatHERS Accreditation
NatHERS has confirmed accreditation of FirstRate5 v5.2.0 (3.13) with the NatHERS Software Accreditation Protocol.
FirstRate5 v5.1.11c
NatHERS has confirmed that accreditation of FirstRate5 v5.1.11c has been extended beyond 1 February 2015. SV will make version 5.1.11c available on the website for several months before it becomes useable by special request only. To calculate a v5.1.11c project file with FirstRate5 v5.1.11c on the website, upload via the website (not via the FR5 File menu) and select “Run with same version” when prompted during the upload process.
Star Ratings
NatHERS has confirmed that while, on average, star ratings do not change when modelled across all climate zones, individual star ratings may see some changes in certain circumstances. SV strongly suggests that users notify their repeat clients that specifications which currently achieve a desired star rating may need to be varied in order to achieve the same star rating on future projects.
We recommend that users download and use the latest version for all new files. Once downloaded, FirstRate5 v5.2.0 (3.13) will install beside v5.1.11c on users’ computers.*
* Note: major releases involving a number change, e.g., v5.1.11 to v5.2.0, will install beside older versions while minor releases involving a letter change, e.g., v5.1.11b to v5.1.11c, will overwrite the previous version.
For more information on FirstRate5 visit www.fr5.com.au or email [email protected] |