Product Support

Fixes

• Miscellaneous fixes and improvements, including those listed in 20.0.02xx update.

Fixes

• Fixed issue with manifold head loss calculation in Spreadsheet Design Mode.
• Fixed issue where building area totals would not show in the summary section of reports for non-radiant heated areas.
• Fixed error when changing paper sizes on drawing report.
• Updated handling of unheated areas for Snow Melt unit loads.
• Resolved issue with Installer where files not found on some systems.

New and Enhanced Features

• Multi-Floor Manifolds can now be specified directly in the software. Circuits can be connected to manifolds that are located on other floorplans or levels.
• Added Save capabilities to Equipment Report, so equipment items can be saved and reused on other projects.
• Updated some manifold head loss calculations to use Cv-based calculations instead of a nominal head loss value. Copper manifolds will still generally use a nominal value of 1 or 2 ft of water for head loss.
• Added new option that can maintain higher flowrates so that operation is in the turbulent flow regimes.
• Added new functions to display the count for circuit turns and joist penetrations.
• Added new keyboard shortcut (F4) to open Circuit Properties dialog.
• Added ISO paper size options to the Drawing Output step (A1 through A4).
• For Dimension objects the length now dynamically displays when dragging one endpoint.
• Added new setting to optionally specify a safety factor percentage in the Coil Schedule dialog.
• Added new view to show current extents of the drawing to assist with print layout troubleshooting.

• Fixed issue where selection rectangle would not show in correct location when using larger font settings.
• Fixed issues with Custom Table sorting.
• Fixed issue on reports when some rooms were specified as not heated.
• Fixed issue with radiant panel insulation fields when using Manual J calculations.
• Added Panel Insulation value to Snow Melt Design report.
• Added "Apply To All" options to set the project default for dimension styles, text styles, etc.
• Updated PDF import to help resolve issues where the text was not displaying at correct locations.
• Synchronized default naming for PDF files exported from Reports step and Drawing Output step.

Fixes

• Fixes for "One Time Only" items added to the Materials Lists, including editing of descriptions and pop-up menu errors.

Fixes

• Fixed issue with Zone sorting on Custom Tables and Reports.
• Fixed issue where reports could cause error if the saved printer was not available.
• Corrected issues with large diameter PEX tubing (not applicable to OEM editions).
• Added display for excessive water temperature warnings on reports.
• Fixed issue where colors would not display correctly on the Circuit Temperature View.
• Fixed issue with Auto Connect Circuits command where some circuits would not be connected.
• Fixed issues with Undo where circuits would not be disconnected correctly.

Fixes

• Fixed issue where the settings for the Drawing Report were not active.
• Fixed issue with missing files from the installer.
• Fixed issue where Enter key would close the Quote Settings dialog when entering Comments.

Features and Enhancements

• New Report Packages feature lets you assemble multiple reports into a single PDF file for easier management and distribution.
• New custom Notes Library lets you save and reuse frequently used text and notes on drawings.
• Assign and edit the Customer Name for display on the drawing output (Generic Edition).
• New feature to draw standalone Arrows on drawings.
• New option for the Copy and Paste of Text Objects.
• Updated to CSA F280-12 (Revision 2 June 2018) including change to the new Adjusted Total Recovery Efficiency (ATRE) factor for heat/energy recovery ventilator used in the cooling load calculations.
• Updated ASHRAE Glazing Data.
• Added data for ASHRAE Section Overhead Garage Doors.
• New option to preview line thickness on the Drawing Output step.
• New option to show imported PDF background drawings in the 3D view.
• New option to select the units for the export to an AutoCAD (DWG) file.
• Improved speed and performance through enhanced memory management.

• Fixed problems with dash line style used for circuits below the panel.
• Removed the drawing report option for the Room-by-Room on the Reports step. It is recommended to use the "Each Room" option on the Drawing Output step instead.
• Fixed problem where the project could not be saved if insulation field for slab floors on Radiant Settings dialog was left empty.
• Fixed issue where the R-Value of panel fasteners with integrated insulation was not included in back loss calculations.

Fixes

• Fixed memory handling issues that would cause unexpected errors after using the program for longer periods.
• Fixed slowdown that would occur when many My Custom Database items were added to the Materials List (OEM versions only).

Fixes

• Fixed overlapping display on Drawing Output step when more than two floorplans.
• Fixed program default setting for Circuit Label text size.
• Corrected the "open" prompt after exporting to a DWG or DXF file.
• Fixed export to the DXF file format.

New and Enhanced Features

• Added capability to customize the Design Fluid Temperature Drop (ΔT) for individual manifolds. [Drawing mode only.]
• Added capability to customize the Fluid Type for individual manifolds, allowing for glycol use in select zones only (like in a heated garage). [Drawing mode only.]
• Updated to ASHRAE 2017 climate data.
• Updated to show support for CSA F280-12 (R2017). This was a reaffirmation of the Standard by CSA with no functional changes.
• Updated support for import of AutoCAD 2018 files.
• New default setting for line thickness for Drawing Output.
• New Export to Excel feature lets you export project design data to a spreadsheet file.
• Improved support for Windows large font settings.
• Enhanced viewing and selection of Floorplan Tabs.
• Added a new function to re-fillet all circuits.

• Fixed issues that could occur when copying Circuits.
• Fixed problem that could occur when dragging multiple Circuit segments.
• Improved font sizing on Drawing Output.
• Fixed Circuit alignment issues that could occur after moving a Circuit Entry.
• Fixed issue with Reverse Circuit Order function.
• Improved handling of small or invalid Circuit Areas.
• Updated the formatting of some data values on the CSA Heat Loss Reports.
• Fixed display of rooms supplied by multiple manifolds on some reports.
• Fixed Snap problem when drawing snow melt areas.
• Improved the formatting of the Zone Table when added to the drawings.
• Fixed issue with Move Grid function so that grid is placed where intended.

Fixes

• Resolved memory leak problems that could occur when switching between floorplans and imported background drawings were present.
• Fixed display of border around text labels when non-default font settings were used.
• Enhancements for handling the overlapping of circuits.
• Resolved issues with zero area room which could be inadvertently created.
• Enhancements made to the Auto-Correct Walls function.
• Resolved issue with very large window overhangs in the Manual J calculations.
• Fixed issue with footer overlap on some reports.
• Removed non-heated rooms from heating reports.

Fixes

• Corrected display of logos in OEM editions.
• Corrected overlap of text in footer of Quotation Report.
• Fixed intermittent issue in circuit drawing that could occur when holding CTRL key.

New and Enhanced Features

• Added new Room Details section for CSA Load Details report.
• Added new supply air temperature difference settings for Manual J estimated air flow calculations.
• Updated information on reports for blower capacity.
• Updated Heating System Summary report to separate non-radiant rooms into a separate table.

• Revised Manual J default for supply air temperature difference setting for heating loads.
• Fixed error when placing a Circuit Entry object inside an in-room object.
• Fixed errors that could occur when using automated spiral circuit layout.
• Fixed errors when accessing template folders that have restricted access permissions.
• Fixed issue where some room objects inside circuit areas were ignored.
• Fixed issue in Equipment List where the data would not save if a picture had not been specified.
• Resolved several memory issues.
• Fixed error when selecting room properties for multiple rooms, when the rooms had multiple construction types assigned.
• Resolved issue where 0% back loss for snow melt panels could be assigned.
• Fixed issue in CSA foundation loss calculations when specifying zero insulation.
• Fixed issue where report footer would be cut off.
• Fixed error when using the Insert Jog tool on Circuit Areas.

New Features and Enhancements

• The Custom Circuit Areas feature is a powerful new tool that can help with drawing automated circuits in large areas (commercial projects or snow melt), the Copy and Paste of groups of circuits for repeating rooms, and automated drawing of multiple spiral counterflow circuits in a single room.
• The new Commercial Mode for radiant heating projects.
• Automated Counterflow Circuits for both spiral and serpentine patterns.
• Improved tool for drawing of Freehand Counterflow Circuits.
• The new Project Templates allow you to save your project settings as a templates for quick reuse on future projects.
• The new Custom Construction Library provides the ability for you to save your custom construction items for re-use in other projects.
• The new Equipment Report is available to assist you in documenting the selected equipment for your HVAC system.
• Copy and Paste function for Circuits.
• Offset Circuit Tool provides for easier, faster and more consistent freehand drawing along complex boundaries.
• New Auto Set Flow Direction function.
• Air Flow calculations when in CSA mode.
• Enhanced Manual Load Input allows specifying whether back losses are included in entered values.
• Unheated Snow Melt Areas can now be specified to better handled enclosed areas.
• Implemented recommended ACCA method for Infiltration calculations for Maximum ACH50 values.
• Advanced PDF Scaling to assist with the scale setting on PDF drawings that do not have dimensions show.
• New PDF export option for drawings let's you choose between higher resolution and smaller file size.
• Custom Tables can now have the default columns set by the user.
• Multiple Room and Circuit labels can now be converted to leaders and aligned as a group.
• The default units to be used for new projects can now be set.

• Revised attribution of Infiltration loads with CSA calculations when floorplan areas vary significantly.
• Revised handling of tube depth in the Panel Selection dialog, allowing tubing to be placed at the bottom of the slab.
• Implemented Insect Screen Update for Manual J.
• Revisions to fluid temperature calculations when supply temperature is near the room temperature.
• Fixed display of circuit lengths on Properties dialog when in Quick Design mode.
• Improved processing of radiant calculations when in Quick Design mode.
• Fixed handling of Circuit Entry objects when a floorplan is mirrored.
• Fixed display of temperature drop on Manifold report.
• Fixed error that would occur when opening Properties dialog when multiple Windows were selected.

Fixes

• Fixed problem with default assignment of zone numbers.

Fixes

• Fixed error that could occur when changing the number of floorplans on the New Project Wizard.
• Fixed display of some U-values when in SI mode and using Manual J calculations.

New Features and Enhancements

• Added feature to reset number of circuits for a room in Quick Design mode.
• Enabled the “Add New Zone” option on the Room Properties dialog when in MJ8 mode.

• Fixed application of default manifold for snow melt projects in Spreadsheet Mode.
• Fixed issue where room zones would be reset when using Room Properties dialog with multiple rooms selected.
• Fixed the Supply/Return additional fittings functionality so that head losses are removed when the supply/return length is set to zero.
• Fixed clipping of the ‘multi-spacing’ link on the properties dialog for Quick Design mode.
• Fixed clipping of the CSA Basement fields.
• Added a new ‘Reset All’ link for manifold setting project default.
• Fixed display issue that could occur when converting a CSA F280 project to the latest standard.

Fixes

• Fixed the display of project date on the Drawing Output step.

New Features and Enhancements

• Updated calculations for April 2016 Errata release for CSA F280-12.
• Addition of Supply/Return Distribution Piping feature to the Spreadsheet Design Mode for select OEM Add-ons.
• Added option for custom notes to be saved with each radiant panel type in a project file.
• Updated handling of zoning of unheated rooms, so that they are now assigned to a new zone named “UnHeated”.

• Fixed the display of the tube spacing on some reports.
• Fixed issue that could occur when adding new manifolds to a snow melt project.

New Features and Enhancements

• New Supply/Return Piping feature allows specification of distribution piping for manifolds.
• New Main Menu design with web-enabled features.
• New Check for Updates feature will automatically notify you when an update is available for download.
• Updated to Manual J Eighth Edition Version 2.5 calculations (MJ8 Edition only).
• New Mirror Drawing function allows flipping of entire floorplan drawing along any axis.ew Move Floorplan function.
• New Multiple Tube Spacing option now available in Quick Design Mode projects.
• Added display Multiple Tube Spacing settings on reports for Full Design Mode, Quick Design Mode and Spreadsheet Design Mode.
• Added option to show Floor Covering type on Custom Tables (Rooms table).
• Added option to show Room Volume and Perimeter on Custom Tables (Rooms table).
• Enabled "No Load or System Calculations" mode in Spreadsheet Design Mode.
• Enhanced drawing output for Quick Design Mode.

• Implemented several performance enhancements.
• Enabled option for leaders to be moved below the panel in Snow Melt projects.
• Fixed issue that could occur with the 18" joist spacing setting.

New Features and Enhancements

• New Quick Design Mode allows you to complete your design without drawing the detailed circuit layout. Reduces your design and quotation time by 50% or more, and lets you add the detailed circuits later if needed.
• New Auto-Rotate feature for building orientation. Finds the maximum cooling load orientation automatically.
• New Thermostat objects that can be added to your drawings (optional).
• New Copy Table feature allows you to copy tables to clipboard and paste them into other programs.
• Implemented performance enhancements for several types of operations.
• Enhanced the "Show Potential Wall Problems" so that it now works on the boundary lines in snowmelt projects.

• Fixed undo problem with manifold settings.
• Fixed undo for drawing rotation operations.
• Fixed problem that could cause some projects to not open.
• Fixed issue where Clear Room function would not delete the circuits in some rooms.
• Fixed issue where some walls would not display in 3D.
• Fixed issue where some manifolds would not get assigned a water temperature.
• Fixed FanCoil section in heating system detail report.
• Fixed problem where the CSA reports would be incorrectly displayed in snow melt projects.

Fixes

• Fixed overlap that could happen in the MJ8 Load Report.
• Enabled the update of calculations after using the Reset Existing function on the Settings step for wall constructions.

Fixes

• Added ASHRAE wall construction library for use when using CSA load calculations.
• Fixed potential issue in CSA basement loss calculations when a room had all external walls set to be excluded from the load calculations.
• Fixed error when editing constructions settings for multiple selected objects.
• Fixed error in Heat Loss Detail report when a project did not include any Slab Below Grade or Slab On Grade foundations (occurred in ASHRAE calculations only).
• Fix error in circuit Insert Gap function when Snap to Objects was turned off.
• Added overhead (garage) door construction options to ASHRAE component lists.

Fixes

• Added new ASHRAE climate data that was missing for some European locations.
• Fixed error that could occur when starting a new project and the user had previously saved custom default settings in earlier versions of LoopCAD.
• Fixed browser scripting error that could occur in the Room Properties dialog for systems with Internet Explorer version 8 or earlier.
• Re-enabled default settings fields for Snow Melt projects.

New Features and Enhancements

• Updated to the new CSA F280-12 (Revision 1, 2014.03) calculation methods and climate data. See details on updating to the new CSA method.
• Addition of cooling load calculations as an option when in CSA F280-12.
• Updated ASHRAE calculation methods to the 2013 edition. See details on updating to the new ASHRAE method.
• Updated ASHRAE climate data to the 2013 releases.
• Updated ACCA Manual J climate data to the 8th Edition Version 2.11 Addendum E release.
• Added ability for users to create and save their own custom climate data locations.
• Decoupled R-Value settings for basement floors and walls so that separate values can be entered for each (ASHRAE and CSA).
• Redesigned the New Project Wizard to simplify new project set up.
• Updated many of the pages on the Settings step.
• Enhanced Copy Floorplan function to now allow copying of rooms, loops, and other objects as specified by the user.
• Added Find feature to allow searching for objects by name.
• Added Help topic for Walkout Basements.

Fixes

• Fixed issue where resizing a window could inadvertently drag the room that was selected.
• Revised Heating Design Reports to more clearly display the supplemental heat requirements.
• Added 20 mm PEX to the options for Heat Transfer Plate panels.
• Resolved memory leak issues that could occur with some of the reports.
• Fixed issue with the display of the back losses in Manual J mode when supplemental heat was required.
• Revised Undo function to properly handle Custom Tables.
• Fixed draw circuit group snap error when connecting to manifolds.

Fixes

• Fixed sorting of circuits on reports.
• Fixed problem when windows are placed on completely below grade walls in MJ8 mode.
• Fixed problem when selecting multiple rooms in MJ8 mode.
• Fixed problem in MJ8 duct loads when deleting a floorplan.

• Added new setting for circuit flow rate units in SI mode.
• Added new setting for supplemental warning on reports.

Features and Enhancements

• Added option to disable North Arrow on drawing output for projects that do not include cooling load calculations.
• Added ability to input the total room heat loss in Manual Mode. You now have the option of inputting the total room load or the unit load (i.e. per unit area).
• Added option to reverse circuit numbering on a manifold.
• Revisions to display of values in SI (metric) mode. Flows now displayed in liters per minute.
• New print resolution setting can help avoid memory errors with very large paper sizes.
• Added program default settings for Dimension styles.
• Updated display of below grade floorplans in 3D view.
• Shortened name of "Professional MJ8 Edition" to "MJ8 Edition".

Features and Enhancements

• ACCA-Approved support for Manual J calculations (MJ8 Edition). See the topic for calculation method and limitations. For additional information on supported features view our website at www.LoopCAD.com/ManualJ.
• Cooling load (heat gain) calculations available in MJ8 Edition.
• October cooling load analysis.
• Automated calculations and for Adequate Exposure Diversity (AED).
• Powerful Design Review step to assist in completing your Manual J designs.
• Automatic calculation of heating or cooling loads through floor and ceiling partitions when adjacent to unconditioned spaces (MJ8 Edition).
• Enhancements for importing of AutoCAD 2013 file formats.
• When exporting the drawing to a PDF file from the Drawing Output step, the fonts are now embedded.
• New North Arrow feature to allow specifying of building orientation.
• Fixed font size issue that could occur on some drawing Title Blocks.

Features and Enhancements

• Support for importing of AutoCAD 2013 file formats.
• Significantly improved PDF file importing.
• New 3-line pattern for between joists under suspended floors. See the In-Joist Patterns section of the Automated Circuits topic for details.
• Added Copy menu for windows (right-click on a window to display the menu).
• New Rotate Drawing function allows you to rotate the entire floorplan drawing.
• New Convert DWG to Image function can greatly increase speed when dealing with large AutoCAD files.
• Improved length equalization for multiple automatic circuits.

Features and Enhancements

• Support for Microsoft Windows 8.

• Fixed potential shutdowns when importing some PDF files.
• Fixed error when dragging circuit entry outside of a room.
• Fixed display of background DWG layers on drawing output step.
• Fixed issue where dragging multiple snow melt edges could cause an error.
• Supplemental heat now calculating using actual floor heat output instead of target output.
• Improved import for JPG background images.
• The Fill Rooms option for freehand circuits now works in snow melt projects.
• Fixed memory leak in the component database form.

Features and Enhancements

• Circuit generation up to 8X faster.
• Increased speed for hydronic calculations.
• New Help topic listing all Shortcuts available in LoopCAD.
• Custom Tables that can be inserted directly onto drawings.
• New Options settings for drawing steps, including control over circuit labels, circuit numbering, and more. See Automated Circuits and Text Objects and Sizes.
• New Drawing Output step provides easier control of page sizes and export options, as well as a new Title Block design. See Drawings - Preview/Print/Export topic.
• Dynamic preview of automatic circuits. See Automated Circuits topic.
• Smoother display of circuits and walls with anti-aliased rendering.
• New Crop tool allows for cropping non-rectangular regions of the background drawing. See Importing PDF and Scanned Drawings topic.
• The Spreadsheet-Mode in select OEM Add-ons now includes a Room Area Calculator and a Multiple Spacing Calculator.
• Coil Schedule tool allows for customized mapping of circuits to tubing coils. See Coil Schedule topic. (OEM Add-ons only.)
• Coil Schedule report. (OEM Add-ons only.)
• The Revision History (or What's New) specific to an OEM Add-on has been moved to a separate menu - Help | What's New | "OEM" Add-on.
• Simplified Activation procedures.

• Fixed issue when trying to crop imported PDF drawing after it had been rotated.
• Fixed issue where empty water temperature would cause report display errors.
• Resolved default naming of floorplans when you no basement was present.
• Update the display of component unit loss values on the heat loss report. Unit values are now all based on unit of floor area.
• Fixed problem where a zero area or R-value for skylights would cause errors.