FAQ

Assistance on application questions about hygrothermal simulations with WUFI can also be found in our forum (www.wufi-forum.com).

Programs and licenses


[P01] Which license should I choose?

[P02] What is a 1-, 3- or 5-year license?

[P03] Where can I get the WUFI®-software?

[P04] What are the differences between the free and the paid versions?

[P05] I am interested in WUFI® 2D; do I also have to get WUFI® Pro?

[P06] What languages are the WUFI®-programs and the related online help available in?

[P07] Have the WUFI®-programs been validated?

[P08] How long does a typical simulation take?

[P09] How long does it take to input a typical project?

[P10] How large will the project file be?

[P11] Can I run multiple simulations in parallel?

[P12] What results do the programs output?

[P13] How difficult is it to use the software? Do I have to attend a seminar?

[P14] Can I use WUFI®Plus to perform a complete energy building simulation?

[P15] Where can I find help for using the software ( manual, tutorials, specific questions)?

[P16]How can I sign up on the forum?


WUFI® databases (climate, material, design, building component)


[D01] What weather data does WUFI® provide?

[D02] Can I add additional weather data?

[D03] Where can I get weather data?

[D04] Can I add/change database entries (material/design)?

[D05] Where can I get data on materials?

[D06] Will my databases be preserved when I install an update?

[D07] Can I exchange my own material data with other users?


Purchasing and payment


[K01] How do I place an order?

[K02] How is WUFI® delivered? Will I receive a CD?

[K03] Do you offer a discount on the purchase of multiple WUFI® programs?

[K04] How do I pay in the online shop?

[K05] How long will it take to receive the program?

[K06] Do you offer reduced prices for resellers?

[K07] Can I resell an unneeded license?

[K08] What ist he tax identification number (VAT no.) in the online shop?

[K09] Where can I find the online shop terms and conditions?

[K10] Where can I find the prices for educational licenses?

[K11] How much does WUFI® cost? Can you send me a quote?

[K12] How much does a WUFI® program update or upgrade cost?

[K13] How can I update or upgrade my program?

[K14] Where can I see the prices in US-Dollar or other currencies?


System requirements and installation

[S01] What hardware is recommended?

[S02] Which operating systems does WUFI® run on?

[S03] How do I install WUFI®?

[S04] Why is the „Next“ button grayed out during the installation process?

[S05] Is an automatic installation possible (silent installation)?

[S06] Is a network installation possible?

[S07] How many PCs can I install/use WUFI®on?

[S08] Where can I enter my new license key?

[S09] Why can’t I find the database after installation?


Programs and licenses

[P01] Which license should I choose?

There are different licenses for the different versions of the WUFI® family of programs. Decide for yourself which license is most suitable based on the duration of your project and on the resources available.

We offer special rates for educational institutions.

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[P02] What is a 1-, 3- or 5-year license?

The 1- and 3-year licenses are valid for terms of one and three years, respectively, from the date of purchase. During that time, you will receive all updates and upgrades free of charge in the online shop. When the term has elapsed, you can purchase a new 1- or 3- year license. There is no discount on the purchase price.  3- year licenses are only available for WUFI® Passive.

A 5-year license is valid for five years. Updates within the same main version number (e.g. from WUFI® Pro 6.3 to WUFI® Pro 6.4) are always free of charge. New version numbers (upgrades, e.g. from WUFI® Pro 5.x to WUFI® Pro 6.x) will incur an additional fee. The purchased upgrade is then valid for five years. The cost of the upgrade will be shown when you log in to your account in the online shop.

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[P03] Where can I get the WUFI® software?

All WUFI® software, whether for purchase or free of charge, can be downloaded once you have registered in our online shop. For more information, please see the overview of licenses.

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[P04] What are the differences between the free and the paid versions?

The most important differences are shown in our product overview. If you need more detailed information, please refer to our detailed product overview.

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[P05] I am interested in WUFI® 2D, do I also have to get WUFI® Pro?

WUFI® 2D is a stand-alone program, so you don’t need WUFI® Pro. If you plan to regularly perform one-dimensional calculations, it is perfectly feasible with WUFI® 2D, but it requires significantly more effort to input the building components compared with WUFI® Pro. On the whole, WUFI® Pro is much easier to use and performs calculations faster – in other words, if you frequently deal with one-dimensional issues, we recommend using WUFI® Pro as well.

Generally speaking, WUFI® Pro, WUFI® 2D, WUFI® Plus, WUFI® Passive are functional independent of one another.

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[P06] What languages are the WUFI® programs and the related online help available in?

User interfaceOnline Help / WUFI wiki
WUFI® ProGerman, Chinese, English, Finnish, Polish, French, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Czech, JapaneseGerman, English, French, Japanese
WUFI® 2DGerman, Chinese, English, Polish, French, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Czech, Japanese, CoreanEnglish
WUFI® PlusGerman, Chinese, English, Italian, PolishEnglish
WUFI® PassiveGerman, Chinese, English, Italian, PolishEnglish
Material data base (in all WUFI programs)Chinese, English, Finnish, Polish, French, German, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Czech, JapaneseGerman, English, Japanese
WUFI® GraphGerman, EnglishGerman, English
WUFI® BioGerman, English, Italian, JapaneseGerman, English
WUFI® CorrGerman, English, ItalianEnglish
WUFI® Mould Index VTTEnglishEnglish

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[P07] Have the WUFI® programs been validated?

Yes. Each of the four WUFI® programs has been validated multiple times. For more information, please see Software -> Validation.

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[P08] How long does a typical simulation take?

This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on the complexity of the building component/building, the general conditions, the grid, etc. The table below gives only approximate values. WUFI® Pro and WUFI® 2D assume a calculation period of 5 years. WUFI® Plus and WUFI® Passive use a period 1 year.

Simple component / buildingComplex component/building
WUFI® Pro2 min30 min – 1 hour
WUFI® 2D45 min6 – 10 hours
WUFI® Plus5 min (1 zone)10 – 18 hours (various zones including air-flow-model and detailed HVAC)
WUFI® PassiveStatic passive house calculation result:
immediately available
Hygrothermal calculation:
5 min (1 zone)
Static passive house calculation result:
immediately available
Hygrothermal calculation:
10 – 18 hours (various zones including air-flow-model and detailed HVAC)

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[P09] How long does it take to input a typical project?

This largely depends on how experienced the user is. The following table assumes an experienced user.

Simple component/buildingComplex component/building
WUFI® Pro5 min15 min
WUFI® 2D15 min60 min
WUFI® Plus15 min2 - 10 hours
WUFI® Passive30 min2 - 10 hours

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[P10] How large will the project file be?

Simple component/buildingComplex component/building
WUFI® Pro10 MB / year20 MB / year
WUFI® 2D2 GB10 - 20 GB
WUFI® PlusProject file 2 MB
Result file 50 – 100MB
Project file 10 MB
Result file 1 – 10 GB
WUFI® PassiveProject file 2 MB
Result file 50 – 100MB
Project file 10 MB
Result file 1 – 10 GB

In WUFI® 2D, data is not stored in a project file, but in a project directory (folder/sub-directory). The folder contains multiple files. By default, some detailed building component results aren’t saved, but users can change this setting. In WUFI® Plus and WUFI® Passive, projects are split into two files: a project file and a results file.

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[P11] Can I run multiple simulations in parallel?

WUFI® ProYes. You can open and work on multiple instances of the program, or you can have it automatically calculate different variations in succession.
WUFI® 2DYes. It isn’t possible to open multiple instances of the program, but you can use a command line prompt (batch mode) to simultaneously run multiple variations, which are then processed in succession. You can also start run command line prompts in parallel, but it is advisable to use only as many as there are CPU cores (see http://www.wufi-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=399).

WUFI® PlusYes. You can open and work on multiple instances of the program, or you can have it automatically calculate different variations in succession (batch mode). Detailed instructions for using batch mode can be found in the manual.
WUFI® PassiveYes. You can open and work on multiple instances of the program.

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[P12] What results do the programs output?

You will find detailed information on the respective program pages under Application -> Results or by following one of the direct links below:

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[P13] How difficult is it to use the software? Do I have to attend a seminar?

An easy-to-use graphical interface and various integrated help functions assist users with data input. In addition, some input fields are preset with standard values, or values can be selected from a drop-down list. The software checks whether the required inputs are complete and also checks the ranges of the input data. In addition, WUFI® Plus provides interactive Tooltips (explanation, recommended values, literature) when moving the mouse over certain parameters.

Nevertheless, it is the user who evaluates the results, not the software. This evaluation requires an understanding of and experience in building physics. We therefore recommend attending appropriate seminars to become familiar with the fundamentals of building physics and the use of the software, and to learn about new models and evaluation possibilities.

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[P14] Can I use WUFI® Plus to perform a complete energy building simulation?

Yes. For more information, please visit Software -> Validation.

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[P15] Where can I find help for using the software (manual, tutorials, specific questions)?

You will find a summary of the available help options under Service & Support -> Support

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[P16] How can I sign up on the forum?

Use your license details (name, organization, license key) to sign up on our WUFI® forum. There you will find extensive information, tips, and articles on WUFI® both from the WUFI® team and from our users around the world.

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WUFI® databases (climate, material, design, building component)

[D01] What weather data does WUFI® provide?

The following weather data is available in the WUFI® database (only in the full versions):

The Argentinian climate file is for Buenos Aires.
The 3 Austrian climate files are for Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck.
The 3 Belgian climate files are for Brussels, Oostende, Saint Hubert.
The 9 Canadian climate files are for Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec, St. John’s, Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg.
The Chilean climate file is for Santiago de Chile.
The Czech climate file is for Hradec Králové.
The 4 Finnish climate files are for Espoo, Helsinki, Jyväskylä, Sodankylä.
The 6 French climate files are for Bordeaux, Brest, Grenoble, Marseille, Nancy, Trappes.
The 8 Italian climate files are for Bolzano, Enemonzo, Mailand, Modena, Tarvisio, Trieste, Turin, Udine.
The 7 Japanese climate files are for Akita, Sapporo, Miyazaki, Naha, Niigata, Tokyo, Yokohama.
The 14 New Zealand climate files are for Auckland, Dunedin, Hokitika, Christchurch, Kaitaia, Lauder, Napier, Nelson, New Plymouth, Queenstown, Rotorua, Ruakura, Taurango, Wellington.
The 12 Norwegian climate files are for Bergen, Gardermoen, Kise pa Hedmark, Karasjok, Kristiansand, Kristiansund, Mo i Rana, Oslo, Roeros, Tromsoe, Trondheim, Vaernes.
The 3 Polish climate files are for Kolobrzeg, Krakow, Warsaw.
The Portuguese climate file is for Lisbon.
The 55 US-American climate files are for Albany NY, Albuquerque NM, Amarillo TX, Anchorage AK, Atlanta GA, Baltimore MD, Billings MT, Birmingham AL, Boston MA, Boulder CO, Buffalo NY, Casper WY, Charleston SC, Chicago IL, Cleveland OH, Des Moines IA, Detroit MI, El Paso TX, Elko NV, Fargo ND, Fresno CA, Honolulu HI, Houston TX, Indianapolis IN, International Falls MN, Jacksonsville FL, Kansas City MO, Knoxville TN, Las Vegas NV, Lexington KY, Little Rock AR, Los Angeles CA, Madison WI, Memphis TN, Miami FL, Minneapolis MN, Nashville TN, New Orleans LA, New York City NY, Oklahoma City OK, Omaha NE, Philadelphia PA, Phoenix AZ, Pittsburgh PA, Providence RI, Roanoke VA, Salt Lake City UT, San Antonio TX, San Diego CA, San Francisco CA, Seattle WA, Spokane WA, St. Louis MO, Tampa FL, Wilmington NC (one cold and one warm year for each).
The 5 Spanish climate files are for Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid, Malaga, Palma.
The 12 Swedish climate files are for Borlänge, Göteborg, Karlstad, Kiruna, Luleå, Lund, Norrköping, Östersund, Stockholm, Umeå, Visby, Växjö.
The 3 Swiss climate files are for Davos (warm/cold), Locarno (warm/cold), Zurich (warm/cold).
The 12 German test reference years (1986 edition) are for Bremerhaven, Hannover, Essen, Trier, Würzburg, Frankfurt/M., Freiburg, Augsburg, München, Stötten, Hof, Friedrichshafen.
The 15 German test reference years (2004 edition) are for Bad Marienberg, Braunlage, Bremerhaven, Chemnitz, Essen, Fichtelberg, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Hamburg, Hof, Kassel, Mannheim, Passau, Potsdam, Rostock, Stötten (cold/average/warm files for each).
Further German climate files are provided for Holzkirchen (2 data sets).

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[D02] Can I add additional weather data?

Yes. It is possible to add additional weather data to the database in the full versions of the WUFI® programs. This applies to both hourly measurement data for hygrothermal calculations and monthly average values for passive-house design in WUFI® Plus and WUFI® Passive.

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[D03] Where can I get weather data?

Weather data that is not yet integrated in the WUFI® programs by default can be obtained from third-party providers such as Meteonorm, Energy Plus, and ASHRAE. You can also create your own weather files.
Instructions for this can be found in Service & Support -> Downloads and in the online help section.

 

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[D04] Can I add/change database entries (material/design)?

Yes. You can change, add and save data in the full versions.

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[D05] Where can I get data on materials?

WUFI® includes an extensive material database, and you can integrate additional data yourself. Data can be taken from material data sheets, or it can be provided by manufacturers, by our institute or by other institutes.

We would be happy to provide you with a quote for such data. If interested, please contact us at support@wufi.com.

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[D06] Will my databases be preserved when I install an update?

Yes, custom database entries will be retained.

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[D07] Can I exchange my own material data with other users?

Yes, simply go to Export –> XML-file -> Import.

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Purchasing and payment

[K01] How do I place an order?

  • Set up an account in our online shop
  • Put the desired software in your shopping cart
  • Go to checkout
  • Select the desired payment method:
    • By credit card: Enter your card details. As soon as the transaction is completed, you will receive an e-mail with the license key and the link to download the software.
    • By invoice: You will receive an invoice by e-mail one to two business days after completing your order. Once your payment has been received, you will receive an e-mail with the license key and the link to download the software.
      • If you need WUFI® sooner, but would like to pay by invoice, we can send you a temporary license key after you have completed the order process. Simply send your request to hilfe@wufi.de.
  • Once payment is complete, you can also view your license data in your online shop account under „My orders“.

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[K02] How is WUFI® delivered? Will I receive a CD?

WUFI® is offered exclusively as a download. We don’t ship any CDs or printed manuals, but you are welcome to burn a backup copy of the installation file to a CD.

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[K03] Do you offer a discount on the purchase of multiple WUFI® programs?

Yes. The online shop automatically displays the discounted price once you log in. The discount appears when you have previously purchased licenses and you add items to your shopping cart.
You can purchase programs in a bundle (at the bundle price), but you will also pay the same price if you buy one program now and another one later. The only requirement is that you make all purchases through the same online shop account.

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[K04] How do I pay in the online shop?

Payment may be made by credit card (MasterCard/Visa) or by invoice (prepayment) (see the question „How do I place an order?“)

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[K05] How long will it take to receive the program?

If you pay by credit card, you will immediately receive an e-mail containing the license key and the link to download the software. If you pay invoice, it takes approximately one to two business days to receive the invoice, and then you have to wire us the payment. The license key will be sent once payment is received. This process takes about one week (and sometimes significantly longer for international wire transfers). If you would like to pay by invoice, then after you have completed the order process, you may send a request to support@wufi.com to receive a version that is valid for four months so you can get started right away. When we receive your payment, you will receive the final license key. You will then have to reinstall WUFI® and use this license key.

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[K06] Do you offer reduced prices for resellers?

No, WUFI® can be purchased only through our online shop. Our licensing terms (Section 2) do not permit reselling.

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[K07] Can I resell an unneeded license?

No. Our licensing terms do not permit reselling.

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[K08] What is the tax identification number (VAT no.) in the online shop?

The tax identification number is required only for buyers within the EU, although not for buyers from Germany.
If a non-German EU customer does not enter a tax identification number, German VAT will be added to the purchase price. We will not be able to subsequently refund this amount.

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[K09] Where can I find the online shop terms and conditions?

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[K10] Where can I find the prices for educational licenses?

The prices for educational licenses are shown once educational licenses are approved for your online shop account.

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[K11] How much does WUFI® cost? Can you send me a quote?

The prices of the individual programs can be found in our online shop. You can print out your shopping cart to serve as a quote.

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[K12] How much does a WUFI® program update or upgrade cost?

Updates within the same main version number (e.g. WUFI® Pro 5.3 to WUFI® Pro 5.4) are always free of charge. New main version numbers (e.g. from WUFI® Pro 5.x to WUFI® Pro 6.x) incur upgrade fees for 3- or 5-years licenses. The cost of the upgrade will be shown when you log in to your online shop account.

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[K13] How can I update or upgrade my program?

Upgrades, which incur a fee, will be displayed when you log in to your online shop account. You will find the link and your license details for existing versions and free updates under „My orders“ in your online shop account. This link allows you to download the latest version to which you can update free of charge.

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[K14] Where can I see the prices in US-Dollar or other currencies?

WUFI® is only sold in EURO. Other currencies are not supported.

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System requirements and installation

[S01] What hardware is recommended?

Information on system requirements can be found here:

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[S02] Which operating systems does WUFI® run on?

WUFI® runs only on Windows operating systems. For computers using MAC OS, UNIX or other operating systems, it is possible to use Windows in a virtual environment and to install WUFI® on that (this may incur costs for any third-party programs that may be required).

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[S03] How do I install WUFI®?

Extract the downloaded .zip file to a folder, then open the installation program „install_wufi***.exe“. Follow the instructions in the program.

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[S04] Why is the „Next“ button grayed out during the installation process?

All three input fields (name, organization and license key) must exactly match the details in your e-mail for the next button to work. It’s best if you copy the details from the e-mail and paste it into these fields. Also make sure there are no extra spaces before or after your entries.

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[S05] Is an automatic installation possible (silent installation)?

Automatic installation is possible (not for WUFI® Plus and Passive), but we offer this option only to customers who purchase multiple licenses (at least ten). For more information, please contact our support team: support@wufi.com

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[S06] Is a network installation possible?

WUFI® is sold only as a single-user license. There are currently no plans to offer a network installation. However, in case of multiple licenses and if you are somewhat experienced with Windows, it is possible to store the database in such a way that it can be shared by multiple PCs. If you have any questions in this regard, please contact support@wufi.com.

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[S07] How many PCs can I install/use WUFI® on?

You may install WUFI® on one PC and one Laptop. A simultaneously use is only allowed as many times as you own licenses.

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[S08] Where can I enter my new license key?

If you received a temporary license key and now want to enter the new one, you must relaunch the installation and enter the new license key during installation process. You do not need to uninstall WUFI® first.

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[S09] Why can’t I find the database after installation?

Before you begin installation, you must extract the downloaded .zip file to a folder. Otherwise, the database won’t be found during installation. For more information on this, please refer to readme.txt in the .zip file. Extract all files to a folder, then run install_wufi****.exe again.

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Last Update: January 17, 2024 at 17:57