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3 steps to open file with EPW extension

Usually solving problems with EPW file is simple – just install proper software and open the file. Read the guide and open EPW file now!

  1. 1. EPW File Extension
  2. 2. What is a(n) EPW file?
  3. 3. How to open EPW file?
    1. 3.1 Install a program that supports EPW files
    2. 3.2 Find and download proper software
      1. 3.2.1 Programs that support files with EPW extension
    3. 3.3 Check the EPW file for errors
  4. 4. Similar file extensions

EPW File Extension

File
  • File type EnergyPlus Weather Data Format
  • File developer U.S. Department of Energy
  • File category Data Files
  • File popularity rating
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What is a(n) EPW file?

EnergyPlus Weather Data File (EPW) is a dataset commonly used to evaluate energy performance of buildings. It contains more than 10 meters of information, such as outdoor air temperature, relative humidity, sky cover, wind speed and direction, etc. These are at hourly time step for an entire year. EPW is saved in ASCII text format, following an established and open standard.

Typical use of EPW files contain: making annual energy simulation calculations, deriving metrics such as degree days and peak demand estimates, calibrating air conditioning models and other building energy calculations. It is the most commonly accepted weather file format used in the building performance and energy community.

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How to open EPW file?

There could be multiple reasons for which the system does not support given file. In the case of EPW extension, it is probable that none of the installed programs support given file type. Therefore, user should undertake the following steps

Step 1: Install a program that supports EPW files

If an application that supports EPW files is installed on user’s system, but is not used to open such files by default, right-click on the file icon and choose "Open with" option from the menu. Next, select the proper application and check the "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files" box. The system will store this information in its registry and use the selected program to open files with EPW extension by default.

Hint for Mac OS users

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For Mac OS users the procedure is analogous – open the file menu by right-clicking on the EPW file and choose "Information" option and select "Open with program" option. From the submenu select an application and click on "Change all" button.

Step 2: Find and download proper software

Inability to open EPW files may also be related to the lack of any application that supports given file being installed on the system. Should that be the case, user needs to download and install one of the following applications. Once installed, the system will automatically associate newly installed application with EPW files. If this step fails, see step 1.

Programs that support files with EPW extension

Windows programs
Windows

Step 3: Check the EPW file for errors

Sometimes, although relatively rarely, steps 1 and 2 might not lead to expected results. There can be several reasons for such situation to occur:

  • EPW file has been downloaded from the internet but for some reason it is incomplete. In such case the file should be re-downloaded and opened again.
  • Structure of given EPW file could be corrupted and as such the program is not able to open the file
  • Storage medium on which the file was stored is damaged
  • It is important to ascertain that the icon representing given file is not a shortcut a related EPW file no longer present in the location to which the shortcut points
  • If the user account has restricted access privileges it is advised to contact the system administrator or an IT expert

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