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BPI Written Exam - Section 2 Buildings and Their Systems

1. 10. Understand Need For Modeling Various Options For Heating, Cooling And DHW Applications, As Well As Other Efficiency Upgrades

Check out our energy model of a home with different orientations and shading factors in the previous section. 
Energy modeling software is up and coming for the every day energy auditor and home performance contractor, even since 2009.  The basics of every model takes into account including:

• Weather data based on zip code.
• Heat load calculations based on orientation, fenestration, insulation and major appliances like the heating and cooling system and water heating.
• Smaller appliances like the refrigerator, washer and dryer and dishwasher are usually grouped into the appliances load.  

Some models have the ability to:

• Calibrate the model to a homeowners actual energy use. Some models are easier to calibrate than others.
• Ability to generate an attractive report for the homeowner and the contractor to group recommendations into packages.

Energy modeling is only as good as it's inputs but when done correctly, it can be a powerful tool for auditors and homeowners.  Energy modeling gives energy auditors the ability to quickly modify recommendations for homeowners to answer questions such as:

• Are replacing my windows cost effective?
• What is the energy savings difference between adding R-19 insulation and R-30?
• What is the ROI of duct work sealing and air sealing my home?
• What is the ROI of a SEER 14, 15 and 16 HVAC unit.
• What is the energy savings difference between a conventional water heater, hybrid water heater and a solar water heater?
• Allows homeowners to rely on data taken from their home, not on a sales person's claims to energy savings or generalized savings.

Next Section

2a. Building Components

1. Identify basic duct configurations and components
   
2. Identify basic hydronic distribution configurations and components
3. Identify basic structural components of residential construction 
   
4. Thermal boundaries and insulation applications 
   
5. Basic electrical components and safety considerations 
   
6. Basic fuel delivery systems and safety considerations
   
7. Basic bulk water management components (drainage plumbing gutters sumps etc) 
   
8. Vapor barriers/retarders 
   
9. Radiant barrier principles and installations 
   
10. Understand fenestration types and efficiencies 
    
11. Understand issues involved with basements, crawlspaces, slabs, attics, attached garages, interstitial cavities, and bypasses 
12. Understand issues involved with ventilation equipment 
13. Understand basic heating / cooling equipment components controls and operation 
    
14. Understand basic DHW equipment components controls and operation 
    
15. Identify common mechanical safety controls 
    
16. Identify insulation types and R-Values 
    
17. Understand various mechanical ventilation equipment and strategies: spot, ERV, HRV 
    

2b. Conservation Strategies

1. Appropriate insulation applications and installation based on existing conditions 
   
2. Opportunity for ENERGY STAR lighting and appliances 
   
3. Identify duct sealing opportunities and applications 
   
4. Understand importance of air leakage control and remediation procedures 
   
5. Blower door-guided air sealing techniques 
   
6. Water conservation devices and strategies 
   
7. Domestic Hot Water (DHW) conservation strategies 
   
8. Heating & cooling efficiency applications 
   
9. Proper use of modeling to determine heating and cooling equipment sizing and appropriate energy use
   
10. Understand the use of utility history analysis in conservation strategies 
    
11. Appropriate applications for sealed crawlspaces basements and attics 
    
12. Identify/understand high density cellulose 
    
13. Appropriate applications for fenestration upgrades including modification or replacement 
    

2c. Comprehensive Building Assessment Process

1. Determine areas of customer complaints/concerns in interview
   
2. Understand / recognize need for conducting appropriate diagnostic procedures including when to refer to a specialist for further investigation
   
3. Interaction between mechanical systems, envelope systems and occupant behavior
   

2d. Design considerations

1. Appropriate insulation applications based on existing conditions
2. Understand fire codes as necessary to apply home performance in a code-approved manner
3. Understand/recognize building locations where opportunities for retrofit materials and processes are needed to correct problems and/or enhance performance
   
4. Understand climate specific concerns
   
5. Understand indoor environment considerations for the environmentally sensitive
   
6. Understand impact of building orientation, landscape drainage, and grading
   
7. Opportunity potential renewable energy applications: geothermal, photovoltaic, wind
   
8. Understand impact of shading on heating / cooling loads
   
9. Awareness for solar gain reduction in cooling climate/solar gain opportunities in heating climates
   
10. Understand need for modeling various options for heating, cooling and DHW applications, as well as other efficiency upgrades