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BPI Written Exam - Section 2 Buildings and Their Systems

1. 9. Awareness for Solar Gain Reduction in Cooling Climates / Solar Gain Opportunities in Heating Climates

Solar Gain Reduction in Cooling Climates

Shade screens are a favorite in cooling dominated climates because:

• They are inexpensive
• The can be removed in the winter for maximum heat gain
• They add privacy to a home
• They can be done in-house 
• Cooling loads are dramatically reduced in cooling dominated climates
• Work with low-e film to reduce conduction and convection. Low-e film is good for reflection, but weaker than shade screens at reducing conduction and convection.
• Great alternative to replacing old windows if the homeowner is on a budget

Shade screens do have some down sides:

• Voids window warranty if clips are drilled into the window frame (alternative is to drill into stucco or siding
• Darkens a room, 80% screens are also available instead of 90% and that lets a little more light in but for homes with a view, window film is the next best thing for the homeowner.  Window film is not a good at reducing the heat gain, but you don't darken the room or compromise the views outside either.

Solar Gain Opportunities in Heating Climates

Solar gain opportunities are divided into the design-build phase and existing homes.

During the design phase of the home, the best orientation for winter heat gain exposure is having lots of south facing windows with an overhang or shade structure blocking the windows from the high summer sunlight but allowing solar heat gain in the winter.

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