Residential Energy Audit - Chapter 2

Total heating energy and total cooling energy does not include the inefficiencies of the heating & cooling system.

• True

• False

Identify the most likely older framing technique

• A is characteristic of older homes.

• B is characteristic of older homes.

Choose the correct statements:

• A is a drawing of platform framing

• B is a drawing of platform framing

• A is a drawing of balloon framing

• B is a drawing of balloon framing

In which one of the two drawings will the wall cavities most likely be connected to the to the attic and the basement?

• A

• B

In which one of the two drawings will you find pre-build roof trusses, platform framing  and 4'x8' - sheets of plywood or OSB sheating material for walls, floors and ceiling?

• A.

• B.

A plane defined by insulation and an air barrier is known as an _________ ___________

In hot climates energy efficient homes:

• Block solar radiation with exterior shade such as trees

• Reflective surfaces

• Window shading

• Have large cooling systems installed

Balloon framed construction are often found in homes build before _____________.

• 1980

• 1960

• 1940

• 1900

It is possible that you may find aspects of both platform frame construction and balloon frame construction in the same home.

• True

• False

When considering building structural types, which of the following statements are true?

• A = Planer structure

• A = Skeletal structure

• B = Skeletal structure

• B = Planer structure

• C = Skeletal/Planer Combination

The exterior walls of some homes are made completely from masonry materials: block, stone, brick or concrete. Indicate which of the following is also true about masonry materials.

• Masonry materials have listed R-values.

• The mass of masonry materials can slow heat transmission significantly

• Neither of these are true

Building portrusions and indentations lead to an increased number of seams and surface area.

• True

• False

Which of the following are known as points of weakness in a building structure?

• Porches

• Roof overhangs

• Shafts containing chimneys and pipes

• Indented doorways & windows

• Crawl spaces and basements connecting the home to the outdoors

Outdoor air and indoor air can mingle

• When wall cavities are partially or completely devoid of insulation.

• When suspended ceilings are installed between floors.

• Through attics and roof cavities

• Where plumbing pipes and wiring enter the building.

• Building cavities are used as ducts.

Mobile home point of weakness are:

• Suspended ceilings between floors

• Torn or missing belly paper

• Joints between the halves of double-section homes

• Joints between the main structure and building additions.

• Plumbing penetrations

Indicate which of the following portrutions , indentations, and penetratios are weakenesses found in multi family buildings?

• Thermal bridging from steel and aluminum coponents.

• Torn or missing belly paper

• Protruding or recessed balconies, eaves, canopies and windows

• Rooftop protrusions and penetrations, such as rooftop elevator shacks and air handlers

Which of the following are common conduits for air leakage that allow indoor air and outdoor air to mix in multi family buildings?

• Suspended ceilings, supply ducts in floor and ceiling cavities, building cavities used as return ducts

• Elevator shafts, plumbing shafts

• Chimneys, stairwells

The rate of heat transmission depends on ___________ and ______________.

• Location

• Relative humidity

• Thermal resistance

• Surface area

• Air leakage

Air leakage in cubic feet of air per minute (CFM) depends on the _______________ and the _____________________.

• Indoor and outdoor pressure differences

• Indoor pressure differences

• Surface area of the shell

• Surface area of the holes of the shell.

Windows are a bigger concern than doors because:

• Significant surface area

• Low thermal resistance

• Door have a relative small combined service area

During summer the main heat driving force is _________________.

• Solar radiation

• Outdoor and indoor temperature differences.

A building's thermal resistance determines how much  heat transmits through the shell.

• True

• False

When we say that insulation resists heat transmission , we mean it resists:

• Convection

• Radiation

• Conduction

• Non of these

In the case of an uninsulated wall cavity, __________________ and _________________ dominate  heat transmission.

• Radiation

• Conduction

• Convection

What is the symbol used to compare the thermal conductivity of different material?

• Kal

• K

• Kps

Aluminum is the mot conductive common building material.

• True

• False

Aluminum has the same thermal conductivity as steel.

• True

• False

One square foot of steel conducts the same amount of heat as: (assume the thickness of material is the same)

• 200 square feet of wood

• 50 square feet of concrete

• 1000 square feet of glass wool

Choose the correct k value (thermal conductivity) for Aluminum  

• 117

• 17

Choose the correct k value (thermal conductivity) for steel

• 117

• 26

Indicate which list below correctly state the least to most conductive building materials.

• Air, glass wool, wood, steel, rubber, aluminum

• Wood, brick, glass, aluminum, steel

• Concrete, glass, steel, aluminum

• Glass wool, wood, glass, brick

The k-value is the amount of heat (BTUs) that will flow each hour through a 1 square foot slab of material 1 inch thick, with a _______ deg temperature difference of between the two sides 

• 10

• 2

• 1

Heat conduction rate depend on the thickness of the material. If material X is 1/2 inch think and has a k-value of 2k what would the k-value be if this material was 2 inches thick.

• 1/2k

• 1k

• 2k

What is stack effect?

• Cold air is forced out holes in the ceiling when warmer rises and push it upwards.

• Warm air rises and leaves the home through holes in the ceiling.

• When warm air leaves the home, cold air replaces it by entering the building through holes near the floor.

Which are true statements regarding windows?

• Windows are often build in thermal flaws.

• Windows are necessary for the residents mental health.

• Most older windows have R-values rated between R-1 and R-3.

• Newer windows have R ratings up to R-20.

• Windows are a major source of solar heat gain.

Indicate the true statement(s):

• The building's window surface area determine the level of comfort and extent of energy problems associated with windows.

• The window R-value determine the level of comfort and extent of energy problems associated with windows.

Select the correct statement(s):

• Window air leakage is the single biggest contributor to energy and comfort problem in a building.

• Window related discomfort comes mainly from a window's low radiant temperature and convection currents created by high heat transmittance.

A building's energy inspection and diagnosis include:

• Blower door tests

• Infrared scanners

• Utility bills analysis

• Heating efficiency testers

• Energy savings predictions

Conditioned space includes the building's heated and cooled areas.

• True

• False

The amount on air leakage depends on:

• Air pressure inside and outside the building

• The size of the holes through which air escapes the building.

Unintentionally conditioned and unconditioned spaces may include attics and crawl spaces. These areas are also known as ______________ ________.

After an energy auditor's evaluation of an building, the thermal boundary may include:

• Only conditioned spaces

• Conditioned space and unconditioned space

Factors involved in selecting a building's thermal boundary include:

• The shell's existing insulation level

• The effectiveness of existing air barriers.

• Incorporating potential areas of future use within the thermal boundary,

Airflow  carrying heat across the thermal boundary and around the insulation is a thermal __________________.

• Boundary

• Bypass

• Bridge

• Advantage

When determining whether or not to include a crawl space within the thermal boundary, the following should be considered:

• The ease and cost of air sealing and insulating the the floor versus air sealing and insulating the foundation walls.

• In cold weather climates it is not cost effective to insulate the foundation walls.

• In warm weather climates it is cost effective to insulate the foundation walls.

Energy auditors should use both energy-savings potential and practical considerations to decide whether to include the basement or crawl space within the thermal boundary.

• True

• False

Colder climates favor insulating the the floor between the crawl space and the house because the ground is colder.. 

• True

• False

Warmer climates favor insulating the the floor between the crawl space and the house because the ground is colder.

• True

• False