Residential Energy Audit - Chapter 2

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2. Heat loss can be calculated from building shell characteristics and compared with energy consumption from the utility bills.

True

False

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3. Aluminum has the same thermal conductivity as steel.

True

False

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4. 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

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

True

False

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Explanation

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

Kal

K

Kps

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7. An energy auditor should learn what construction materials were used in the building and how the walls floor and roof were put together.

True

False

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9.

Identify the most likely older framing technique

A is characteristic of older homes.

B is characteristic of older homes.

The explanation for the given correct answer is that option A is identified as the most likely older framing technique because it is stated that it is characteristic of older homes. This implies that option A has been commonly used in older homes, indicating its association with older framing techniques. On the other hand, option B does not have any information provided about its association with older homes, making it less likely to be the correct answer.

Explanation

The explanation for the given correct answer is that option A is identified as the most likely older framing technique because it is stated that it is characteristic of older homes. This implies that option A has been commonly used in older homes, indicating its association with older framing techniques. On the other hand, option B does not have any information provided about its association with older homes, making it less likely to be the correct answer.

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

True

False

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

True

False

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12. Whther the basement pipes will freeze in cold climates if the insualtion and air sealing measures are installed between the floor and and basement is a legitimate consideration for including the basement with in the thermal boundary.

True

False

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Explanation

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13. R-value measures the resistance of walls, floors and ceilings. U-factor is the inverse of R-value. therefor when R-value = 4 then then the U-factor = ________.

1

0.50

0.25

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Explanation

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14. U-factors state how much heat transmits through a 1-square foot area of cross sectio (wall, floor, or ceiling) in one hour, when there is a 1deg F difference in temperature across the two opposite surfaces.

True

False

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

True

False

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17. A Degree-day measures the duration and severity of outdoor temperature compared to a balance point temperature. The balance point is the minimum outdoor temperature at which no heating is required.

True

False

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18. Diagnostic tools are available to energy auditors to help diagnose building shell problems. These are:

Blower door testing

Tracer gas testing

Infrared scanning

Duct blower testing

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Explanation

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19. When considering R-values: R-10 + R-5 will equal _________________.

R-15

R values can not be added

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20. When considering U-factors: U-1 + U-2 equals _________.

U-3

U-12

U-factors can not be added

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21.

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

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Explanation

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22.

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 drawing A, the wall cavities are most likely connected to the attic and the basement because there is a clear opening or pathway shown in the drawing that connects the cavities to both the attic and the basement. In drawing B, there is no such opening or pathway indicated, suggesting that the wall cavities are not connected to the attic and the basement.

Explanation

In drawing A, the wall cavities are most likely connected to the attic and the basement because there is a clear opening or pathway shown in the drawing that connects the cavities to both the attic and the basement. In drawing B, there is no such opening or pathway indicated, suggesting that the wall cavities are not connected to the attic and the basement.

23. Heating technicians and engineers, modify heating and cooling calculations regularly in various ways to make them more accurate. Without this, the calculations would be consistently off by 10% or 20% .

True

False

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Explanation

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24. R-value measures the resistance of walls, floors and ceilings. U-factor is the inverse of R-value. therefor when R-value = 2 then then the U-factor = ________.

1

0.50

0.25

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25. 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,

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26.

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.

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27. 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

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28. A building's energy inspection and diagnosis include:

Blower door tests

Infrared scanners

Utility bills analysis

Heating efficiency testers

Energy savings predictions

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

Boundary

Bypass

Bridge

Advantage

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30. Tracer gas testing is more accurate than blower door testing in measuring natural air change rate, but less practical.

True

False

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31.

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

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32. Heat loss refers to the amount of BTUs flowing through the building shell monthly or annually.

True

False

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33. Aluminum is the mot conductive common building material.

True

False

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

Only conditioned spaces

Conditioned space and unconditioned space

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

1980

1960

1940

1900

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36. During a blower door test, the results show that the home has 1 air changes per hour @ 50 pascals or 0.07 ACHn (natural air changes per hours). Which of the following conclusions would be correct.

The home is very leaky.

It is an average reading for an existing home.

This meets EEBA standards.

This home's shell is extremely tight and exceeds EEBA standards.

The given answer suggests that the home's shell is extremely tight and exceeds EEBA (Energy and Environmental Building Alliance) standards. This conclusion is based on the fact that the blower door test results show a low air change rate per hour, indicating minimal air leakage in the home. Meeting or exceeding EEBA standards implies that the home has been built with a high level of energy efficiency and a tight building envelope.

Explanation

The given answer suggests that the home's shell is extremely tight and exceeds EEBA (Energy and Environmental Building Alliance) standards. This conclusion is based on the fact that the blower door test results show a low air change rate per hour, indicating minimal air leakage in the home. Meeting or exceeding EEBA standards implies that the home has been built with a high level of energy efficiency and a tight building envelope.

37. 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

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

True

False

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39. In warmer climates, including the thermal boundary is favored because heat loss to the cooler ground may aid iin cooling the home.

True

False

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40. An thorough outdoor inspection will look at things such as:

Any vertical shafts coming through the roof.

Major seems between the building components.

Attached or build in garage

Air tightness of the exterior shell.

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Explanation

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41. Choose the correct k value (thermal conductivity) for Aluminum

117

17

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42. The u-factor is similar to the k-value, but the u-factor gives the amount of heat that transmits through a square foot of building cross-section composed of ___________________.

A single slab of material.

Multiple slabs of materials.

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43. U-factors are used to calculate power and energy needed for heating

True

False

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44. ________________________ should provide fresh air to a building at a minimum rate of 15 CFM per person or 0.35 air changes per hour. (Choose one)

Air leakage

Mechanical ventilation

Air leakage and mechanical ventilation

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Explanation

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45. 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

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46. Choose the correct k value (thermal conductivity) for steel

117

26

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47. R-value measures the resistance of walls, floors and ceilings. U-factor is the inverse of R-value. therefor when R-value = 1 then then the U-factor = ________.

1

0.50

0.25

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48. Indicate the possible reason(s) for calculating transmission heat loss.

To predict the savings from weatherization retrofits.

To calculate actual heating costs with predicted heating costs to investigate an building's energy consumption.

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49. Tracer gas testing measures air leakage at _______________ pressures.

Increased

Natural

Decreased

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

True

False

The statement is false because the total heating energy and total cooling energy do include the inefficiencies of the heating and cooling system. These inefficiencies can be due to factors such as heat loss or energy waste during the heating or cooling process. Therefore, the total energy consumption for heating and cooling includes both the actual energy used for heating and cooling and any inefficiencies in the system.

Explanation

The statement is false because the total heating energy and total cooling energy do include the inefficiencies of the heating and cooling system. These inefficiencies can be due to factors such as heat loss or energy waste during the heating or cooling process. Therefore, the total energy consumption for heating and cooling includes both the actual energy used for heating and cooling and any inefficiencies in the system.

51. 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

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52. House A's floor, over an unused basement in a cold climate, is easily accessible for insulation and air sealing. The ducts are fairly airtight, but uninsulated. The floor is a fairly good air barrier, but the foundation is is leaky and difficult to insulate.

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53. During a blower door test, the results show that the home has 12 air changes per hour @ 50 pascals or 0.80 ACHn (natural air changes per hours). Which of the following conclusions would be correct.

The home is very leaky.

It is an average reading for an existing home.

This meets EEBA standards.

This home's shell is extremely tight.

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Explanation

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54. Cooling load is less predictable than heating load because of these important variables differ widely from home to home:

Solar heat gain

Air leakage

Internally generated heat

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55. If the average temperature outdoor for a particular day is 30 deg F, what would the accumulated degree days for that day be?

30

35

60

65

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56. 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.

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57. During a duct blower test, the results show that the home has a duct leakage level of 26%. Which of the following conclusions would be correct.

This is an average CFM25 measurement for existing duct systems

This is a relatively tight existing duct system.

This meets the Energy Efficient Builders Association (EEBA) standards.

This meets EPA/DOE Energy Star standards.

This is an extremely tight duct system.

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Explanation

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58. What is the definition of Design Temperature?

It is that temperature that equals or exceeds the three coldest months 70.5% of the time.

It is that temperature that equals or exceeds the three coldest months 97.5% of the time.

It is that temperature that equals or exceeds the three coldest months 100% of the time.

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59. During summer the main heat driving force is _________________.

Solar radiation

Outdoor and indoor temperature differences.

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60. Shade line factor accounts for ___________________.

Interior shading devices.

Exterior shading from the building's overhangs.

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61. In hot climates energy efficient homes:

Block solar radiation with exterior shade such as trees

Reflective surfaces

Window shading

Have large cooling systems installed

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62. 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

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Explanation

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63.

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.

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64. Home B, is located in a mild climate, has a pump and pressure tanks in its crawl space. The ground under the house is covered by a moisture barrier and the house has no moisture problems. Ducts are fairly leaky and lack insualtion, and they would be difficult to insulate and air seal.

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Explanation

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65. During a duct blower test, the results show that the home has a duct leakage level of 2%. Which of the following conclusions would be correct.

This is an average CFM25 measurement for existing duct systems

This is a relatively tight existing duct system.

This meets the Energy Efficient Builders Association (EEBA) standards.

This meets EPA/DOE Energy Star standards.

This is an extremely tight duct system.

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Explanation

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66. Ventilation does not have the same energy effect as air leakage.

True

False

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Explanation

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

True

False

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Explanation

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68. The number of BTUs per hour of heating capacity needed by a building depends on climate, insulation levels, air leakage and heating installation quality. If a home requires 5 BTUs per hour per square foot of floor space it would be accurate to conclude that:

It is an average home in a cold climate

It is an average home in an temperate climate

It is a well-insulated home and that is very airtight and most like has heat recovery ventilators.

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Explanation

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69. 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

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Explanation

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70. 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.

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71. The quantity of heat transmission through the shell of a building depends on:

The U-factor

Its area

The temperature difference between the indoors and the outdoors

The period of time being considered

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

Radiation

Conduction

Convection

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73. 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

The weaknesses found in multi-family buildings include thermal bridging from steel and aluminum components, protruding or recessed balconies, eaves, canopies, and windows, as well as rooftop protrusions and penetrations like rooftop elevator shafts and air handlers. These weaknesses can lead to energy loss, structural vulnerabilities, and potential water infiltration, compromising the overall integrity and efficiency of the building.

Explanation

The weaknesses found in multi-family buildings include thermal bridging from steel and aluminum components, protruding or recessed balconies, eaves, canopies, and windows, as well as rooftop protrusions and penetrations like rooftop elevator shafts and air handlers. These weaknesses can lead to energy loss, structural vulnerabilities, and potential water infiltration, compromising the overall integrity and efficiency of the building.

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74. R-values are used to calculate power and energy needed for heating.

True

False

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Explanation

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75. Indicate the widely accepted types of heat gain.

Solar heat gain

Air leakage

Transmission

Internal gains

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

Convection

Radiation

Conduction

Non of these

Insulation resists heat transmission by resisting convection, radiation, and conduction. Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids or gases, radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, and conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact. Insulation materials are designed to minimize these modes of heat transfer, thereby reducing the amount of heat that can pass through them.

Explanation

Insulation resists heat transmission by resisting convection, radiation, and conduction. Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids or gases, radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, and conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact. Insulation materials are designed to minimize these modes of heat transfer, thereby reducing the amount of heat that can pass through them.

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77. 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.

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78. 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.

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79. Windows are a bigger concern than doors because:

Significant surface area

Low thermal resistance

Door have a relative small combined service area

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80. 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

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81. 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.

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Explanation

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82. During a duct blower test, the results show that the home has a duct leakage level of 10%. Which of the following conclusions would be correct.

This is an average CFM25 measurement for existing duct systems

This is a relatively tight existing duct system.

This meets the Energy Efficient Builders Association (EEBA) standards.

This meets EPA/DOE Energy Star standards.

This is an extremely tight duct system.

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Explanation

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83. 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

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Explanation

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84. 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.

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85. The number of BTUs per hour of heating capacity needed by a building depends on climate, insulation levels, air leakage and heating installation quality. If a home requires 13 BTUs per hour per square foot of floor space it would be accurate to conclude that:

It is an average home in a cold climate

It is an average home in an temperate climate

It is a well insulated home with low air leakage.

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Explanation

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86. During a duct blower test, the results show that the home has a duct leakage level of 17%. Which of the following conclusions would be correct.

This is an average CFM25 measurement for existing duct systems

This is a relatively tight existing duct system.

This meets the Energy Efficient Builders Association (EEBA) standards.

This meets EPA/DOE Energy Star standards.

This is an extremely tight duct system.

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Explanation

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87. During a duct blower test, the results show that the home has a duct leakage level of 8%. Which of the following conclusions would be correct.

This is an average CFM25 measurement for existing duct systems

This is a relatively tight existing duct system.

This meets the Energy Efficient Builders Association (EEBA) standards.

This meets EPA/DOE Energy Star standards.

This is an extremely tight duct system.

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Explanation

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88. Factors that favor excluding a crawl space from the thermal boundary include:

Waste heat could be reduced at its source by insulating pipes, duct works and water heaters.

Floor insulation is inexpensive.

Installing a heating cable for pipes is often cheaper than heating unused spaces to keep pipes thawed.

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Explanation

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89. During a blower door test, the results show that the home has 8 air changes per hour @ 50 pascals or 0.53 ACHn (natural air changes per hours). Which of the following conclusions would be correct.

The home is very leaky.

It is an average reading for an existing home.

This meets EEBA standards.

This home's shell is extremely tight .

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Explanation

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90. During a blower door test, the results show that the home has 3 air changes per hour @ 50 pascals or 0.20 ACHn (natural air changes per hours). Which of the following conclusions would be correct.

The home is very leaky.

It is an average reading for an existing home.

This meets EEBA standards.

This home's shell is extremely tight and exceeds EEBA standards.

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Explanation

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91. The number of BTUs per hour of heating capacity needed by a building depends on climate, insulation levels, air leakage and heating installation quality. If a home requires 50 BTUs per hour per square foot of floor space it would be accurate to conclude that:

The home is located in a cold climate

The home has major air leakage or insulation problems

It is an average home in a cold climate

It is an average home in an temperate climate

It is a well insulated home with low air leakage.

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Explanation

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92. Glass load factors consider which of the following:

Window orientation

Type of glass

Interior shading devices

Exterior shading devices

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Explanation

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93. 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.

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Explanation

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94. The rate of heat transmission depends on ___________ and ______________.

Location

Relative humidity

Thermal resistance

Surface area

Air leakage

The rate of heat transmission depends on two factors: thermal resistance and surface area. Thermal resistance refers to the material's ability to resist the flow of heat, with higher resistance resulting in slower heat transmission. Surface area plays a role as well, as a larger surface area allows for more heat to be transferred. Therefore, both thermal resistance and surface area are important considerations when determining the rate of heat transmission.

Explanation

The rate of heat transmission depends on two factors: thermal resistance and surface area. Thermal resistance refers to the material's ability to resist the flow of heat, with higher resistance resulting in slower heat transmission. Surface area plays a role as well, as a larger surface area allows for more heat to be transferred. Therefore, both thermal resistance and surface area are important considerations when determining the rate of heat transmission.

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95. Factors that will determine the inclusion of of unused basements and crawl spaces with the thermal boundary consists off:

Heat transmission determined by the building's volume..

A building's surface area

Air leakage and pressure differences

Possible future occupancy of a basement

Relative difficulty of insulating and air sealing the floor

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Explanation

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96. The amount of heating energy needed by the home during the heating season is the sum of: