Residential Energy Audit - Chapter 2

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

• True

• False

Aluminum has the same thermal conductivity as steel.

• True

• False

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

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

• True

• False

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

• Kal

• K

• Kps

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

The amount of BTUs that needs to be removed or added to maintain a good level of comfort for the home's occupant is known as the  _____________ load.

Identify the most likely older framing technique

• A is characteristic of older homes.

• B is characteristic of older homes.

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

• True

• False

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

• True

• False

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

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

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

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

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

• True

• False

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

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

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

• R-15

• R values can not be added

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

• U-3

• U-12

• U-factors can not be added

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

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

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

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,

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.

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

A building's energy inspection and diagnosis include:

• Blower door tests

• Infrared scanners

• Utility bills analysis

• Heating efficiency testers

• Energy savings predictions

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

• Boundary

• Bypass

• Bridge

• Advantage

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

• 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

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

• True

• False

Aluminum is the mot conductive common building material.

• True

• False

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

• Only conditioned spaces

• Conditioned space and unconditioned space

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

• 1980

• 1960

• 1940

• 1900

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.

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

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

• True

• False

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

• True

• False

An thorough outdoor inspection will look at things such as:

• Any vertical shafts coming through the roof.

• Protrusions or indentations, such as porches, bay doors, bay windows or cantilevered floors that break the continuity of the air barrier and insulation.

• Major seems between the building components.

• Attached or build in garage

• Air tightness of the exterior shell.

Choose the correct k value (thermal conductivity) for Aluminum  

• 117

• 17

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.

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

• True

• False

________________________ 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

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

Choose the correct k value (thermal conductivity) for steel

• 117

• 26

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

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.

Tracer gas testing measures air leakage at _______________ pressures.

• Increased

• Natural

• Decreased