Energy Code Calculations - More Info
Method A - Whole Building
Performance
This method considers the energy use for the whole building - its envelope and major energy consuming systems. This means that one can substitute a high-performance energy component for a lower-performance energy component as long as the whole building meets or exceeds the overall efficiency standard for the building being built.
The Energy Code assumes a "Baseline Home" that is, in theory, a twin of the home being built. This Baseline Home is also unique to the climate zone in which the home is being built. The Baseline Home establishes an "Energy Budget" for the home being built - the "As Built Home", which varies, depending on its location in the state of Florida.
This is where one needs to view this exercise as an "Energy Design". There are many alternative combinations that can be used to meet or exceed the Energy Code for the home being built. The architecture or style of the home can influence the selection of the energy components that would minimize the cost of the building, among other factors. For example, sealed attic homes would have a very different approach to meeting the Energy Code than would vented attic homes. Homes designed for greater outside viewing will be forced down a totally different path. One needs to be intimately involved with the home design in order to optimize the energy efficiency options. Energy House Technology has the knowledege and expertise to help builders achieve the optimal design. Spending a little more time on the code compliance process can pay great dividends.
Special Mention - Leak Free Duct System Code Credit
The Florida Energy Code puts an overweight on the cooling costs in homes built for South Florida (approximately 85%). This forces the builders to focus on construction and appliances much differently than if the home was being built in North Florida.
One area that offers a great return is the Proposed Leak Free credit for the duct system. Ducts that are tightly sealed increase the efficiency of the HVAC system when they are located in unconditioned space. A more efficient duct system in unconditioned space reduces the cooling and heating loads which reduce the size requirement of the HVAC system. Smaller HVAC systems have lower installation costs, have lower operating costs by using less energy, and typically run quieter. They also improve the indoor air quality. Installed HVAC systems with well sealed ducts also lead to fewer customer complaints and call backs.
The Leak Free Duct System Code Credit can have the same effect on the Energy Code Calculations as adding 1 SEER to the AC system for some homes. Energy House Technology offers both mid-construction duct smoke testing as well as final duct leakage testing. Click HERE to learn more about duct smoke and duct leakage testing.
This method considers the energy use for the whole building - its envelope and major energy consuming systems. This means that one can substitute a high-performance energy component for a lower-performance energy component as long as the whole building meets or exceeds the overall efficiency standard for the building being built.
The Energy Code assumes a "Baseline Home" that is, in theory, a twin of the home being built. This Baseline Home is also unique to the climate zone in which the home is being built. The Baseline Home establishes an "Energy Budget" for the home being built - the "As Built Home", which varies, depending on its location in the state of Florida.
This is where one needs to view this exercise as an "Energy Design". There are many alternative combinations that can be used to meet or exceed the Energy Code for the home being built. The architecture or style of the home can influence the selection of the energy components that would minimize the cost of the building, among other factors. For example, sealed attic homes would have a very different approach to meeting the Energy Code than would vented attic homes. Homes designed for greater outside viewing will be forced down a totally different path. One needs to be intimately involved with the home design in order to optimize the energy efficiency options. Energy House Technology has the knowledege and expertise to help builders achieve the optimal design. Spending a little more time on the code compliance process can pay great dividends.
Special Mention - Leak Free Duct System Code Credit
The Florida Energy Code puts an overweight on the cooling costs in homes built for South Florida (approximately 85%). This forces the builders to focus on construction and appliances much differently than if the home was being built in North Florida.
One area that offers a great return is the Proposed Leak Free credit for the duct system. Ducts that are tightly sealed increase the efficiency of the HVAC system when they are located in unconditioned space. A more efficient duct system in unconditioned space reduces the cooling and heating loads which reduce the size requirement of the HVAC system. Smaller HVAC systems have lower installation costs, have lower operating costs by using less energy, and typically run quieter. They also improve the indoor air quality. Installed HVAC systems with well sealed ducts also lead to fewer customer complaints and call backs.
The Leak Free Duct System Code Credit can have the same effect on the Energy Code Calculations as adding 1 SEER to the AC system for some homes. Energy House Technology offers both mid-construction duct smoke testing as well as final duct leakage testing. Click HERE to learn more about duct smoke and duct leakage testing.
