Why Energy Modeling?
For ComplianceMost often, we are performing energy modeling for compliance purposes.
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For Ratings SystemsSome ratings systems require specific analyses for qualification and rebates.
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For OptimizationWhat really gets us fired up is projects where we can perform what-if analysis of various options to help the designer/owner determine payback in terms of energy usage and utility bills.
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California Energy Code (Title 24)
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Optimization
There are many productive ways to use energy models to optimize designs that make use of the models we build for compliance and only require a little extra time to use them to optimize the project. We offer several optimization services:
Feature Optimization
We can model various features from insulation to windows to thermal mass and HVAC systems to determine the energy savings and compliance benefit of each, report them to you, and optimize the final design based on your selections from the menu of options. Adds ~2 hours to the project.
Solar & Battery Optimization
The energy code requires solar panels on all new homes and most commercial buildings. It also requires batteries be installed on most commercial buildings. But is the code-required solar system optimal for your home or business? Would a larger system or adding a battery have a positive return on investment through utility cost savings? Build Smart has developed a proprietary algorithm to use your hourly modeled energy usage and calculate the optimal solar system size according to your rates in SCE or PG&E territory (SDG&E coming soon!). Islanding during blackouts is another important benefit with battery systems that we can help you design into your project, so that your home or business can be a microgrid in times of natural disasters and utility planned shut-off events. Adds ~4 hours to the project.
HVAC Load Sizing
We began doing HVAC load calculations in 2024 and we love the extra value we can bring to projects this way. Using Kwik-Model software, we build a 3-D model of your home with all the walls, windows, and insulation levels. We run it through ACCA Manual J procedures and obtain peak heating and cooling loads by HVAC unit and by room. We even size the ducts for you. You can share our report with your HVAC contractor so they know exactly what they're installing and we'll work with them to refine the design. So you have just the right airflow in each room and don't oversize or undersize your HVAC equipment. We find with today's efficient envelopes in California, 800-1,000 square feet per ton is often the correct HVAC size, which is much different from common HVAC contractors' rules of thumb. Adds 4-6 hours to the project.
Electric Panel Sizing
We're high on electrification of buildings. Most projects today should be all-electric. But one of the obstacles to building all-electric is the electrical panel size. Too often we find that electricians recommend much larger electrical panels than is actually warranted by the remodel. They even sometimes exceed what the National Electric Code requires. We've started using NEC calculations to double-check electric panel sizes, so that all-electric designs don't get rejected due to the cost of unnecessary panel upgrades. If we've done your energy code compliance modeling and your HVAC load calculations, then we know the systems going into your house and can calculate the minimum electric panel size required by code. Adds ~4 hours to the project.
Feature Optimization
We can model various features from insulation to windows to thermal mass and HVAC systems to determine the energy savings and compliance benefit of each, report them to you, and optimize the final design based on your selections from the menu of options. Adds ~2 hours to the project.
Solar & Battery Optimization
The energy code requires solar panels on all new homes and most commercial buildings. It also requires batteries be installed on most commercial buildings. But is the code-required solar system optimal for your home or business? Would a larger system or adding a battery have a positive return on investment through utility cost savings? Build Smart has developed a proprietary algorithm to use your hourly modeled energy usage and calculate the optimal solar system size according to your rates in SCE or PG&E territory (SDG&E coming soon!). Islanding during blackouts is another important benefit with battery systems that we can help you design into your project, so that your home or business can be a microgrid in times of natural disasters and utility planned shut-off events. Adds ~4 hours to the project.
HVAC Load Sizing
We began doing HVAC load calculations in 2024 and we love the extra value we can bring to projects this way. Using Kwik-Model software, we build a 3-D model of your home with all the walls, windows, and insulation levels. We run it through ACCA Manual J procedures and obtain peak heating and cooling loads by HVAC unit and by room. We even size the ducts for you. You can share our report with your HVAC contractor so they know exactly what they're installing and we'll work with them to refine the design. So you have just the right airflow in each room and don't oversize or undersize your HVAC equipment. We find with today's efficient envelopes in California, 800-1,000 square feet per ton is often the correct HVAC size, which is much different from common HVAC contractors' rules of thumb. Adds 4-6 hours to the project.
Electric Panel Sizing
We're high on electrification of buildings. Most projects today should be all-electric. But one of the obstacles to building all-electric is the electrical panel size. Too often we find that electricians recommend much larger electrical panels than is actually warranted by the remodel. They even sometimes exceed what the National Electric Code requires. We've started using NEC calculations to double-check electric panel sizes, so that all-electric designs don't get rejected due to the cost of unnecessary panel upgrades. If we've done your energy code compliance modeling and your HVAC load calculations, then we know the systems going into your house and can calculate the minimum electric panel size required by code. Adds ~4 hours to the project.
PresentationsWe love spreading the word about energy efficiency and green building. We enjoy presenting to large and small groups, and have all the necessary know-how and equipment to put together an intelligent and topical presentation on the subject you need. Our experience designing products for green building projects means we may be ideally suited to help companies large and small position themselves to succeed in the green building arena. Normal consulting rates apply, as well as any travel expenses.
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Beyond Title 24: Energy Efficiency Consulting
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