BPI Energy Auditing 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What condition must be created before performing a worst-case combustion appliance zone (CAZ) depressurization test?
- All windows and doors open
- All exhaust fans operating and all interior doors open (Correct answer)
- Heating system at maximum output
- Outdoor temperature below 32°F
Correct answer: All exhaust fans operating and all interior doors open
Worst-case conditions are simulated by operating all exhaust fans simultaneously with interior doors open to maximize depressurization potential.
Question 2: In BPI auditing protocols, what is the maximum CO level allowed in ambient air before beginning combustion appliance testing?
- 5 ppm
- 9 ppm (Correct answer)
- 25 ppm
- 35 ppm
Correct answer: 9 ppm
BPI requires ambient CO to be at or below 9 ppm before any combustion testing begins to ensure accurate baseline readings.
Question 3: Which insulation characteristic describes resistance to heat flow per unit thickness?
- U-factor
- R-value per inch
- K-value (thermal conductivity) (Correct answer)
- Emissivity
Correct answer: K-value (thermal conductivity)
K-value (thermal conductivity) expresses how readily a material conducts heat per unit thickness; lower K-values indicate better insulating properties.
Question 4: A BPI energy auditor discovers that attic bypass paths exist around recessed lights. What energy issue does this primarily cause?
- Increased solar heat gain in summer
- Air leakage and thermal bypass reducing attic insulation effectiveness (Correct answer)
- Increased electrical consumption by the fixtures
- Moisture damage to attic framing only
Correct answer: Air leakage and thermal bypass reducing attic insulation effectiveness
Recessed light cans that penetrate the ceiling create both air leakage pathways and thermal bypasses that dramatically undermine attic insulation performance.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of a pressure pan test during a duct leakage assessment?
- Measure total duct system volume
- Locate which registers have the greatest duct leakage (Correct answer)
- Determine duct insulation level
- Calculate supply versus return air balance
Correct answer: Locate which registers have the greatest duct leakage
A pressure pan test covers each register while the blower door depressurizes the home, and readings indicate which ducts are leaking to outside.
Question 6: According to BPI standards, what minimum R-value is typically recommended for attic insulation in a mixed-humid US climate zone (Zone 4)?
- R-19
- R-30
- R-38
- R-49 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: R-49
BPI and DOE guidelines recommend R-49 for attic insulation in Climate Zone 4 to meet cost-effective energy efficiency targets.
Question 7: What does 'infiltration' refer to in a building energy context?
- Controlled mechanical ventilation of outside air
- Uncontrolled air leakage into the building from outside (Correct answer)
- Air movement within the conditioned space
- Moisture vapor diffusion through walls
Correct answer: Uncontrolled air leakage into the building from outside
Infiltration is uncontrolled air movement into the building through gaps and cracks, driven by pressure differences from wind, stack effect, or mechanical systems.
BPI Energy Auditing 3
What condition must be created before performing a worst-case combustion appliance zone (CAZ) depressurization test?