Certified Energy Auditor Certification Building Envelope Assessment 5

Question 1

An auditor uses a co-heating test on a small house. What does this test primarily determine?

Accepted Answer

In-situ whole-building heat loss coefficient (HLC)

Answer

A co-heating test electrically heats a building to a constant indoor temperature and measures steady-state energy input to derive the overall heat loss coefficient of the actual built structure.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of a rainscreen cladding system on an exterior wall?

Accepted Answer

To create a vented capillary break that promotes drainage and drying

Answer

A rainscreen system creates a vented air space behind cladding that allows bulk water to drain and surfaces to dry, protecting moisture-sensitive sheathing and insulation.

Question 3

Which condition should an energy auditor consider before performing a blower door test in a home with combustion appliances?

Accepted Answer

Combustion appliances should be shut off or monitored to prevent backdrafting during depressurization

Answer

Depressurizing a home can cause combustion appliances to backdraft, spilling dangerous flue gases indoors; appliances should be shut down or carefully monitored during the test.

Question 4

In ASHRAE climate zone mapping, which zone is characterized by hot-humid conditions requiring a focus on latent load management and vapor control on the exterior wall surface?

Accepted Answer

Zone 1A and 2A

Answer

Climate zones 1A and 2A (hot-humid, e.g., Miami and Houston) experience high outdoor humidity and heat, requiring exterior vapor control and latent load management strategies.

Question 5

What does the term 'thermal bridging' refer to when evaluating a metal roof deck on a commercial building?

Accepted Answer

Heat conducted through the deck fasteners and metal purlins bypassing insulation

Answer

Metal fasteners and purlins penetrate or contact the insulation layer, conducting heat rapidly through what should be an insulated assembly, reducing effective R-value.

Certified Energy Auditor Certification Practice Test

Certified Energy Auditor Certification Practice Test

Certified Energy Auditor Certification Building Envelope Assessment 5