Energy Modeling Software Flashcards
7 cards from real HERS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Energy Modeling Software flashcards as text
In HERS rating software, how is the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of windows used in the energy model?
Answer: It quantifies solar energy transmitted through the glass, affecting cooling and heating loads
SHGC determines what fraction of solar radiation passes through the window, directly affecting the model's solar gain calculations for heating and cooling.
A rater is modeling a home with two HVAC systems serving different zones. How should this be entered in REM/Rate?
Answer: Enter each system separately and assign the conditioned area each system serves
REM/Rate supports multiple HVAC systems, and each should be entered separately with its served area to accurately model zoned performance.
Which of the following correctly describes how HERS software handles a heat pump water heater?
Answer: It is entered with an Energy Factor or Uniform Energy Factor reflecting its COP-based efficiency
Heat pump water heaters are entered with their EF or UEF rating, which captures their higher efficiency compared to electric resistance units.
When modeling mechanical ventilation in REM/Rate, what information is required to correctly characterize an HRV?
Answer: CFM capacity, sensible heat recovery efficiency, and fan watt draw
HRV modeling requires airflow rate, sensible recovery efficiency, and fan power consumption to accurately calculate ventilation energy impact.
What is the effect of entering a lower heating system AFUE in HERS software?
Answer: The HERS Index increases because more fuel is consumed per unit of heat delivered
Lower AFUE means the furnace wastes more energy as exhaust heat, increasing annual fuel consumption and raising the HERS Index.
In energy modeling software, what is the primary function of the 'orientation' input for a home?
Answer: To calculate solar gains on each window and wall surface based on compass direction
Home orientation determines the angle of incidence of solar radiation on each surface, affecting solar heat gain and daylighting calculations.
Which output metric in REM/Rate directly tells a rater how much of the HERS Index penalty comes from excess air leakage?
Answer: Component contribution report showing infiltration's share of energy load
REM/Rate's component contribution breakdown isolates each building element's contribution to the HERS Index, including the infiltration penalty.