What is your yardstick score?

I thought I would lighten up the board with something I found fun.

EPA has a neat little program that has a "yardstick score".
If you plan on doing it you will need a years worth of bills. My were on line so it was easy.

needed info therms per year usage and cost if applicable
KwH usage and cost
zip code number of occupants

I had to use 2007 instead of 2008 to calculate why I don't know

Here is the link

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=HOME_ENERGY_YARDSTICK.showGetStarted

I was surprised at my score of 9.2. I do not have solar by the way. This measure is more of occupancy behavior analysis than a rating

I live in the most mild climate of the country so I am sure I enjoy an advantage. We heat in the evenings for a short part of the winter. I have a window air conditioner that only cools one spot in the house, My chair by the TV. I use it probably less than 24 hours per year.

2009-09-14T16:39:09Z

Rio
What is cool is it is not a shell study. It is a basic stripped down usage rating. It is an operational rating to be exact. It takes where you live, how many live there, what you use and spits out a number
We design build test and rate unoccupied buildings. Any building once occupied changes based on occupancy. We design build and test and rate the buildings here in California and bless them as energy efficient and ready to occupy. (I assume you are in California with the title 24 CEPE CABEC jargon on your post) Once the occupant is in the building we walk away knowing we have an efficient structure. But is it operating efficiently for the occupants?
What this simple program does is bring lifestyle into the equation and throw out all of the factors including Jevons Paradox.
With this formula it does not care about manual J and D nor does it care about psychometrics charts, fenestration and orientation, air balancing, wet bulb, dry bulb, proper Freon charge or properly sized e

2009-09-14T18:50:20Z

Rio
A shell study would require cubic feet.

I am not an expert on many of the subjects that swirls around this global warming forum. This however is a subject I cannot only comment on but can claim expertise.

The Cubic footage is need in the envelope for proper manual J, D blower door etc.

This only takes square footage which works for none of my software. Its numbers may not be as accurate as mine when I run pressurization and depressurization at 10 different Pascal pressure points. However it gives real numbers based on usage and square footage.

At risk of eliminating my service business (HERS Rater) and energy auditor I embrace the data and will do my best to understand it and pass that information on to my customers.

This is good stuff. I love a new way of looking at solutions

2009-09-14T23:12:13Z

Rio

Thank You I will check the HEED out.
Again I think that the program is a tool not the end solution. I will continue using my equipment as well. My manometer and my infrared camera and training are not going to be replaced by software. Real calculations are not a replacement to " magic software" However I will continue my quest to be on the cutting edge and will always question every test I perform. I want to give my customers the best value and service possible.

Any other programs or links you might have would be welcome. I run EnergyPro as of now. As many of us do in the land of Title 24

Rio2009-09-14T15:34:06Z

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It's not bad for a rough estimate (shell load) study. Even with a TAB (testing and balance) study, using a room by room analysis the values are +/- 15%, due to(equipment ratings)most system are overrated, not being fully utilized. HTM's(heat transfer multiplier's) are another important factor. Most professionals have been trying to steer clear of guessing by using (manual J- residential, and manual N for commercial). The first will have the information you seek. It's based on outdoor, indoor design using seasonal temperatures among many other things. If you have windows then you have solar heat gain and fenestration heat loss. Again the manuals will include both as well as BTU's. You have to know whats exsisting with what is needed to determine equipment ratio's. "Bottom line if your comfortable and can afford it without improvement nothing more can be said."

http://www.energy.ca.gov/efficiency/qualityhomes/procedures.html

What gives it away as a shell study is the (more info link) it uses total square footage ( not a good quantifying approach). It really does have to be a room by room. Measuring SP,CFM, register throw, equipment ratios, structual, and design temperatures. Otherwise it's simply based on energy usage and not application. Sometimes mass calulations do get close, but a temperature rise measurement is a sure thing. I couldn't gleen much from the link, but will take the time to explore it further. Most contractors hate the manuals because it takes time, proffessionals don't. Individuals with a NEET certification understand the difference. Before you have anything done, do a real load study not a virtual one. Save yourself some money.

Edit: My guess they use the standard wall height of 8ft. Again it seems like a mass calculation. UCLA offers a free progarm you might like, but I sticking to the manuals for contract and legal purposes. http://mackintosh.aud.ucla.edu/heed

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