ENERGY MODELING & CALCULATIONS
Why Energy Modeling?
Energy models provide a means to evaluate a building’s energy performance and help identify possible improvements. Because it is often difficult to predict which energy-saving features will have the greatest impact on a building’s overall performance, modeling a building’s orientation, the composition of its envelope, the size and type of its mechanical equipment and other energy-related information can help an owner evaluate the most effective energy-efficiency improvements, as well as the trade-offs between options.
Energy modeling is also useful for:
- Documenting energy code compliance
- Applying for LEED®, ENERGY STAR® or EarthCraft certification
- Improving building performance
- Predicting energy savings of potential upgrades and retrofits
- Qualifying for federal tax incentives and energy-efficient mortgages
Southface’s Services
Southface professionals are experienced at modeling and analyzing many aspects of building performance, including building energy modeling for residential and commercial facilities. Southface can perform a computer simulation of your planned or existing commercial or residential building’s energy performance.
Single-Family and Smaller Multifamily Residential Modeling
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) is a national standard for assessing the overall energy efficiency of single-family and smaller (under four stories) multifamily homes. The HERS Index predicts a home’s energy consumption. To accurately establish a HERS Index, Southface Energy Rates Homes staff build a computer-based energy model using REM/RateTM or EnergyGauge software.
Larger Multifamily Residential and Commercial Modeling
For larger multifamily or commercial projects, Southface will simulate your building’s energy consumption using eQuest software. This package performs an hour-by-hour simulation to model the energy loads created by the building envelope, HVAC equipment, lighting, building schedules, appliances and hot water consumption.
HVAC Equipment and Systems Modeling
Southface can provide a complete analysis and design for your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. Correctly sizing the HVAC system is critical for providing proper dehumidification, comfort and energy efficiency. Southface’s experts understand national and local code requirements for calculating HVAC needs and can ensure you obtain the best performance for the least cost. Southface also commonly provides duct design services to ensure that duct systems are properly sized in new home and renovation projects.
