Q & A's / FAQ's
Below are listed some of the questions that frequently come up.
How is Passive Solar Assessments unique?
We focus on Energy(GJ), not appliances, lights, people, etc.
The passive - set it and forget it character - is built into the home. It is smart and re-captures some elements that developers compromise because of their business/development plan.
The Do-It-Yourself method means no expensive site visits are required so the homeowner can maximize savings.
Passive Methods avoid expensive automation. Eg. Awnings can be set and adjusted weekly if required or left for the season, moveable insulation for windows can be modulated as needed.
Where is PSA℠ the most useful?
The Full Report
is most useful for single homes with space around them and significant Solar access. A rural or spacious subdivision come to mind. It is also useful for urban settings, where homes are closer together if Solar access is good.
The Basic Report
is more helpful in urban settings on a North/South street because a neighbour generally blocks Solar access.
Neither Report
is suitable for Condominiums or Apartments for two reasons. Firstly they generally have only 1, sometimes 2, and seldom 3 outside exposed walls. This is substantially less than a typical detached home which has 6. Therefore, Condos are typically energy efficient from a heating standpoint. Secondly, there are usually strict limitations on what the owner can do.
Regarding Townhouses and Duplexes,
the Full Report helps more if there is more exposure and Solar access. These homes also typically have 1 or 2 common walls making them less prone to heat loss.
Why is so much information required.
All the details can have an effect on the models. Often a basement will have a patchwork of insulation levels in the utility area, and an insulated family room. These composite insulation values need to be combined to get a good picture of the heating energy flows.
Likewise, trees, neighbours, wall recesses etc. cast shadows and affect Solar gains. In summer months these can have a significant effect. All of this variety should be represented in the models for clearest results.
How long does data collection take?
Typically for a 2000 sqft. home its about 1.5 hours. You have to become handy at it juggling a clipboard, tape measure pencil etc. The key for the DIY-er is you can do it at your own pace, whenever you have time - and save.
What if I don't know some details?
Often some details are not available or knowable. We can then use the age of the home to estimate the likely configuration we are dealing with.
For example, not many homeowners know if there is 2" styrofoam under the basement floor slab, and you shouldn't dig it up to see. If you are installing a sump, then you might have an opportunity to check.
In these cases we use a typical expectation to determine the likely values. This potential inaccuracy is not a problem for our models because our results are difference models so the uncertainty is subtracted out. All of our model results are like that so the renovation options scale accordingly and their relative impacts are preserved. In these cases the Homeowner can choose how to handle it.
I don't have Infiltration data, what do I do?
Infiltration can be one of the big contributors to heat loss. We encourage homeowners to have it checked, or at least have the caulking and weather-stripping refreshed. If Infiltration is not available, we can scale it according to building age and expectations. Please remember that a "Blower Door" test is actually a process whereby you can find and fix leaks in the building envelope.
Is there anything else I need for this project?
A good ladder to peek into the attic, good measuring tape, a long measuring tape for tree distances or use the pace method. Some wood or plastic tongue depressor - or similar - to probe into wall cavities to check insulation, vapour barrier etc. A protractor and string or magnetic compass to evaluate building orientation, etc.
Reviewing the sample Data Forms will give you a more thorough picture.
Why e-Mail Communications?
All our communications are done through e-Mail because it gives a record, in one place, where all the details are.
Purchasing details?
Purchasing the Full Report at the Store e-Mails you a link to download the current Data Forms and reserves your position in the queue for running your Models and producing your Report. Then we are all set for when we receive you data.
Payment is made by credit card at the Store upon checkout. This way your spot in the queue for running your models is automatically set.
How long unit I get my Report?
Our turnaround time for a report is 2 working days or so after we receive all the data. We review the data and ask questions if anything needs clarification before processing the Models.
Explain the Logo?
The Logo highlights the need for lots of insulation as shown by the two layers in a double wall construction. This is the case for most homes in existence. Once you've paid for the heat, you want to keep it.
Then, you maximize the South glazing on both floors. Even reflected Sunlight can add warmth especially with snow on the ground. These are your heat collecting engine.
What is not modelled?
Unknowns can be turned off or estimated.
Building temperature zones.
Air flows and air pressure differentials.
HVAC distribution and cycle time details.