Hi all, I'm new to eQUEST.
I'm trying to model the following, are there any guides/tutorials:
1) How would I model a 1500-3000 Sq. Ft. single Family, Detached House. In Canada (Ontario)
2) In SD Wizard Building Type "Multifamily, low-rise (Exterior entries)" is the closest option it has... Should I be using this?
3) What Energy Code Compliance Analysis should I be using for this case? LEED NC - ASHRAE 90.1? (I have no idea what they are for)
Sorry for such incompetency, your help is greatly appreciated!!
You might be better to use programs approved by the Ontario Building
Code (OBC). 90.1 is a standard for all buildings not low-rise
residential. You should be using 90.2 Energy Efficient Design of
Low-Rise Residential Buildings. LEED in Canada is a different
organization than LEED in the US, you should consult the Canadian group
for requirements.
The OBC changed significantly in January 2012 in regard to envelope
construction, allowed mechanical equipment, and energy efficiency
standards. Commercially you will be required to follow SB-10 of the OBC
which references ASHRAE 90.1 as a reference standard but there are
modifications in the OBC. Residentially you are required to follow
SB-12. The main energy efficiency analysis program referenced is
HOT2000. It can be downloaded at
http://canmetenergy.nrcan.gc.ca/software-tools/hot2000/84 eQuest is not
listed as being an approved program. SB-12 does not reference 90.2 but
there is a little qualifier "good engineering practice" in the OBC. It
can be used as a guide. The main reference standards are Energy Star for
New Homes: Technical Specifications- Ontario and EnerGuide for New
Houses: Administrative and Technical Procedures. There are also
prescriptive requirements which can be followed in SB-12. If you
deviate you will have to follow the performance path.
You don't give any information on your qualifications. Just so you know
to submit designs for a building permit in Ontario you will have to be
at minimum an approved designer with a BCIN number for the Ministry of
Housing. Otherwise you will have to be a P.Eng. or an Architect
registered and approved to practice in Ontario. Also be aware that
HOT2000 is not up to date on fenestration. NRC has told me a new
version is in the works to update this area of the software. Until then
the ER performance rating of HOT2000 is low by about 2 points. Also be
aware that this housing standard is new and there are very few people on
both sides of the fence who know what is actually going on. You will
need a January 2012 version of the OBC 2006. There have been in excess
of 1200 pages of addendums leading up to 2012. It is cheaper and easier
just to order a new code. You need the compendium version.
Until you get over this hurtle I wouldn't even consider LEED in
Ontario. It probably is a less energy efficient at this point in time
and won't get you a building permit. Believe me this is a significant
hurtle. The engineering is relatively straight forward, the rest of the
process is not. eQuest is a bit of a sledge hammer for housing work.
Bruce Easterbrook P.Eng.