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 Florida Solar Energy Center Study
Several months ago, when my 3.5-ton 1999 Rheem hp condenser started having problems, I discovered that the FSEC was soliciting participants in my county for an energy "study". It sounded like there might be some financial benefits attached to participation (maybe even a new heat pump?), so I submitted an application.
Well, as you all know, my heat pump died in October and after much research, with the help of pro's in this forum, I finally had a 3-ton Carrier Infinity Green Speed installed last week, along with some "tweaking" of existing ductwork. I had already had ductwork sealed and insulation added as a result of an FPL blower door test that I paid for the end of July. And another "free" blower door/infiltrometer evaluation by a contractor hoping to sell me a replacement heat pump.
So guess what? Now I'll get to find out just how well sealed the new ductwork is and how efficient the new heat pump is. I just got word the FSEC selected my home for participation in their study! They'll be here for 4 hours next Wednesday to perform another energy audit and to install energy monitors for selected equipment. My energy usage will be sent to them via wifi throughout the study period (6 months or so).
Should be very interesting. And who knows, there could be a solar hot water heater in my future!
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Sounds interesting and fun. Keep us updated with how this experience goes.
I found the FSEC study on "cool roof" strategies very informative as we were deciding on how to carry out our own cool roof. Sure wish we had a FSEC equivalent here in Texas. That said, a lot of their study results easily carry over here, as much of our state is hot-humid, like Florida.
Building Physics Rule #1: Hot flows to cold.
Building Physics Rule #2: Higher air pressure moves toward lower air pressure
Building Physics Rule #3: Higher moisture concentration moves toward lower moisture concentration.
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Ask them to monitor CO2 levels.. This will give some estimate of actual air change rates.
Regards TB
Bear Rules: Keep our home <50% RH summer, controls mites/mold and very comfortable.
Provide 60-100 cfm of fresh air when occupied to purge indoor pollutants and keep window dry during cold weather. T-stat setup/setback +8 hrs. saves energy
Use +Merv 10 air filter. -Don't forget the "Golden Rule"
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 Originally Posted by Florida Joy
Several months ago, when my 3.5-ton 1999 Rheem hp condenser started having problems, I discovered that the FSEC was soliciting participants in my county for an energy "study". It sounded like there might be some financial benefits attached to participation (maybe even a new heat pump?), so I submitted an application.
Well, as you all know, my heat pump died in October and after much research, with the help of pro's in this forum, I finally had a 3-ton Carrier Infinity Green Speed installed last week, along with some "tweaking" of existing ductwork. I had already had ductwork sealed and insulation added as a result of an FPL blower door test that I paid for the end of July. And another "free" blower door/infiltrometer evaluation by a contractor hoping to sell me a replacement heat pump.
So guess what? Now I'll get to find out just how well sealed the new ductwork is and how efficient the new heat pump is. I just got word the FSEC selected my home for participation in their study! They'll be here for 4 hours next Wednesday to perform another energy audit and to install energy monitors for selected equipment. My energy usage will be sent to them via wifi throughout the study period (6 months or so).
Should be very interesting. And who knows, there could be a solar hot water heater in my future!
NO ONE
better to be selected for Study than a brilliant Young Lady _ FLORIDA Joy
BUT FSEC picked the WRONG 6 months.
The heat pump may run 100 hours in the December through February Period and
you won't get to know Anything about summer cooling performance.
Designer Dan
It's Not Rocket Science, But It is SCIENCE with "Some Art". ___ ___ K EEP I T S IMPLE & S INCERE
Define the Building Envelope and Perform a Detailed Load Calc: It's ALL About Windows and Make-up Air Requirements. Know Your Equipment Capabilities
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Originally Posted by teddy bear
Ask them to monitor CO2 levels.. This will give some estimate of actual air change rates.
Regards TB
The homeowner agreement states they will perfom "indoor air quality tests, as applicable at the discretion of UCF/FSEC." To qualify for the study, no gas, oil, or other non-electric appliances are allowed and there's nothing stated in the agreement about CO2 testing. The following is included in the description of the initial energy survey:
"measure the interior temperature and humidity levels, measure interior formaldehyde and total volatile organic compound concentrations, measure the tightness of the building envelope, measure leakage of duct work, measure energy use, and complete a homeowner satisfaction/home operation questionnaire"
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Originally Posted by dan sw fl
NO ONE
better to be selected for Study than a brilliant Young Lady _ FLORIDA Joy
BUT FSEC picked the WRONG 6 months.
The heat pump may run 100 hours in the December through February Period and
you won't get to know Anything about summer cooling performance.
Dan, the young lady on the phone guessed at "6 months or so" when I asked how long the study would last. However, the agreement she sent me to sign actually states the study will last up to 2 years.
Should be very interesting!
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Originally Posted by Shophound
Sounds interesting and fun. Keep us updated with how this experience goes.
I found the FSEC study on "cool roof" strategies very informative as we were deciding on how to carry out our own cool roof. Sure wish we had a FSEC equivalent here in Texas. That said, a lot of their study results easily carry over here, as much of our state is hot-humid, like Florida.
While the study will be conducted by FSEC, it was commissioned by Florida Power & Light (FPL). I think FSEC has done a number of studies for entities in other states, including Texas. I'm sure the FSEC would be happy to do a study in your area if your local power company asked. I believe at least some of the funding comes from federal grants from the DOE. You could ask your local power company if they'd be interested in commissioning the FSEC to do a study in your area. As a matter of fact, here's a Sep 2012 FSEC publication that documents their study of homes in San Antonio.
http://fsec.ucf.edu/en/publications/...CR-1933-12.pdf
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Originally Posted by Florida Joy
Dan, the young lady on the phone guessed at "6 months or so" when I asked how long the study would last. However, the agreement she sent me to sign actually states the study will last up to 2 years.
Should be very interesting!
I guess I'LL have TO STUDY WITH YOU?!
Designer Dan
It's Not Rocket Science, But It is SCIENCE with "Some Art". ___ ___ K EEP I T S IMPLE & S INCERE
Define the Building Envelope and Perform a Detailed Load Calc: It's ALL About Windows and Make-up Air Requirements. Know Your Equipment Capabilities
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Originally Posted by Florida Joy
The homeowner agreement states they will perfom "indoor air quality tests, as applicable at the discretion of UCF/FSEC." To qualify for the study, no gas, oil, or other non-electric appliances are allowed and there's nothing stated in the agreement about CO2 testing. The following is included in the description of the initial energy survey:
"measure the interior temperature and humidity levels, measure interior formaldehyde and total volatile organic compound concentrations, measure the tightness of the building envelope, measure leakage of duct work, measure energy use, and complete a homeowner satisfaction/home operation questionnaire"
This will be great. VOC formaldehyde is good. I just completed a year of monitoring a GS.
Regards TB
Bear Rules: Keep our home <50% RH summer, controls mites/mold and very comfortable.
Provide 60-100 cfm of fresh air when occupied to purge indoor pollutants and keep window dry during cold weather. T-stat setup/setback +8 hrs. saves energy
Use +Merv 10 air filter. -Don't forget the "Golden Rule"
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Program description ... effectiveness of FL Building Codes.
http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/research/...deresearch.htm
Designer Dan
It's Not Rocket Science, But It is SCIENCE with "Some Art". ___ ___ K EEP I T S IMPLE & S INCERE
Define the Building Envelope and Perform a Detailed Load Calc: It's ALL About Windows and Make-up Air Requirements. Know Your Equipment Capabilities
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Originally Posted by dan sw fl
I wasn't aware of that study. Wouldn't qualify anyway... my house was built in 1980. The one I applied for is an FPL retrofit study for 30 homes in Brevard and 30 homes in Dade/Broward counties.
http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/research/...plretrofit.htm
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Originally Posted by Florida Joy
While the study will be conducted by FSEC, it was commissioned by Florida Power & Light (FPL). I think FSEC has done a number of studies for entities in other states, including Texas. I'm sure the FSEC would be happy to do a study in your area if your local power company asked. I believe at least some of the funding comes from federal grants from the DOE. You could ask your local power company if they'd be interested in commissioning the FSEC to do a study in your area. As a matter of fact, here's a Sep 2012 FSEC publication that documents their study of homes in San Antonio.
http://fsec.ucf.edu/en/publications/...CR-1933-12.pdf
No %RH data. Passive fresh air ventilation, guess it is not important. To bad, wonder why.
Regards TB
Bear Rules: Keep our home <50% RH summer, controls mites/mold and very comfortable.
Provide 60-100 cfm of fresh air when occupied to purge indoor pollutants and keep window dry during cold weather. T-stat setup/setback +8 hrs. saves energy
Use +Merv 10 air filter. -Don't forget the "Golden Rule"
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Originally Posted by teddy bear
No %RH data. Passive fresh air ventilation, guess it is not important. To bad, wonder why.
Regards TB
The stated goals of this Texas study related specifically to energy consumption and peak demand. I'm not surprised that comfort considerations would be outside the parameters of the study.
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