Hello Members
I attended the morning session of Friday’s EnergyPro / Energy Upgrade California workshop. I have used EnergyPro for many years to do T24 compliance calculations and documentation for building permit submittals, so I was interested in learning about new uses for a very good software program. The workshop explained how EnergyPro can be used to analyze the benefits of upgrades to home energy-efficiency measures; things like adding insulation, fixing leaky heating ducts and replacing old furnaces and windows. The Energy Upgrade California program offers rebates to homeowners for qualifying improvements. Requirements for documenting such improvements are fairly technical – that’s where EnergyPro can help. The software includes extensive capabilities to model a wide range of energy-efficiency improvements, and the ability to generate reports for documentation.
The workshop did not assume any prior knowledge of EnergyPro, so the morning session was spent in a basic introduction to the workings of the software. It seemed to me that about one-third of the attendees were already familiar with EnergyPro, so there was not too much new information for us. Of interest to me was instruction on the use of some sections of the software I’m less familiar with, including detailed modeling of HVAC system features. For my usual T24 compliance work, it’s not necessary to go into such detail in that area.
I was sorry that I could not stay for the afternoon workshop session, which got into the actual production of Home Energy Assessment reports, and others required for the Energy Upgrade California rebate program. Report preparers for the rebate program are required to possess a fairly high level of state-approved certifications, so I would not be qualified for that work, but the preparation of a Home Energy Assessment report can be a very effective sales and marketing tool in itself. The report shows homeowners how much money they can save on their energy bills by installing specific energy-saving measures. I plan to get into that area, in partnership with contractors equipped to do the necessary testing. I believe that SCCG member Pat Splitt, who probably does have all or most of the required certifications, attended the afternoon session, so you might be able to get a more complete report from him on that part of the workshop. Another SCCG member, GC Scott Milrod, also sent a representative to the workshop. Scott is now doing a lot of energy-upgrade work, including the sort of testing required by the state rebate program.
Let me know if you have any questions about any of this information.
Best regards,
Carey Casey
Casey Building Design
Leave a Customer Testimonial