Building Performance
BPI Certification
Energy Modeling
Energy Modeling for Building Science Professionals
About this course
This course has been approved as a prerequisite for Energy Modeling and Workscope training required by the Building Performance Institute (BPI) for the Home Energy Professional (HEP) Energy Auditor Certification.
Whole-Building Energy Modeling (BEM) is a versatile, multipurpose tool that is used in new building and retrofit design, code compliance, green certification, qualification for tax credits and utility incentives, and real-time building control. BEM is also used in large-scale analyses to develop building energy-efficiency codes and inform policy decisions. So what exactly is BEM? And what roles does the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) play in the BEM industry and community?
In this course we use Snugg Pro software to visualize how energy modeling is done on the job. Snugg Pro is one of the BPI-approved energy modeling software options. You can use a free trial version of Snugg Pro for this course; no purchase is required and you're free to use whatever software you prefer.
Whole-Building Energy Modeling (BEM) is a versatile, multipurpose tool that is used in new building and retrofit design, code compliance, green certification, qualification for tax credits and utility incentives, and real-time building control. BEM is also used in large-scale analyses to develop building energy-efficiency codes and inform policy decisions. So what exactly is BEM? And what roles does the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) play in the BEM industry and community?
In this course we use Snugg Pro software to visualize how energy modeling is done on the job. Snugg Pro is one of the BPI-approved energy modeling software options. You can use a free trial version of Snugg Pro for this course; no purchase is required and you're free to use whatever software you prefer.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the purpose of an Energy Modeling Software
- Input data to the energy modeling software
- Calculate return on investment
- Perform heat load / heat gain calculations
- Create a work scope
Course outline
8 modules
4 - 5 hours to complete
3:57 hours
of video lectures
Welcome • 2 assignments
Orientation Materials
Welcome • 2 assignments
Orientation Materials
This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.
- Set up email notifications and your student profile
- Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Introduction to the Course
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Introduction to the Course
Welcome to the Energy Modeling for Building Science Professionals course. This course satisfies the prerequisite for Energy Modeling and Workscope training required by the Building Performance Institute (BPI) for the Home Energy Professional (HEP) Energy Auditor Certification. Once you have taken and completed this course, you must submit the completion certificate to BPI along with your Energy Auditor Application.
- The Purpose of this Course (02:04 minutes)
- Optional: Snugg Pro energy modeling software - Free Trial
Module 2 • 2 assignments
Energy Audit Software
Module 2 • 2 assignments
Energy Audit Software
This module will discuss the DOE requirements for energy (modeling) audit software. We will also discuss the purpose of the software and its benefits, limitations, and inputs. Lastly, we will discuss the rules for creating a work scope.
- Energy Audit Software Lecture (13:55 minutes)
- Energy Audit Software Quiz
Module 3 • 2 assignments
Utility Bill Analysis
Module 3 • 2 assignments
Utility Bill Analysis
This module will discuss the different heating values for fuels used for home heating. We will also describe the advantages of analyzing utility bills. We will identify the information on a utility bill, including common terminology and the various categories of your utility bill. Lastly, we will demonstrate how to obtain the seasonal versus baseload consumption.
- Utility Bill Analysis Lecture (11:11 minutes)
- Utility Bill Analysis Quiz
Module 4 • 4 assignments
Calculating Envelope Energy Loss
Module 4 • 4 assignments
Calculating Envelope Energy Loss
In this module, we cover the basics of energy movement. We will also discuss some formulas for calculating heat loss/ heat gain. Lastly, we will explain the principles of diminishing returns.
- Calculating Envelope Energy Loss (14:54 minutes)
- Manual J Load Calculations 3D
- Manual J Deep Dive (and Selecting HVAC Equipment with Manual S)- Part 1 of 2
- Manual S Deep Dive: Selecting HVAC Equipment Based on Manual J Load Calcs- Part 2 of 2
Module 5 • 1 assignments
Generating a Work Order
Module 5 • 1 assignments
Generating a Work Order
When performing an energy audit, creating a work order is critical to implementing WAP-approved projects.
- Generating a Work Order Lecture (08:13 minutes)
Module 6 • 44 assignments
Energy Modeling Software Demonstration
Module 6 • 44 assignments
Energy Modeling Software Demonstration
This module will demonstrate a comprehensive walkthrough of Snugg Pro, an energy modeling software program. Adam Stenftenagel, the founder of Snugg Pro, has provided this training video. For more information, please visit https://snuggpro.com/.
- Getting Started (08:47 minutes)
- Report Overview (18:24 minutes)
- Report Overview - Quiz
- Navigation and Jobs Screen (08:44 minutes)
- Creating a New Job (03:31 minutes)
- Five Basic Steps (09:48 minutes)
- Input Screen (04:40 minutes)
- Related Measures (04:56 minutes)
- Validations (29 seconds)
- Live Collaboration (02:43 minutes)
- Photos and Photo Captions (01:30 minutes)
- Building Inputs (13:21 minutes)
- Building Inputs - Quiz
- Concerns (21 seconds)
- Lighting (45 seconds)
- Utility Bills (12:24 minutes)
- Utility Bills - Quiz
- Thermostat (02:47 minutes)
- HVAC (16:47 minutes)
- HVAC - Quiz
- Appliances and Refrigerators (05:51 minutes)
- Doors (01:23 minutes)
- Walls Attics and Vaulted Ceilings (09:45 minutes)
- Foundations (06:52 minutes)
- Windows (09:11 minutes)
- Air Leakage (03:55 minutes)
- Water Heating (02:36 minutes)
- Pools (01:29 minutes)
- PV (42 seconds)
- Health and Safety (52 seconds)
- Combustion Appliance Testing (02:02 minutes)
- Modeling (01:59 minutes)
- Refine Screen (05:15 minutes)
- Custom Recommendations and Measure Codes (02:09 minutes)
- Detailed vs. Simple Costs (03:20 minutes)
- Modeling Interactions (01:35 minutes)
- Financing (03:21 minutes)
- Report Generation (04:31 minutes)
- Rebates and Incentives (51 seconds)
- Templates (03:14 minutes)
- Exporting Data (02:24 minutes)
- Activity Feed (01:19 minutes)
- Metrics Pane (35 seconds)
- Work Orders (01:41 minutes)
Conclusion • 4 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
Conclusion • 4 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
- 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Continuing Education Units
Approved BPI CEU Hours
| BPI Credential | Advanced Hours for Exam |
|---|---|
| 4 | |
| 4 | |
| 4 | |
| 4 | |
| 4 | |
| 4 | |
| 4 | |
| 4 |
Instructor
Brynn Cooksey
ESCO's Top 25 Most Influential HVACR Instructors of 2024, HVAC U
Brynn Cooksey Sr., affectionately known as the "Air Doctor," is a Detroit native and the Owner of Air Doctors Heating and Cooling, LLC. Brynn earned that nickname for his renowned engineering solutions in the HVACR and Electrical industries. After spending 15 years in the Utility Gas and Power industry, Brynn took over his family's heating and cooling business and...
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQCan I use this course to get my Energy Auditor Certification?
Yes!
This course has been approved as a prerequisite for Energy Modeling and Workscope training required by the Building Performance Institute (BPI) for the Home Energy Professional (HEP) Energy Auditor Certification.
When you have taken and completed an approved course, you must submit the completion certificate to BPI along with your Energy Auditor Application.
This course has been approved as a prerequisite for Energy Modeling and Workscope training required by the Building Performance Institute (BPI) for the Home Energy Professional (HEP) Energy Auditor Certification.
When you have taken and completed an approved course, you must submit the completion certificate to BPI along with your Energy Auditor Application.
How does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 6 module course is delivered entirely online. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll. During your year of access the instructor will be in the course answering questions on the discussion board. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.
How long do I have access to the materials?
Students get unlimited access to the course materials as soon as they enroll and for one year (365 days) after enrollment. Rewatch videos and review assignments as many times as you want. View updates the instructor makes to the course as the industry advances. Return to your course anytime with online access from anywhere in the world. After the one year of access expires, access can be extended by joining as a HeatSpring member. A single membership extends access to course materials for all past enrollments.
What software do you recommend for doing energy modeling?
The concepts in this course will help you understand how energy modeling works, no matter which software you use.
In this course we use Snugg Pro for the demos. Snugg Pro is DOE-approved software that works with most home performance programs across the US.
You're not required to use Snugg Pro and there's no purchase required to take and complete this course.
In this course we use Snugg Pro for the demos. Snugg Pro is DOE-approved software that works with most home performance programs across the US.
You're not required to use Snugg Pro and there's no purchase required to take and complete this course.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes please visit our [HeatSpring for Teams](/for_teams) page to get a group discount.