BPI Building Science Principles
Concepts (65) Questions and Answers
2 factors required for calculating heating load. - ANSWER-1. delta T between inside and
outside
2. rate at which the house loses heat
2 simple ways to reduce baseload. - ANSWER-1. Energy-efficient lighting, appliances,
and electronics.
2. Water-saving measures such as low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.
2 types of energy-efficient water heaters - ANSWER-1. tankless water heater
2. heat pump water heater
2 types of spray polyurethane foam (SPF) - ANSWER-closed-cell (high density) and
open-cell (low density)
3 exterior sources of IAQ pollutants - ANSWER-1. pollen
2. smoke
3. air pollution
3 factors that affect fiberglass batt performance - ANSWER-1. gaps and voids
2. compression
3. poor contact with surfaces
3 main numbers on a NFRC window label (National Fenestration Rating Council) -
ANSWER-1. U-factor
2. Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC)
3. Visible transmittance (VT)
3 signs of excess moisture in a home - ANSWER-1. standing water in basement.
2. condensation on windows and other surfaces.
3. mold and mildew
3 statements about energy from the 1st law of thermodynamics - ANSWER-1. energy
moves from place to place
2. energy changes from one form to another
3. energy cannot be created or destroyed
3 things required for combustion - ANSWER-1. air (oxygen)
2. fuel
3. heat (ignition source)
3 types of rigid foam board - ANSWER-1. EPS (expanded polystyrene = sytrofoam)
, 2. XPS (extruded polystyrene)
3. Polyisocyanurate--often with foil facing
3 ways heating systems are classified - ANSWER-1. type (boiler, forced-air, heat pump,
etc.)
2. fuel
3. venting (natural draft, induced draft, power vented, sealed combustion)
4 common ductwork problems. - ANSWER-1. blockages
2. long runs
3. excessive turns
4. undersized ducts
4 common window frame materials from least to most thermal resistance. - ANSWER-
metal, wood, vinyl, fiberglass
4 components of a central AC unit. - ANSWER-1. outdoor condenser coil and
compressor.
2. indoor heat exchanger.
3. evaporator coil.
4. condensate drain
4 components of a house. - ANSWER-1. building
2. mechanicals
3. environment
4. occupants
4 factors that can lead to depressurization of a house. - ANSWER-1. stack effect.
2. mechanical ventilation
3. air-handlers (in the ductwork)
4. duct leakage
4 factors that reduce AC performance. - ANSWER-1. poor installation of equipment
2. distribution losses from duct leakage
3. improper refrigerant charge
4. improper system airflow
4 impacts of home performance improvement - ANSWER-1. reduce energy usage.
2. occupant health and safety
3. IAQ and occupant comfort
4. durability of materials
4 problems related to specifically to flex ducts - ANSWER-1. compression
2. excessive coils and loops
3. kinks
4. sharp bends
Concepts (65) Questions and Answers
2 factors required for calculating heating load. - ANSWER-1. delta T between inside and
outside
2. rate at which the house loses heat
2 simple ways to reduce baseload. - ANSWER-1. Energy-efficient lighting, appliances,
and electronics.
2. Water-saving measures such as low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.
2 types of energy-efficient water heaters - ANSWER-1. tankless water heater
2. heat pump water heater
2 types of spray polyurethane foam (SPF) - ANSWER-closed-cell (high density) and
open-cell (low density)
3 exterior sources of IAQ pollutants - ANSWER-1. pollen
2. smoke
3. air pollution
3 factors that affect fiberglass batt performance - ANSWER-1. gaps and voids
2. compression
3. poor contact with surfaces
3 main numbers on a NFRC window label (National Fenestration Rating Council) -
ANSWER-1. U-factor
2. Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC)
3. Visible transmittance (VT)
3 signs of excess moisture in a home - ANSWER-1. standing water in basement.
2. condensation on windows and other surfaces.
3. mold and mildew
3 statements about energy from the 1st law of thermodynamics - ANSWER-1. energy
moves from place to place
2. energy changes from one form to another
3. energy cannot be created or destroyed
3 things required for combustion - ANSWER-1. air (oxygen)
2. fuel
3. heat (ignition source)
3 types of rigid foam board - ANSWER-1. EPS (expanded polystyrene = sytrofoam)
, 2. XPS (extruded polystyrene)
3. Polyisocyanurate--often with foil facing
3 ways heating systems are classified - ANSWER-1. type (boiler, forced-air, heat pump,
etc.)
2. fuel
3. venting (natural draft, induced draft, power vented, sealed combustion)
4 common ductwork problems. - ANSWER-1. blockages
2. long runs
3. excessive turns
4. undersized ducts
4 common window frame materials from least to most thermal resistance. - ANSWER-
metal, wood, vinyl, fiberglass
4 components of a central AC unit. - ANSWER-1. outdoor condenser coil and
compressor.
2. indoor heat exchanger.
3. evaporator coil.
4. condensate drain
4 components of a house. - ANSWER-1. building
2. mechanicals
3. environment
4. occupants
4 factors that can lead to depressurization of a house. - ANSWER-1. stack effect.
2. mechanical ventilation
3. air-handlers (in the ductwork)
4. duct leakage
4 factors that reduce AC performance. - ANSWER-1. poor installation of equipment
2. distribution losses from duct leakage
3. improper refrigerant charge
4. improper system airflow
4 impacts of home performance improvement - ANSWER-1. reduce energy usage.
2. occupant health and safety
3. IAQ and occupant comfort
4. durability of materials
4 problems related to specifically to flex ducts - ANSWER-1. compression
2. excessive coils and loops
3. kinks
4. sharp bends
