Energy Advisor Exam - Keeping the Heat in (up to pg78) Questions And Answers

Uninsulated attic typically *do / do not* have ice dams - ANS do not 4 common types of attic - ANS -Accessible -one-and-a-half storey -truss -catherdral/flat roof / mansard What are 5 reasons to retrofit a home - ANS *Energy Efficiency* - costs less than producing new energy *Comfort and Health* - a well insulated, air sealed and ventilated house is comfortable, quiet, and has less allergens. *Durability* - can also improve air and moisture control. As a result, your house will remain in better shape and last longer *Save Money* - pays tax-free dividends immediately in the form of lower energy bills *Protect the Environment* - Consuming less energy means fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, retrofitting uses fewer new resources than building a new house List 4 construction safety tips - ANS -Know how to use/handle all tools -Have first aid kit and fire extinguisher and know how to use them -Lift heavy objects with knees, not back -Don't smoke near insulation or fumes -Keep work site organized -Make sure work site is well lit and ventilated -Wear appropriate PPE -Avoid working in attic on a hot day to avoid heat stress -properly dispose of waste maetrials -vacuum to control fibers and dust What is the recommended procedure if Vermiculite is found in the attic? - ANS -Don't disturb it -Check with regional health authority to determine if you should consult a professional qualified to work with asbestos What is the recommended procedure if Mould is found in the house? How can it be prevented? - ANS -must be thoroughly removed -affected areas cleaned and disinfected -contaminated materials disposed of -to prevent, control the sources of moisture, maintain recommended humidity levels, and fix water leaks. What is Radon and when is it a health risk? - ANS -radioactive gas that is colourless, odourless and tasteless. Safe when released into open air. -When released from ground in enclosed spaces, like houses, it can sometimes accumulate to high levels, which can be a health risk List 5 safety precautions to take when working with fibrous insulation materials such as fiberglass or mineral wool. - ANS -wear disposable coveralls or loose thick clothing with long sleeves and tight cuffs. -wear gloves or barrier creams to reduce skin irritation -wear goggles when there is any possibility of insulation dust coming in contact with the eyes -wear hard hat -wear a snug fitting respirator with particulate filter (HEPA if very dusty) What are 2 risks from plastic insulation (rigid polystyrene / polyurethane) a safety precaution for each? - ANS -Rigid polystyrene sheds particles when cut , so wear a facemask when cutting to size. -Polyurethane insulations give off harmful vapours when being cut or sprayed in place, so use respirator and ventilate home well until cured (24-48hrs) What precaution should be taken when applying caulking? - ANS ventilate the area until material sets/cures Older homes, especially those built before 19__, were often painted with lead-based paint. - ANS 1950 The building envelope is the shell of the house, comprised of: ___________(4) - ANS -Foundation -Above grade walls -Roof -Windows and Doors True or False: hot air always rises - ANS *False*, Heat moves in any direction - up, down or sideways - as long as it is moving from a warm spot to a colder one What are the 3 types of heat movement? - ANS *Conduction* - heat transfer between touching objects *Convection* - heat transfer through air or fluid *Radiation* - heat transfer through proximity True or False: Airflow is the main means by which moisture is carried into the envelope. - ANS True A difference in air pressure between one part of a building and another can be a result of any combination of what 3 things? Define each. - ANS *Wind Effect* - When wind blows against the house, it creates a high-pressure area on the windward side and forces air into the house. Low pressure on other side where air is forced out. *Stack Effect *- Less dense warm air rises and expands, creating a higher-pressure area near the top of the house. Air escapes through holes in the ceiling and cracks in the walls and around upper-storey windows and low pressure draws in air from bottom of house. *Combustion and Ventilation Effect* - Fuel burning appliances need air to support combustion. Open chimneys and fireplaces exhaust a lot of air, reducing pressure within the house. Because this air must be replaced, outside air is drawn in through leaks in the envelope. _______ in all of it's states, is the major cause of damage to a building and affects its durability - ANS Water. Moisture can cause concrete to crumble, wood to rot and paint to peel; it can also damage plaster, ruin carpets and encourage mould growth. List 4 ways moisture can move through the envelope. - ANS *Gravity* - Water running down a roof or condensation running down a windowpane. *Capillary Action* - water moves sideways or upward through small spaces like lapped siding, and porous materials like concrete or soil. *Diffusion* - Water vapour can move directly through materials by diffusion. Diffusion depends on a difference in water vapour pressure and the material's resistance to this pressure. *Air Movement* - Moisture in the form of water vapour is carried by moving air, for example, where there is an opening in the house envelope Condensation happens at ___% relative humidity, also called _______. Can Warm or Cold air can contain more water vapour? - ANS 100% Dew Point Warm Air Explain how frost can appear on the inside of windows in the winter. - ANS Warm humid air contacts a cold window and the air loses its heat. The air can't hold all the water vapour and condenses it onto the window. If the window is cold enough, it will freeze or appear as frost. What is the difference between nominal and effective insulation values? - ANS Nominal - just the insulation itself Effective - actual insulating value over an area, accounting for factors that may increase or decrease the value What are the primary roles of the air barrier and vapour barrier? - ANS *Air Barrier* shields the wall from the weather and also provides and escape route to the exterior for water vapour *Vapour Barrier* resists the diffusion of water vapour from the inside to the outside of the building envelope