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.