Let the heating bills do the math: Energy-based load calculations

This course will delve into how historical home energy use provides a tool to get fast and accurate load calculations, which are crucial for heat pump installations. Traditional, bottom-up can be time-consuming and imprecise, especially for older homes. Energy-based load calculations offer a practical alternative by using the home’s energy data to guide sizing.

This approach leverages utility bills and basic home information to model heating and cooling loads. It’s fast, data-driven, and reflects real-world performance. Contractors can save time, build trust with homeowners, and adapt recommendations to local weather conditions.

In this presentation, we’ll explore why energy-based load calculations matter, how they work, and actionable steps contractors can take right away.

Continuing Education Units (CEUS) submitted 1 hour in*

• NEW - International Code Council (ICC)
• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)
• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse
• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)
• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health,
• American Institute of Building Designers (AIBD)
• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable
• Building Science Institute (BSI) Verifier


Lessons Learned:

1. Apply energy-based load calculation methods using historical utility data to accurately size heat pumps for residential homes.
2. Evaluate how proper load sizing contributes to occupant health, safety, and welfare by improving indoor comfort and reducing system failures.
3. Know how to use switchover temperature to balance occupant financial welfare while maximizing energy savings and decarbonization.
4. Demonstrate how to use online tools to generate fast, data-driven load estimates that reflect real-world home performance.


Need CEUS?
Take the Quiz here:
https://greenhomeinstitute.thinkific....


Speaker: Max Reichlin

Max is a mechanical engineer and the lead product manager for Thermentor, a product of Clean Power Research. He has spent the last 10 years working for a cleaner planet through practical energy efficiency and cost-effective renewable power generation. When he's not talking up heat pumps and calculating design loads, Max is an indoor cat, enjoying board games with his family at their home in Burien, WA.