Residential Programs

CALCS – PLUS  provides turn key residential services ranging from providing code compliance forms (room
by room load and energy code calculations) for the permitting process to financial analysis and improvements consultation up to final certification (Energy Star or field testing & Home Commissioning).

Our HVAC Load calculations are based upon ACCA Manual J, v.7.  Version 8 will be adopted shortly. Florida Energy Code calculations are based upon ResFREE 2001 v.3.30 effective on July 01, 2003.

Home Building Programs in Florida ::

Energy efficiency and environmental benefits: listed least efficient to most beneficial.
This list developed by the Florida Solar Energy Center, 1679 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, FL 32922
ph: 321-638-1000  website: http://www.fsec.ucf.edu

Florida Energy Code Compliance
  • Organization :: FL DCA – code  FSEC -software
  • Local Assistance :: Usually code calc, insulating or HVAC contractor
  • Energy Efficiency Level :: Least efficient allowed by law. Evaluates heating, cooling and hot water. Method A used by most builders allows performance tradeoffs
Most utility programs
  • Organization :: Electric and/or gas utility
  • Local Assistance :: Utility representative
  • Energy Efficiency Level :: Varies from slightly better than code to meeting Energy Star
Energy Star
  • Organization :: US EPA – Builder must sign memorandum of understanding (no cost)
  • Local Assistance :: Rater to evaluate each home – EPA also has sampling and Builder Option Packages programs
  • Energy Efficiency Level ::
    • HERS Score of 86
    • 30% better than minimum national code, about
    • 15-30% better than FL code depending on fuels & climate
Florida Energy Rating System
  • Organization :: DCA / FSEC administers
  • Local Assistance :: Trained and certified energy rater. Locate a rater at: www.energygauge.com/search.htm
  • Energy Efficiency Level :: Florida’s official Home Energy Rating System (HERS)2 based on performance code method. Class 1 includes inspection and building and duct tightness testing. ( Can be used to qualify for Energy Star designation )
Building America
  • Organization :: US Department of Energy  Builder must become partner (no cost)
  • Local Assistance :: FSEC or other DOE Building America team
  • Energy Efficiency Level :: Usually strives for HERS Score2 of 90 while maintaining or improving good indoor air quality, durability, and cost effectiveness.
Florida Designated Green Home
  • Organization :: Florida Green Building Coalition
  • Local Assistance :: Green Home Certifier see » FloridaGreenBuilding.org
  • Energy Efficiency Level :: Has eight categories with many choices: Building Envelope Energy, Appliance Energy, Water, Site, Health, Materials, Disaster Mitigation and General.
Zero Energy Homes
  • Organization :: FUS DOE
  • Local Assistance :: FSEC or other DOE Zero Energy Home team/partner
  • Energy Efficiency Level :: Demonstration home with net zero energy use because of exceptional energy-efficient design, construction and appliances combined with renewable energy generation.