BPI Building Analyst case studies
BPI Building Analyst · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Building Analyst Professional (BA-P) is one of the certifications listed in the Building Performance Institute's certification catalog, alongside related credentials such as the Building Analyst Technician (BA-T), Energy Auditor, Quality Control Inspector, and Multifamily Building Analyst. BPI describes its mission as advancing the home performance industry by providing nationally recognized standards and credentials that ensure homes are comfortable, healthy, safe, durable, and energy efficient. The BPI Building Analyst case studies are 5 cases and about 3,616 words.
1The 1920s Bungalow That Won't Warm Up
A homeowner in a cold climate (7,000 heating degree days) complains that the second floor of a 1920s brick bungalow stays 5°F colder than the first floor even after replacing the furnace with a 96% AFUE unit. The house has 2x4 walls with original plaster, a vented unconditioned attic with R-11 batts, single-pane double-hung windows, and a full basement.
702 words, about 4 min2The Heat Pump That Can't Keep Up in January
A homeowner in a mixed-humid climate (3,500 HDD, design temperature 22°F) replaced a 3-ton, 80% AFUE gas furnace and 13 SEER AC with a cold-climate heat pump rated 36,000 Btu/h at 47°F and 22,000 Btu/h at 17°F. The home is 2,200 sq ft, built in 1995, with R-13 walls, R-30 attic, and double-pane windows.
738 words, about 4 min3The Basement Bedroom and the Backdrafting Water Heater
A contractor is called to a 1950s ranch home where the homeowner has converted the basement into a bedroom and added a bathroom with an exhaust fan. The home has a natural-draft 40-gallon gas water heater and an 80% AFUE natural-draft furnace, both in a utility closet open to the basement.
704 words, about 4 min4Duct Leakage in a Conditioned Crawlspace
A contractor is scoping work on a 1,800 sq ft single-story home with a sealed and conditioned crawlspace. The duct system is in the crawlspace and is insulated with R-6 wrap.
715 words, about 4 min5The Energy Model That Promised 40% Savings
A contractor uses an energy modeling tool to propose a retrofit package for a 2,400 sq ft 1970s home: air sealing to 2,500 CFM50, attic insulation to R-49, duct sealing, and a new 95% AFUE furnace. The model predicts 40% annual energy savings and a 6-year simple payback.
757 words, about 4 min