ARE Study Review

Although exact angles differ by the 4 major climatic regions, what is the optimum orientation for a rectangular building to maximize solar heat gain in winter months, minimize solar heat gain in summer months and minimize exposure to winter winds? A. Long side facing east, B. Short side oriented east-west, C. Long side oriented east-west, D. Short side facing north

What are the causes of internal loads to buildings? (Choose 3) A. equipment, B. sunlight, C. artificial lighting, D. people E. air temperature

What can the Energy Star label be applied to? I. dishwashing machines  II. refrigerators III. cement plants  IV. new homes V. cars

Consumption and Gross Energy Intensity for Major Fuels (thousand Btu/square foot) Avg. for Office buildings constructed 1990-2003 = 88.0 Avg. for Office buildings constructed 1960-1989 = 94.4 Avg. for Education buildings constructed 1990-2003 = 80.6 Avg. for Education buildings constructed 1960-1989 = 88.4 Avg. for Health Care buildings constructed 1990-2003 = 135.7 Avg. for Health Care buildings constructed 1960-1989 = 215.8 US Dept of Energy, Energy Information Administration Standards measuring energy efficiency across different building types used for comparison study by the project design team are known as: A. models B. specifications C. benchmarks D. guides Answer C. benchmarks. Benchmarking provides a way to gauge how well a design compares to similar buildings and how well it might achieve project specific targets or goals. ARE 4.0 exam prep: SPD Reference tip: US Dept of Energy provides data and analysis of energy consumption for many building types, acc...

The use of the external overhang on south-facing windows in this illustration is beneficial for A. providing diffuse daylight B. minimizing heat gain C. reducing artificial lighting load D. mitigating insolation E. all of the above Answer E. All of the above. Exterior control is more effective than interior shielding and contributes all of these benefits. ARE 4.0 exam prep: BS

As a component of the building envelope system that controls infiltration and exfiltration by air movement, an air barrier must have permeability no greater than 0.02 L/(s•m2) @ 75 Pa pressure difference. Which of the following materials can function as an air barrier A. expanded polystyrene B. fluid applied synthetic latex rubber membrane C. asphalt impregnated felt D. peel and stick sheet membrane E. spunbonded polyolefin film membrane F. perforated house-wrap Answer B, D, E are suitable (E - house wrap - however, must by properly supported on both sides as they cannot support negative wind loads and may tear at staples or rupture under load) ARE 4.0 exam prep: BS

This mechanical control functions as a mechanical substitute for an open window. By mixing outdoor air with recirculated indoor air when exterior temperatures are low, requirements for refrigeration and cooling are reduced. Select 2 terms associated with this efficiency technique: A. Displacement ventilation B. Free cooling C. Economizer cycle D. AFUE Answer An air-side (C.) economizer cycle is described, and is often referred to as a (B.) free cooling concept. ARE 4.0 exam prep: BS

Codes often allow prescriptive and performance paths for compliance. An approach that compares a proposed design to a baseline or reference design to demonstrate that the proposed design is at least as efficient as the baseline in terms of annual energy use is an example of what type of path? A. Prescriptive B. Performance Answer B. Performance ARE 4.0 exam prep: BS

Which of the following types of insulation has the highest R-value? 1. 2" thickness extruded expanded polystyrene (XEPS) board 2. 3" thickness of loose-fill fiberglass 3. 4" thickness mineral wool batts Answer From highest to lowest: 3. mineral wool batts = 14, 1. XEPS = 10, 2. loose-fill fiberglass = 6.6-8.1 ARE 4.0 exam prep: BDCS

Successful daylighting can be achieved with an effective aperture (EA) of between 0.20 - 0.30. Which of the following provides an EA within this range? 1. 105 sf net glazing area with visible light transmittance (VLT) of 0.38, in a space whose gross exterior wall area is 150 sf 2. 100 sf net glazing area with VLT of 0.53, in a space whose gross exterior wall area is 200 sf 3. 42 sf net glazing area with VLT of 0.88, in a space whose gross exterior wall area is 140 sf Answer EA = VT x WWR. EA = 0.264 - 0.266 - each of these windows offers the same effective aperture within the ideal value range.

How does one determine a window's WWR or window-to-wall ratio (further used to calculate EA - effective aperture)? Answer WWR is a room's net glazing area divided by the gross exterior wall area, excluding window frames and mullions. ARE 4.0 exam division: building systems