How much it matters - Sensitivity Analysis of Envelope Input Errors

Quality Assurance (QA) reviews of energy audits and calculations often highlight discrepancies in the audit inputs when compared to field collected building data or other observations. Audit input errors may result from oversight or intentional approximations due to limited time and resources available per project or other factors. The concern over input accuracy is valid for inputs which significantly impact the analysis of not just the individual component but also other components and associated retrofit measures.

In this session, we will present sensitivity analysis of certain audit data that are prone to input errors. The analysis will use representative building and system configurations in different geographical locations and varying fuel and measure costs.

The analysis in this session will use QA concerns gathered during DOE-WAP audit review and sensitivity of input errors seen in Weatherization Assistant. However, the fundamental concepts and the analysis is applicable to all engineering-based energy calculations and related home performance programs.