A group of commercial manufacturers supported by International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and members of the Hydronics Industry Alliance, a Committee of the Radiant Professionals Alliance, have released BEST: The Building Efficiency System Tool.
Available free of charge, BEST allows users to accurately compare different styles of HVAC systems. HVAC systems are all tested to different standards, with various efficiency ratings (EER, IEER, SEER, COP, HSPF), as they are applied in an actual building.
BEST uses the Building Energy Efficiency Ratio (BEER), which takes certified AHRI data, manufacturers’ published performance data at multiple performance points, as-applied correction factors, performance curves for components, pipe and duct required in a typical system. It combines these elements to bridge the gap between certified equipment efficiencies and real-world building system efficiencies.
Users enter the square footage of the building, the number of stories, and the nearest city for local weather data, and then choose up to four types of HVAC systems to compare from more than 30 pre-loaded systems.
BEST features more than 100 default input settings, including system cost per square foot (provided by more than 50 contractors around the U.S.), each of which are adjustable to model any building in any location. BEST outputs estimated installation cost, replacement cost, maintenance cost, monthly energy cost, electrical and fossil fuel consumption costs, total life cycle cost, cumulative life cycle cost by year, system payback time (as compared with other modeled systems), pump and fan HP, system integrated energy efficiency ratio (IEER), coefficient of performance (COP), and more.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2017
Green building saves operating costs and boosts asset value
A new report shows 14% cost savings and a 7% increase in value when green standards are met.
Codes and Standards | Feb 24, 2017
Scant data hampering energy, water efficiency at sports venues
New NIBS report says baseline information needs further development.
Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2017
Plans for WELL Building Standard include linkage with other green building standards
The planned updated version will be customizable for any building type.
Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2017
Aging building code inspectors and government belt-tightening could cause crisis
Inspectors are edging toward retirement with no understudies in place.
Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2017
AISI publishes three new cold-formed steel framing research reports
Seismic simulation, roof trusses, steel-to-steel and sheathing-to-steel connections are examined in the reports.
Codes and Standards | Feb 17, 2017
New energy design guide for metal building systems now available
The second edition incorporates more recent IECC and ASHRAE standards.
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2017
Paper outlines how BREEAM credits can be used for WELL standard compliance
The paper provides guidance on how to streamline pursuit of dual certification.
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2017
Evidence mounts on health, productivity benefits of sustainable work spaces
High-performance green buildings are linked to better job performance.
Codes and Standards | Feb 13, 2017
Calif. commission approves ‘emergency’ balcony code changes
The changes apply to multifamily, hotels, state-owned buildings, and public schools.
Codes and Standards | Feb 9, 2017
Google-initiated program aims to get construction industry to use healthier building materials
Portico platform features a database of products ranked on how they disclose ingredients.