Enclosure
Insulation, air leakage, windows, doors, foundations, roofs, and thermal bridges shape heating and cooling loads.
Energy efficiency
Reduce the work the mechanical system has to do.
A better enclosure can lower heating and cooling loads, but responsible projections require the complete building and real assumptions.
The complete energy picture
Insulation matters. So do the paths around and through it.
Energy use is the result of connected systems, weather, and behavior.
Mechanical systems
Equipment sizing, efficiency, duct location, controls, ventilation, filtration, and humidity management affect energy and comfort.
Architecture
Orientation, glazing, shading, roof form, surface area, and room arrangement influence gains and losses.
People and plug loads
Setpoints, schedules, appliances, hot water, lighting, electronics, and occupancy can materially change measured use.
A useful principle
Improve the load before selecting the equipment that serves it.
A qualified mechanical designer should calculate project specific loads and account for controlled ventilation, humidity, glazing, ducts, zoning, and actual enclosure assumptions.
Long term perspective
Test your own operating cost assumptions.
This educational calculator compounds only the values you enter. It does not predict savings or compare wall systems.
Illustrative cumulative energy expense
$142,726over 30 yearsThis is a simple expense illustration, not a savings forecast. It does not model SIP performance, weather, rate structures, fuel changes, HVAC, or behavior. No project outcome is guaranteed.
Verification
Performance should be designed, installed, and checked.
Document enclosure targets in the project scope
Coordinate details across design and manufacturer information
Inspect joints, transitions, openings, and penetrations
Use appropriate testing when included in the project plan
Commission ventilation and mechanical systems
Start a project
Make performance a project requirement.
Share the comfort, energy, and operating goals that should guide the enclosure and mechanical conversation.
Share your project