This course is also available online for only $99! Register Here

Learn how to use EnergyGauge USA software to calculate 6th Edition (2017) Florida Energy Code compliance.

EnergyGauge USA FlaRes is Florida's residential Energy Code compliance and Energy Rating software that is also used for ratings and energy analysis throughout the nation.  In this course the instructors provide an overview of the software and walk students through entering a complete project house using takeoffs from a sample house plan.  Students learn how to use the software to calculate performance and prescriptive Florida Energy Code compliance, and print the Code forms.  Students will learn how to use some advanced energy simulation features for building analysis, such as solar thermal, solar electric and detailed hourly reports. The course also includes instruction on using the software’s system sizing feature and an overview of its Energy Rating capability (note that this course does not provide Energy Rater certification, for more information on becoming a certified Florida Energy Rater, see the Home Energy Rater Training web page).

CEUs: 4 credits
CILB#0608311

Number of Classroom Hours: 4

Registration begins at 8:00AM. Class begins at 8:15AM and ends at 12:00PM.

This course is also available online for only $99! Register Here

Identify Intended Target Group

Course is designed for code compliance specialists, building officials, utility representatives, mortgage lenders, residential builders and subcontractors.

Overall Goal

Have students gain a better understanding of how to enter data and obtain Florida Energy Code, Energy Rating and system sizing results with the EnergyGauge USA FlaRes software program.

Specific Behavioral Objectives

Students should be able to enter project data into the residential EnergyGauge USA software, calculate Florida Energy Code performance method compliance e-Ratios, print performance and presciptive compliance forms, perform system sizing calculations, and see how Energy Raters may use the software to provide energy ratings.

Method of Presentation

Computer demonstration and class computer implementation following instructor's lead. Computer use by participants - one computer per one or two students.

Method of Evaluation

Class attendance.

Qualification of Instructors

Robin K. Vieira
Buildings Research Division Director
Florida Solar Energy Center
Cocoa, FL 32922

Mr. Vieira has over 25 years of experience in hot, humid climate research. He has been the principal investigator for over 2 million dollars of contracts and grants from industry, foundations and state and federal agencies. He has led research efforts in residential auditing and field evaluation work, survey and statistical work, and computer simulation and analysis work. Rob has presented over 40 workshops and seminars on sustainable development and energy-efficient construction to developers, builders, designers and others in the energy & environmental & development fields. He has written papers for diverse audiences, e.g., Transportation Quarterly, Florida Planning, and ASHRAE Transactions, and was the primary author of one book, Energy-Efficient Florida Home Buildings. Rob leads FSEC's involvement in providing technical support to Southeastern builders for EPA's Energy Star Homes Program and has directed the work on the cost-benefit optimization, improvement analysis and system sizing features of the State of Florida's residential code and rating software (EnergyGauge). Mr. Vieira has a B.A. in Physics, an M.S. in Applied Solar Energy and an MBA.

Jeff Sonne
Research Engineer
Florida Solar Energy Center
Cocoa, FL 32922

Mr. Sonne has over 24 years of experience conducting building energy efficiency research at FSEC.  Recent activities include heading a residential ventilation effectiveness and failure rate Code study and a residential airtightness and ventilation literature review.  Other projects he has led include a statewide Florida Energy Code compliance training project, a monitored residential air conditioner sizing study and a green roof demonstration project.  He has also served on two Florida Building Commission efficiency sub-committees.  His teaching and speaking experience includes topics such as building science, building performance testing, energy modeling and the residential Florida Energy Code.  Jeff has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts Engineering from Wheaton College.