Class SeedEquipment

Auxiliary heating systems (e.g., Heat Pump).

Due to the long history of the EnerGuide program and HOT2000, heat pump systems were not originally considered as equipment capable of taking the entire home's load. Therefore, HOT2000 defines a Heat Pump as a "Type 2" system, which is translated to "auxiliary" in the Seed. This system needs to be backed up by a "Type 1" system to take up any load that the heat pump is not able to meet.

The auxiliary energy calculations works alongside the primary heating system. Particularly important for hybrid systems where a heat pump is supplemented by electric resistance heating at low temperatures. For such standalone Heat Pumps scenarios, use a baseboard as the "Type 1".

For F280: The standard is meant to size such system so it won't be factoring an existing system in.

Optional package of coordinated equipment upgrades.

Used primarily for the "before"/"after" condition change in retrofit scenarios, where multiple equipment changes are bundled together as a package. The bundle entity typically references a predefined package of compatible equipment upgrades.

Used to identify bundled equipment upgrades for energy and cost calculations.

For F280 and EnerGuide: Is a surrogate for separate "mech", "aux" and "dhw" equipment.

Domestic hot water system.

Used to calculate domestic hot water energy consumption based on fuel type, system efficiency, and usage patterns. DHW energy is calculated using occupancy data and system efficiency.

For F280: Not directly used in heating/cooling load calculations.

For EnerGuide: Gets added to the overall consumption and directly impacts the EnerGuide score. Its placement can also impact the heating/cooling loads due to its waste heat. Exported to HOT2000 as DHWSystem elements with detailed specifications for tank volume, efficiency, fuel type, and recovery rate. Critical for EnerGuide ratings as DHW is a significant energy consumer.

Heat recovery ventilator system.

Used to calculate ventilation heat loss reduction when a HRV/ERV is installed. The HRV efficiency reduces ventilation heat loss by recovering heat from exhaust air. Typically calculated based on efficiency at different temperatures..

For F280: Critical for ventilation heat loss calculations, where the sensible heat recovery efficiency reduces the effective heat loss from mechanical ventilation. As a by-product, it affects duct loss multipliers (DLM).

For EnerGuide: HRV efficiency significantly impacts EnerGuide ratings in airtight homes. In general, higher ventilation rate, increases its impact. Exported to HOT2000 as Ventilator elements with efficiency, flow rate, and power consumption specifications.

Primary mechanical heating/cooling system.

Used to calculate primary heating and cooling energy consumption based on system type, efficiency, and capacity. System type in conjunction with aux determines which calculation approach is used (heat pump vs. furnace/boiler).

For F280: Not directly used in heat loss/gain calculations.

For EnerGuide: The primary mechanical system is a critical component in EnerGuide rating. In provinces with differences in fuel emission factors, it also heavily impacts the GHG emissions. Exported to HOT2000 as detailed heating and cooling system specifications with appropriate system type, efficiency, capacity, and distribution characteristics.

Photovoltaic solar panels installed on the building.

Used to calculate electricity generation from solar panels. Processed to estimate energy production based on location of the building as well as panel specifications, and orientation.

For F280: Not directly used in heat loss/gain calculations, but can contribute to the overall energy balance of the building by offsetting electrical loads.

For EnerGuide: Exported to HOT2000 as PVSystem elements with attributes for area, efficiency, and electrical characteristics. Panel specifications are translated into HOT2000 PV parameters including DC/AC conversion efficiency.

Supplementary heating systems.

Used for additional heating sources like fireplaces, wood stoves, or electric heaters that supplement the primary system. Each system contributes to the overall heating energy mix.

For F280: Not included in design heating load calculations.

For EnerGuide: It makes an impact only when the system operates automatically with a thermostat or schedule. For example, portable heaters do not make a difference because they are not permanent installations. Exported to HOT2000 as supplementary heating systems with appropriate efficiency, fuel type, and capacity specifications. Wood-burning systems may require additional parameters.

Ventilation systems in the building.

Used to calculate total mechanical ventilation rates and fan energy consumption. Fans contribute to both ventilation heat loss and electrical energy use.

For F280: Ventilation rates directly impact heat loss calculations. Fan operation must meet minimum ventilation requirements based on room count and floor area.

For EnerGuide: Fan specifications, when they are whole-house, matters -- with flow rates, operation schedules, and power consumption parameters. Fan power may contribute to internal heat gains.