1.1.2 Modeling Assumptions

When calculating annual energy use, it is necessary to make assumptions about how the proposed building is operated. Operating assumptions include thermostat settings, number of occupants, receptacle loads, process loads, hot water loads as well as schedules of operation for HVAC systems, lighting systems and other systems. Sometimes these data are known with some certainty and other times (for instance for speculative buildings), it is necessary to make estimates. COMNET provides guidance through defaults for these situations.