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MHEA

Analyzes energy use and evaluates possible weatherization retrofit measures of existing manufactured homes. State weatherization assistance programs and their subgrantees use MHEA (Manufactured Home Energy Audit) to determine appropriate weatherization retrofit measures for low-income manufactured homes. Energy consumption is calculated using the variable-based degree day method. The MHEA software was developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and is supported by Oak Ridge National Laboratory. A program upgrade, including full Windows™ compatibility, is to be released in 2001.

Keywords

retrofit opportunities, audit, mobile homes

Validation/Testing

N/A

Expertise Required

Low; minimal or no computer experience required.

Users

: State weatherization assistance programs and their subgrantees. Other interested users.

Audience

State weatherization assistance programs and their subgrantees.

Input

Manufactured home shell description entered each time the program is used. During the initial program setup and when updating parameters, the user enters local retrofit measure (materials and labor) and utility costs. MHEA uses DOE-determined discount rates in the economic calculations.

Output

Lists retrofit measures prioritized according to their savings-to-investment ratios. Energy and cost savings also shown.

Computer Platform

PC-compatible, 286 or higher, with 640 kilobytes minimum of RAM, VGA monitor.

Programming Language

C

Strengths

Very user friendly; minimal inputs; quick method of determining appropriate weatherization retrofit measures for individual homes; follows DOE Weatherization Assistance Program final rule (March 1993).

Weaknesses

The program has limited ability to model manufactured homes with complex additions.

Contact

Company:	Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Address:	P O Box 2008 MS 6070 Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831 United States
Telephone:	(423) 574-4506
E-mail:	g5f@ornl.gov
Website:	http://www.ornl.gov

Availability

Available from the Energy Science and Technology Software Center, (423) 576-2606. MHEA is distributed with the National Energy Audit (NEAT) for site built homes. The package of programs is called The Weatherization Assistant. Cost is $250 for DOE organizations and $510 for non-DOE.