What is the conditioned square footage of the case study home?

In determining the conditioned square footage of the case study home, it is important to understand that conditioned space refers to areas within a building that are heated or cooled and kept at a temperature conducive to human occupancy. This typically includes living spaces that are served by the home's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

The specific value of 1,180.5 square feet would usually be derived from measurements of the interior spaces that are considered livable, excluding areas such as unconditioned basements, unvented attics, garages, or any outdoor areas.

If this figure has been established based on the defined methods for calculating conditioned space in the context of the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) guidelines, then it is appropriate to use this number to represent the total conditioned area for the home.

Understanding the nuances of how conditioned space is calculated ensures accurate assessments for energy efficiency, which is critical in the HERS rating process. Accurate square footage measurements help in determining the energy performance of the home and identifying potential areas for improvement when aiming to enhance energy efficiency.