Frequently Asked Questions | Net Energy Optimizer

Net Energy Optimizer

FAQ

Training videos are available and walk through the process from initial set up in the Project Navigator to viewing results of an HVAC or Rating analyses. The videos provide an overview of defining Building details and setting up HVAC systems within one or multiple scenarios. Details are provided on how to make customizations at both the Building and HVAC level. Users can use these videos as initial training or quick refreshers when using NEO.

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What is NEO?

NEO is a powerful, easy-to-use, online building energy modeling tool that facilitates building-wide analysis of HVAC systems and/or energy conservation measures for new and existing buildings and supports that analysis from early design through construction.

Who can benefit from using NEO?

NEO is designed for those who need accurate, validated energy models, available in real time, regardless of their technical expertise in energy modeling.

Who is using NEO today?

Utility companies, engineers, architects, building owners, contractors and equipment manufacturers.

What types of buildings does NEO model?

Commercial buildings, including multifamily and mixed-used. Quickly customize models for your specific building, beginning with vetted industry standard inputs for over 45 commercial building types.

Does NEO require buildings to be in a specific location?

No, NEO can model building across the United States and Canada. NEO can model buildings in many international locations dependent on location of the nearest weather file, however these locations may require more manual input with regard to utility rates.

Where does NEO get its assumptions?

NEO uses industry standard assumptions derived from ASHRAE 90.1, 62.1, FGI Healthcare guidelines, and COMNET. Key assumptions can be adjusted by the user to further reflect the building.

What energy codes are available in NEO?

ASHRAE 90.1-2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, and IECC 2018 are currently available. ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Chapter 11 Energy Cost Budget Method will be available in 2021.

Do I have to download NEO?

No, NEO is a web-based application and is accessible through most Internet browsers.

What software/server is needed to access NEO?

NEO is compatible with most Internet browsers and devices, including IE, Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox. Customers do not need to have iOS or Android software to access NEO.

What devices can support NEO?

The touch-friendly design allows NEO to be used on computers and tablets with screen sizes as small as 7.8” x 5.3”.

What specific features does NEO offer?

- Design comparison to the baseline of an energy code or existing building conditions
- Model all commonly available commercial building types, including multifamily and mixed-use
- Compare multiple HVAC system options, including VRFs, without the expense or time of developing multiple designs
- Full life-cycle cost analysis comparisons
- The DOE-2 simulation engine, developed by the Department of Energy, performs hour-by-hour analysis of building energy usage accounting for the physical parameters, operation, and local weather
- An optimal path to energy goals via usage, cost savings, and/or life-cycle cost analysis

How is NEO different from its competitors?

- NEO provides validated results, in real-time, for hundreds of proven energy efficiency options for a wide variety of building types, including mixed-use
- NEO includes many default costs and parameters for both life-cycle cost and simple payback analyses; most defaults may be overwritten by the user based on his/her knowledge
- NEO provides results in approximately 20 minutes with an intuitive user interface
- NEO allows the user to quickly models options and determine the best option to achieve goals, whether energy cost savings, energy use, carbon emissions, or return on investment