# Energy Efficiency Estimator MCP

> The Energy Efficiency Estimator MCP analyzes your building's structural weakness points to give you a quantifiable A through E performance rating. It uses core metrics like U-values and SHGC to pinpoint exactly why your home loses energy. You get an immediate, prioritized blueprint for improvement that tells you where to spend money—and on what material.

## Overview
- **Category:** real-estate
- **Price:** Free
- **Tags:** thermal-efficiency, a-e-rating, envelope-analysis, u-value, shgc

## Description

Trying to renovate without knowing where the structural leaks are is a nightmare. Standard energy audits often give vague results or cost too much just to start. This MCP fixes that by giving you hard numbers about your building envelope. You plug in key component data, and it calculates a precise thermal index for the structure. Then, it refines that score by factoring in your home’s geographic orientation—like whether it faces south or north. Finally, it compiles everything into a simple list of actionable upgrades. It prevents you from guessing what works and ensures every fix contributes to measurable energy savings. You can connect this entire workflow through the Vinkius catalog, keeping all your specialized tools accessible in one place.

## Tools

### query_orientation_bias
Determines the passive energy benefit or detriment based on how your building faces the sun.

### query_improvement_recommendations
Gets a prioritized list of actionable upgrades needed for building envelope deficiencies.

### query_structure_thermal_score
Calculates a raw thermal performance index for an entire residential structure.

## Prompt Examples

**Prompt:** 
```
I have a 150 sqM house in the US with South-West exposure. The walls are 300mm thick, and I want to know my base thermal score.
```

**Response:** 
```
First, run `query_structure_thermal_score` with the provided metrics. Then, use `query_orientation_bias` to factor in the South-West exposure for US climate zones. Finally, pass the resulting score and component data into `query_improvement_recommendations`.
```

**Prompt:** 
```
My current rating is C (Average). I need to improve the glazing and roof. What should I do?
```

**Response:** 
```
Use `query_improvement_recommendations`. You must input your current classification ('C') and a detailed component metrics object, specifically noting the glazing SHGC and insulation levels. The tool will provide prioritized steps.
```

**Prompt:** 
```
I live in Europe. My house faces North, but I suspect the U-value for my roof is too high.
```

**Response:** 
```
Run `query_orientation_bias` specifying 'North' and 'Europe'. Next, use `query_structure_thermal_score`, ensuring the roof U-value is accurately input. This combined data will help determine if your North exposure needs specific compensation.
```

## Capabilities

### Calculate Base Thermal Score
Determine a raw thermal performance index based on core structural metrics like wall and roof material thickness.

### Adjust for Site Orientation
Factor in passive solar gain or loss, adjusting the overall score by your home's cardinal direction.

### Generate Upgrade Roadmap
Receive a prioritized list of specific structural fixes and improvements needed to boost your efficiency rating.

## Use Cases

### Determining Renovation Priorities
A homeowner has a 'C' grade rating but doesn't know if better windows or improved insulation is the bigger deal. They run `query_improvement_recommendations` after calculating the base score with `query_structure_thermal_score`. The resulting list tells them exactly which component offers the highest return on investment.

### Assessing International Builds
An engineer is working in a different climate zone than their previous projects. They use `query_orientation_bias` to factor in the specific regional exposure before calculating the final score with `query_structure_thermal_score`, ensuring local conditions are accounted for.

### Validating Architectural Designs
An architect needs to prove a building meets modern standards. They input all design metrics and run the full sequence of tools, culminating in `query_improvement_recommendations` which provides quantifiable data they can present to clients.

## Benefits

- You get a quantified A-E rating, not just 'average.' The process gives you an immediate score that holds up against structural data points.
- It adjusts for location. Running the `query_orientation_bias` step accounts for passive solar gain or loss based on your home's actual compass direction.
- You stop overspending. Instead of random fixes, the system delivers a prioritized list via `query_improvement_recommendations`, telling you exactly what to tackle first.
- It’s structural math, not guesswork. The MCP connects raw component metrics directly to measurable savings, giving you a true blueprint for efficiency.
- You assess total performance in one shot. First, use `query_structure_thermal_score` for the base calculation, then refine it with orientation and recommendations.

## How It Works

The bottom line is you get an immediate, quantified roadmap for making your home more energy efficient without guessing.

1. Input your building's metrics, including material thicknesses and component U-values.
2. The MCP calculates the raw thermal index, then adjusts that score using your home’s geographic orientation (like South-facing vs. North-facing).
3. You receive a final A-E rating and a prioritized list of specific improvements needed for structural efficiency.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**What does query_structure_thermal_score actually calculate?**
It calculates the base thermal performance index for your entire structure based on metrics like U-values and component thicknesses. This gives you the raw number before location is factored in.

**How does query_orientation_bias work with my data?**
This tool adjusts your core score by assessing how passive solar gain or loss affects the building, factoring in its cardinal direction (e.g., South-facing exposure).

**Should I use query_improvement_recommendations first?**
No. You need a number to start with. Run `query_structure_thermal_score` and `query_orientation_bias` first; then, feed those results into `query_improvement_recommendations` to get the best plan.

**Do I need professional help for the thermal index calculation?**
No. The MCP handles the complex mathematical modeling of the thermal index, allowing you to run precise calculations yourself using `query_structure_thermal_score`.

**What specific metrics does query_structure_thermal_score need to run accurately?**
The tool requires precise input on component U-values, wall thicknesses, and the window's SHGC rating. If you omit core material specifications, the resulting thermal index will be incomplete or inaccurate.

**If my home has a complex or seasonal orientation, how does query_orientation_bias manage it?**
It calculates bias based on standard cardinal directions (North, South, East, West). For mixed exposure, provide the most dominant direction. The tool uses established passive solar models and cannot analyze dynamic microclimates.

**Does query_improvement_recommendations cover mechanical systems like HVAC units?**
No, this MCP focuses only on the building envelope elements (walls, windows, roof). Recommendations provided are limited to structural deficiencies and cannot analyze or upgrade non-envelope mechanical systems.

**Are there usage limits when running query_structure_thermal_score repeatedly?**
The Vinkius platform manages rate limiting across all tools. However, running a full assessment using all three MCP functions might take up to thirty seconds; keep your component descriptions concise for faster results.

**What inputs are needed to get the initial score?**
The core metrics include total heated area, wall thickness, and combined U-values. The `query_structure_thermal_score` tool uses these inputs to generate the raw thermal index.

**Does my home's direction matter for the score?**
Yes. The `query_orientation_bias` tool accounts for passive solar gain and wind loads (e.g., South-East vs. North). This factor modifies the score to give a regionally accurate assessment.

**How do I know what to fix after the rating?**
After receiving your A-E classification, use the `query_improvement_recommendations` tool. It analyzes component weaknesses and provides a prioritized list of actionable upgrades (e.g., upgrading glazing or improving roof insulation).