Question-and-Answer Resource for the Building Energy Modeling Community
 | 1 | initial version |
The model has 3 zones for 50,000 ft². That is not enough zones. Typically the largest zone in an office building will be 1,000 ft², maybe up to 2,000 ft² for a large open office. A core and perimeter zone split is common, as different perimeter zones will be in heating/cooling depending on orientation and time of day.
The core area in an office building will have internal loads and no heat loss so it will always be in cooling. EnergyPlus mixes all air in the zone for calculating loads. So what is likely happening in your model is that all facade heating loads are getting mixed in and nullified by being connected to the large core area that is always in cooling. Split your floors into core/perimeter areas to get a more accurate heating and cooling estimate.
