A combined energy balance and least squares method is used to develop, recursively updated model of a building. In this model, energy balance principles are first used to obtain an estimate of the two most important parameters of a building, heat loss and heat storage. These parameters are then supplied as base values to the least squares model. The effect of this strategy on the accuracy of the predictions from the combined model is investigated. The predictions are compared with the output obtained from a detailed model.

KEYWORDS: calculating, buildings, heat loss, energy storage, accuracy, comparing, heat flow, housing.