Characterizing the performance of residential air distribution systems

Commercial thermal distribution systems, Final report for CIEE/CEC

“…Air leaking in or out of these systems has been identified as a major source of energy loss in U.S. buildings. There exists a substantial body of research on residential air distribution system leakage that includes both detailed field characterizations and energy analyses (Cummings et al 1990;Davis, 1993;Jump and Modera, 1994;Modera, 1993;Modera and Jump, 1995;Parker, 1993;Proctor et al 1992;Walker et al 1998). Published material on these subjects indicate that duct system inefficiencies account for approximately 30% of space conditioning energy use in U.S. residences; these inefficiencies explain the considerable efforts that are being undertaken to retrofit these systems, or to better design and install them.…”

“…The vast majority of the research has been focused on single-family residential buildings (Cummings et al 1990;Davis 1993;Jump and Modera 1994;Modera 1993;Modera and Jump 1995;Parker 1993;Proctor et al 1992). The general consensus that evolves from reading those papers is that residential duct systems have considerable leakage (10-20% of fan flow on each side of the fan), and that that leakage has important impacts on energy use and cooling capacity.…”

Baseline data for the residential sector and development of a residential forecasting database

“…These are shown in Figure 12.2 and 12.3. The values are based on estimates in the U.S. DOE appliance standards analysis , 1993 adjusted to $1990. The energy usage values are based on 2200 hours of operation per year.…”

“…They also estimate that hydronic systems are typically 90% efficient in singlefamily buildings and approximately 70% efficient in multi-family buildings. Modera (1993) estimates that distribution system performance in new construction is of the same level as that in existing buildings. Proctor (1992a) suggests that in California, at least, air distribution system performance may actually be worse in new buildings than in existing buildings due to poor construction quality.…”

“…Distribution System Efficiency Recently, residential heating and cooling distribution systems have been shown to be major sources of inefficiency in overall heating and cooling performance in residential buildings (Modera 1993). The inefficiency was found in both air distribution through ducting systems and hydronic distribution through piping.…”