Deep Residential Retrofits in East Tennessee

A Meta-Analysis of Single-Family Deep Energy Retrofit Performance in the U.S.

“…This may be due to the tendency for households already conserving energy to be interested in further reducing consumption, and it may also result from the desire for improved comfort and convenience, irrespective of energy or cost savings. Consistent with this, several projects reviewed reported that homeowners considered non-cost saving benefits to be the most important in their choice to perform a DER (Boudreaux et al, 2012;Neuhauser, 2012).…”

“…In the U.S., simulation optimization engines have been used to generate near-neutral-cost retrofit packages (on a cash-flow basis, assuming retrofit costs are financed) in varied U.S. climate zones, with average source energy savings varying from 43% to 74%, depending on the assumed interest rates for a 30-year loan (Fairey & Parker, 2012;Polly et al, 2011). Consistent with past research and current demonstration efforts, a 50% savings target represents a reasonable, achievable definition of the minimum requirements for a Deep Energy Retrofit (DER), though greater savings levels are desirable and have been used as a benchmark in some programs and studies (Affordable Comfort, Inc., 2010;Boudreaux, Hendrick, Christian, & Jackson, 2012;Less, Fisher, & Walker, 2012).…”

“…In terms of implementation in the U.S., DERs in existing homes have been targeted by the U.S. Department of Energy's (U.S. DOE) Building America R&D program (Bianchi, 2011), as well as by a number of electric and gas utilities and public utility agencies (Boudreaux et al, 2012;Chitwood & Harriman, 2012;CPUC, 2008;Keesee, 2012;National Grid, n.d.;NYSERDA, n.d.). Nonprofit organizations have also been involved in driving the demonstration and market development of U.S. DERs (Affordable Comfort, Inc., 2010; ASID & USGBC, n.d.).…”

Optimization of Ventilation Energy Demands and Indoor Air Quality in the ZEBRAlliance Homes

“…Decreasing uncontrolled ventilation in residences is necessary because infiltration and exfiltration are responsible for about 16 to 50% of air conditioning loads (Huang et al 1999;Sherman and Matson 1997). Researchers have indicated that strict airtightness requirements set by the IECC 2012 can be met in new construction and deep retrofit houses (Boudreaux et al 2012;Offermann 2009;Miller et al 2010). Although it consumes energy, mechanical ventilation is essential in airtight residences to reduce human exposure to air pollutants because on average Americans spend approximately 70% of their time in their homes (Klepeis et al 2001), and sources of pollutants in homes can significantly influence exposure to air contaminants (Adgate et al 2004;Clayton et al 1999;Hun et al 2009;Wallace et al 1987).…”

Effects from the Reduction of Air Leakage on Energy and Durability

“…Wilcox (2001) and Weston (2006) reported reductions in infiltration due to the installation of housewraps in new residential construction. Boudreaux et al (2012) and Jackson et al (2012) documented decreases in air leakage rates during residential retrofits. Similarly, Zhivov and Herron (2011) described air leakage conditions before and after the retrofit of US Army buildings.…”