Determining Cost-Effective Insulation Levels for Masonry and Wood-Frame Walls in New Single-Family Housing

摘要

Economically optimal insulation methods and resistance levels for three different types of walls in a one-story, single-family residence are calculated for a wide range of geographic locations, energy prices, heating and cooling equipment efficiencies, and financial evaluation criteria. The three basic wall types examined are 8-in concrete block walls, brick and block walls, and wood-frame walls with lightweight siding. Changes in annual heating and cooling requirements for an 1176 square feet prototype house resulting from several different insulation resistances in each wall type are calculated using the NBS Load Determination program and Test Reference Year climate data for a number of geographic locations. Changes in heating requirements are correlated with heating degree days to provide estimates of energy savings in all geographic regions of the continental United States. Cooling requirements are not found to vary significantly with the thermal resistance of the walls under a typical operating profile except in the southwestern desert. An index number system is developed to quickly determine insulation levels based on the data generated in the report.