An Analysis of the Residential Energy Savings from the Implementation of the 2001 IECC and 2006 NAECA Appliance Standards in the State of Texas

Abstract

This paper presents results of an analysis of the annual electricity and natural gas savings from implementation of the 2001 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) specifications with updated 2006 specifications for mechanical systems to new single-family residential construction, using a code traceable DOE-2 simulation for two locations in Texas. In this analysis a sensitivity analysis was performed which included the impact of changing the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) values in code-compliant construction (i.e., SEER 13, HSPF 7.7) as required by National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA, 2006). The results show that the annual energy consumption for a typical single-family residence decreased by 18.8% when comparing a pre-code house with natural gas heating, where the SEER for the air-conditioner was increased from 10 to 13, to a code-compliant house incorporating the 2006 NAECA standards in Houston , and by 16.0% for a similar house in Dallas/Fort Worth area. In a house employing a heat pump as a source of heating, where the SEER for the air-conditioner was increased from 10 to 13 and the HSPF was increased from 6.6 to 7.7, the annual energy consumption decreased by 18.2% for a house in Houston and by 16.6% for a similar house in Dallas/Fort Worth.