Recommendations for 15% Above-Code Energy Efficiency Measures on Implementing Houston Amendments to Single-Family Residential Buildings in Houston Texas

Abstract

This paper presents information about the energy saving potential for single-family residential buildings in Houston, Texas that are designed to be 15% above code. The energy efficient measures discussed in this paper were proposed by the building officials of the City of Houston. Along with the options proposed by the officials, additional measures were selected from the 15% above code energy analysis previously conducted by the Energy Systems Laboratory for residential houses across the State of Texas. In this analysis a total of thirty-one measures were analyzed based on the energy savings above a base-case, code-compliant house. These measures were categorized into five groups: Renewable Energy options, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Fenestration, Envelope, Lighting and Domestic Hot Water (DHW) options. The analysis was performed using an hourly simulation of an International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)-compliant, single family residence in Houston, Texas. Four sets of simulations were performed based on the choice of heating fuel type and thermostat setback. Individual measures were then categorized into four groups: 2 to 5%, 5 to 10%, and 10 to 15% and above 15% energy savings. Ten groups were then simulated by combining individual measures from the four categories whose combined savings are more than 15% above the base case. The cost of the implementation of the individual, as well as group measures was also calculated along with simple payback period. Photovoltaic options presented the maximum savings in the approximate range of 15-40% for all base-case houses depending on the size of the installed array. The solar thermal option for domestic water heating showed a savings above 15-20% for all the base-case houses.