Economic analysis of insulation in selected masonry and wood-frame walls. Final report
This report provides a life-cycle cost-benefit analysis of several alternative methods for insulating 8 inch(200 mm) concrete masonry walls in new single-family residences. In addition, a cost-benefit analysis for insulation in wood-frame walls is provided, consistent with the assumptions used in the masonry wall analysis. A dynamic load simulation model, NBSLD, was used to calculate the heating and cooling requirements for a 1176 square foot (110 square milimeters) house with different levels of thermal resistance for both wall types in eight geographic locations. These data are used to calculate the reduction in annual heating and cooling requirements due to several different types of insulation in the cores and furring spaces of the masonry wall and the cavities of the wood-frame wall. Economic analysis is applied to determine estimates of life-cycle savings from insulation for different locations and furnace types in order to determine the most cost-effective insulation level. In general it is found that the maximum economically justifiable level of insulation in the masonry wall is considerably lower than for the wood-frame wall because of the significantly higher cost of insulating masonry walls.
- Research Organization:
- National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 5650276
- Report Number(s):
- PB-80-101967
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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