Getting our ducts in a row: Evaluation of the Tacoma duct sealing program
In 1995 Tacoma Power initiated a test of residential duct sealing to determine the feasibility of a full-scale program to improve the duct system in customer homes with central system electric heat. The Residential Duct Sealing Pilot Program was designed with six main goals: (1) determine the typical reduction in heating energy use attributable to eliminating or reducing duct leakage in residential customer central heating systems; (2) determine the cost-effectiveness of the program, including the cost of administration of the program and measure installation; (3) determine if local contractors were able to install duct sealing measures; (4) assess the level of customer acceptance of the program; (5) establish the relationship between reduction in duct leakage and heating energy use reduction; and (6) determine if there is a difference between weatherized and non-weatherized homes in their heating energy use reduction under the program. Energy Services staff at Tacoma Power performance an evaluation of heating energy use reduction patterns for program participants and comparable group of non-participants. Weather-adjusted changes in consumption between pre-and post-participation periods were calculated using the Princeton Scorekeeping Method (PRISM). Staff also conducted an analysis of program costs from program records. Finally, Energy Services commissioned a telephone survey of program participants by a local market contractor to obtain participant ratings of the program. Integrated results of these three studies form the basis of the present report.
- Research Organization:
- Tacoma Power, WA (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 20006299
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-980815--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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