Energy conservation in multi-family dwellings. Final report
This study examined two aspects of energy conservation in multi-family dwellings: Part A measured the correlation between building orientation and electricity consumption; Part B tested the effectiveness of simple conservation activities on electricity consumption in one specific apartment. A strong correlation was found between orientation and consumption for winter months. Units facing southwest used an average of 22% less electricity than units facing north. Since lighting, appliance use and hot water use are not directly related to orientation (as is space heating) the potential savings of energy used for heating is expected to be significant if principles of building orientation are properly applied. Due to a variation in individual tenants' use of air conditioning, the correlation factor for summer months was not significant. Combining results from both January and July confirm that west and southwest are probably the most advantageous (1.3% and 6.5% fewer average kilowatt-hours, respectively) in terms of energy conservation. This condition differs from the earlier hypothesis that south-to southeast-oriented apartments would use the least amount of energy. Part B results make a strong case for residential conservation measures. When compared to control months (January and July), electricity consumption in the experimental months (February and August) was reduced 15% in the winter and 31% in the summer. Judging from the high standard deviation between units having similar orientations, individual lifestyle habits are a major factor in overall energy consumption.
- Research Organization:
- Hansen (Tim), Wichita, KS (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG47-80R701145
- OSTI ID:
- 5157651
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/R7/01145-T1; ON: DE84007854
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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