Cost-effectiveness of single and multiple CACS conservation actions in small commercial buildings

Technical Report · Thu Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1985

OSTI ID:5339708

Kedl, R J; Stovall, T K

The cost-effectiveness of single and multiple retrofit energy conservation actions in small commercial buildings is presented. This information will be useful to states and utilities as they develop audit procedures under the Commercial and Apartment Conservation Service (CACS) Program. Four small commercial buildings, prototypical of those covered by CACS, in six different cities are considered. The energy savings were computed using DOE-2.1, an hourly simulation computer code. The retrofit was assumed to be installed by a professional, and two electric rate schedules were used. Using terminology for conservation actions as defined by the CACS Rule, reduced light levels; the addition of local switches; and automatic controls for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems were always found to be cost-effective (simple payback period <5 years) everywhere. Air conditioner replacement was found to be generally cost-effective in the hot climates, and furnace replacement was only modestly cost-effective in the coldest climates. Building envelope retrofits, such as ceiling insulation, wall insulation, and caulking/weather stripping, were generally cost-effective, or nearly so, in the colder climates but only slightly cost-effective in the warmest climates; storm/thermal windows and storm doors were not cost-effective anywhere. 6 refs.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 5339708
• Report Number(s): ORNL/CON-176; ON: DE85018169
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320104* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
&amp; Utilization-- Commercial &amp; Industrial Buildings-- (-1987)
AIR CONDITIONERS
AUDITS
AUTOMATION
BUILDINGS
COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
COMPUTER CODES
CONTROL
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
D CODES
ENERGY AUDITS
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY SYSTEMS
LIGHTING SYSTEMS
OPENINGS
PAYBACK PERIOD
RETROFITTING
SPACE HVAC SYSTEMS
STORM WINDOWS
THERMAL INSULATION
WEATHERIZATION
WINDOWS