Potential Benefits of Commissioning California Homes

Technical Report · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2002

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/843135· OSTI ID:843135

Matson, Nance ^[1]; Wray, Craig; Walker, Iain; Sherman, Max

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1. LBNL Library

Commissioning California's houses can result in better performing systems and houses. In turn, this will result in more efficient use of energy, carbon emission reductions, and improved occupant comfort. In particular, commissioning houses can save a significant amount of HVAC-related energy (15 to 30% in existing houses, 10 to 20% in new conventional houses, and up to 8% in advanced energy efficiency houses). The process that we considered includes corrective measures that could be implemented together during construction or during a single site visit (e.g., air tightening, duct sealing, and refrigerant and air handler airflow corrections in a new or existing house). Taking advantage of additional, more complex opportunities (e.g., installing new windows in an existing house, replacing the heating and air conditioning system in a new or existing house) can result in additional HVAC-related energy savings (60 to 75% in existing houses, and 50 to 60% in new conventional houses). The commissioning-related system and house performance improvements and energy savings translate to additional benefits throughout California and beyond. By applying commissioning principles to their work, the building community (builders and contractors) benefit from reduced callbacks and lower warranty costs. HERS raters and inspectors will have access to an expanded market sector. As the commissioning process rectifies construction defects and code problems, building code officials benefit from better compliance with codes. The utilities benefit from reduced peak demand, which can translate into lower energy acquisition costs. As houses perform closer to expectations, governmental bodies (e.g., the California Energy Commission and the Air Resources Board) benefit from greater assurance that actual energy consumption and carbon emissions are closer to the levels mandated in codes and standards, resulting in better achievement of state energy conservation and environmental goals. California residents' quality of life is improved through better indoor environmental comfort and lower energy bills. Lower energy bills free up money for residents to spend on other needs or goals, such as additional education and health and welfare. With an expansion of existing industries and the development of new commissioning-related industries, related jobs and tax revenues will increase, further increasing the quality of life for California.

• Research Organization: Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Director. Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Office of the Building Technology Program. State and Energy Programs. Office of Building Research and Standards; California Energy Commission. Public Interest Energy Research Program
• DOE Contract Number: AC03-76SF00098
• OSTI ID: 843135
• Report Number(s): LBNL--48258
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
AIR CONDITIONING
BUILDERS
BUILDING CODES
CALIFORNIA
COMMISSIONING
CONSTRUCTION
DUCTS
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
HEATING
OCCUPANTS
REFRIGERANTS
STANDARD OF LIVING
WINDOWS