Intro to Building Science Flashcards
What are the EIA housing types?
Single-family, multifamily, mobile homes
How much excess energy do US homes consume?
$45 billion
What’s the average annual household energy cost?
$1,400
Where do most energy stats come from?
The Department of Energy Information Administration (EIA)
Natural gas provides over 50% of the energy used in houses. For what?
Space heating and hot water
Space heating consumes around half of the energy used in an average home, but accounts for about one third of total cost. Why?
Use of inexpensive NG
What’s the efficiency of natural gas at the point of use?
40-90%
Why is electricity more expensive than natural gas even though it’s 100% effective for heating?
Generation and transmission is only about 30% efficient.
What is energy conservation?
A change in behavior that results in less energy use, eliminates waste, and is often associated with a level of voluntary discomfort.
What is energy efficiency?
Maximizing the economic benefits of energy use, while maintaining the same level of comfort.
What are the four main strategies for energy savings?
Thermal improvements to building shell, New, efficient HVAC/lighting/appliance systems, Repairing/adjusting existing equipment, Homeowner education (conservation)
Where do energy professionals find inefficiency?
Heating equipment, heat losses, air leakage, water heating, cooling equipment, heat gains, distribution systems, appliances and lighting, behavior
What makes up baseload consumption?
Day to day loads like refrigerator, water heater, lighting, and appliances
What makes up seasonal consumption?
Heating and cooling
Describe the Home Heating Index (HHI)
BTU/ft^2/HDD
Used for cold climates
Lower numbers are better
