Building Materials and Thermal Conductance
The R values of standard building materials are listed in the following table. The materials are used in various configurations throughout the house. The thermal resistance of the combination of materials was calculated. The U value for configuration was determined. The U value was multiplied by the area of each type of construction and the overall thermal conductance was determined.
| Material | Thermal conductivity (W/m K) | Thickness (m) | U value (W/m2 K) | R Value (m2 K/W) | R Value (ft2*F/Btuh) |
| Plywood High Density 0.5" | 0.08 | 0.0127 | 6.30 | 0.16 | 0.90 |
| Plywood 0.5" | 0.17 | 0.0127 | 13.39 | 0.07 | 0.42 |
| 2 x 6 Stud 5.5" | 0.1 | 0.1397 | 0.72 | 1.40 | 7.94 |
| Fiber Glass Insulation 5.5" | 0.038 | 0.1397 | 0.27 | 3.68 | 20.89 |
| Drywall 0.5" | 0.17 | 0.0127 | 13.39 | 0.07 | 0.42 |
| Drywall 0.625" | 0.17 | 0.015875 | 10.71 | 0.09 | 0.53 |
| Vinyl Siding 1" | 0.1 | 0.0254 | 3.94 | 0.25 | 1.44 |
| Brick 3" | 0.7 | 0.0762 | 9.19 | 0.11 | 0.62 |
| Polystyrene 2" | 0.03 | 0.0508 | 0.59 | 1.69 | 9.62 |
| Medium Concrete 4" | 0.5 | 0.1016 | 4.92 | 0.20 | 1.15 |
| Shingle 0.625" | 0.75 | 0.015875 | 47.24 | 0.02 | 0.12 |
| Blow in insulation | 0.045 | 0.254 | 0.18 | 5.64 | 32.07 |
| Area of one window | 12 |
| Number of windows | 8 |
| Gross Wall area | 1040 |
| Ceiling Area | 1000 |
| Window Area | 96 |
| Net Wall Area | 944 |
Design Temperature Difference
The design temperature difference was determined as listed in ACCA Design Manual J. For heating, it has been determined that only 1% of the year it is colder than -6 degrees F. For cooling, it has been determined that only 1 % of the year it is warmer than 95 degrees F. These temperatures will be used with an indoor design temperature of 70 degrees F. The heating and cooling system will be designed to handle these situations.
Ventilation Rate
The ventilation rate for our home will be taken as 50% of the total volume per hour which is the worst case scenario listed in ACCA Manual J for loose construction. The household volume is calculated using 1000 sq ft and 8 foot ceiling heights. The load due to air exchange was calculated using the mass flow, specific heat, and temperature change.
Heating and Cooling Load
The heating and cooling loads were calculated using the design temperatures and thermal resistances. The cooling load was calculated using a 25 degree temperature difference. The heating load was calculated using a 76 degree temperature difference.
Energy Profile
Standard energy usages were determined for common household appliances. The energy consumption was compared to the energy use of the heating and cooling system through the use of a pie chart.
Standard energy usages were determined for common household appliances. The energy consumption was compared to the energy use of the heating and cooling system through the use of a pie chart.
| Appliances | watts | Btu/h |
| ceiling fan | 50 | 170 |
| Coffee Maker | 200 | 680 |
| Blender | 300 | 1020 |
| Garage Door Opener | 350 | 1190 |
| Refrigerator | 540 | 1836 |
| Computer | 300 | 1020 |
| Electronics | 1000 | 3400 |
| Microwave | 1000 | 3400 |
| Blow Dryer | 1000 | 3400 |
| Toaster | 1000 | 3400 |
| Dishwasher | 1500 | 5100 |
| Range | 2000 | 6800 |
| Washer/Dryer | 4500 | 15300 |
| Hot Water | 4500 | 15300 |
| Lights | 1500 | 5100 |
| Air Conditioning | 15757 | |
| Heating | 51290.88 |