Effect of lifestyle on energy use estimations and predicted savings

Abstract

Audit predictions of energy-conservation savings are usually much higher than the savings actually achieved. Speculation about possible causes for this discrepancy has often centered around residents' lifestyle, specifically their indoor temperature management. Detailed indoor temperature data and extensive demographic information were available for 300 homes in Hood River, Oregon. These data were analyzed to examine the effect of demographic variables on indoor temperature and energy use. Changes in indoor temperature before and after retrofit were also examined. The effects of these variables were very small. Some small improvements to auditing procedures can be suggested based on this analysis. However, the major conclusion is that while some takeback of energy savings is occurring, it is very small in magnitude and cannot explain the large differences between predicted and achieved energy savings. 8 refs., 19 figs., 5 tabs.