Forensic Engineering Analysis of Fuel Usage and Thermostat Settings

Abstract

According to the Insurance Institute, frozen pipes are one of the leading causes of building damage in the United States. In the forensic engineering analysis of building damage due to burst pipes, fuel tank runout orexcessive thermostat setback are common causes of these losses — and may lead to a fuel provider being culpable for a late fuel delivery or the property owner being responsible due to excessively turning down thermostat settings. This paper will address the relationship between thermostat settings and fuel consumption. From abuilding’s demonstrated fuel consumption and known thermostat settings, corresponding changes in thermostat settings and the resulting fuel consumption will be discussed. Department Of Energy adjustments for fuel savings in relation to thermostat setback will be discussed as well as a fuel usage study in an exemplar home. Forensic case examples utilizing this relationship will also be presented.