SEDL / STP / STP718-EB / STP29287S

Life-Cycle Energy Costs of Thermal Insulation

Chinneck, JW
Graduate student and assistant professors, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ont.

Chandrashekar, M
Graduate student and assistant professors, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ont.

Hahn, CKG
Graduate student and assistant professors, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ont.

Pages: 17    Published: Jan 1980

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Abstract

The energy cost of thermal insulation production relative to the heating energy savings incurred through its use in single-family houses was investigated by the life-cycle energy cost method. A heat-loss model of an average house was constructed and the house was assumed to be heated by electric resistance or natural gas or fuel oil-fired furnaces. Different levels of insulation were assumed installed in the walls and ceilings, including the proposed minimum levels for Canada. Four different Canadian cities were studied. The energy cost of insulation was found to be insignificant relative to the heating energy savings caused by its use. The proposed minimum insulation standards for Canada were found to be significantly better than the existing standards, although not optimum from an energy viewpoint.