Energy savings and cost-effectiveness of heat exchanger use as an indoor air quality mitigation measure in the BPA weatherization program

Abstract

The BonneviHe Power Administration· (BPA) has proposed a ten year program to encourage the weatherization of electrically heated homes in the Pacific Northwes:t,The purpose of this program is to reduce residential electrical energy demand for space heating. If al.r infiltration rates are reduced by employing house tight;ening me'asures, indoor al.r qua li ty mitigation me,a~ures may be required in resid.ences with significant sources of indoor air contaminants.The use of residential air-to-a,ir heat exchangers has been proposed as a possible s.tra.tegy to assure that indoor air quality is not substantially degraded by house tightening.We examine the energy impact and cos.t effectiveness of heat exchanger utilization in tightened homes in the BPA region. Significant energy savings are predicted i.f homes are tightened and heat exchangers are utilized.From the homeowner's perspective, the results of our economic analysis indicate that, at the relatively low residential electric rates l.n the BPA region, the use of heat exchangers in existing I homes that are tightened is not economically viable. On the other hand, from the utility perspective, it may be cost effective to use heat exchangers in the weatherization program if the marginal cost to the utility is compared with the cost of conserved energy.

Rationale and plan for Center for Building Technology research to improve indoor air quality

“…For example, it has been proposed to equip all residences with air-to-air heat exchangers to increase ventilation rates, thereby conserving energy and improving indoor air quality. These have been estimated to cost $500-$l,000 installed (6). To apply them to the 80 million U.S. dwelling units would require a $40-$80 billion investment!…”

Impacts of heat recovery ventilators on energy savings and indoor radon level

“…Several studies have compared various ventilation systems to show the advantages of heat recovery systems in cold climates (Jokisalo et al , 2003). One of these studies showed that energy efficiency could be improved by up to 67 percent compared to a traditional exhaust ventilation system by using a heat recovery system with a nominal temperature efficiency of 80 percent (Jokisalo et al , 2003; Turiel et al , 1983).…”

Manual on indoor air quality

“…Fisk and Turiel evaluated the energy savings that accrued from operating mechanical ventilation systems equipped with air-to-air heat exchangers in new homes, and also performed a cost-benefit analysis for homeowners. 27 They found cost-effectiveness to be highly influenced by equipment performance, climate, and type of heating fuel used. Fisk and Turiel conducted a similar analysis on installations of unducted systems in weatherized homes.…”