Long-Term Results from Evaluation of Advanced New Construction Packages in Test Homes: Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Imagine Homes New Construction Occupied Test House

“…As indicated earlier, the fireplace could account for much of the large gap in heating energy consumption, although the results of other occupied test house research would suggest that variations in occupancy and errors in modeling could account for some of this gap Allison 2011, Stecher andBrozyna 2013).…”

Risk Assessment of Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Strategies in Low-Load Homes

“…Aldrich (2009) documented the significant impact that internal gains of occupants and residential electronics can have on a house during the heating season in houses with single-point heating systems and traditional distribution systems. For example, hourly temperature readings in energy-efficient and sun-tempered houses on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, showed significant temperature fluctuations in the first-floor main space (predominantly where the south-facing windows were located) and the upstairs bedrooms with only east-or west-facing windows (Stecher et al 2012).…”

Performance House -- A Cold Climate Challenge Home

“…The philosophy and science behind the "Performance House" were based on the premise that homes should be safe, healthy, comfortable, durable, efficient, and adapt with the homeowners. Recent BA research on new construction homes in the cold climate region has focused on high-R wall assemblies and ductless heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems (Aldrich 2012;Stecher and Allison 2012a;Stecher et al 2012b). The whole-house building approach of this project focused on optimizing more typical builder practices to provide energy efficiency while simplifying the construction, maintenance, and operation of the home.…”