A METHODOLOGY FOR CODE-COMPLIANT DESIGN BASED ON LIFECYCLE ANALYSIS FOR HOUSING IN COLD CLIMATES

• Author / Creator

  Hesaraki, Behnaz

• Well-designed walls and windows play a major role in reducing heating energy usage in the home in cold climates. There are also different design options to improve home energy efficiency which have different cost impacts. This study presents a methodology to determine code-compliant energy-efficient window design (type and sizing), wall insulations, and house designs with the least lifecycle cost for homes in Edmonton, Alberta. Window types and wall insulations are selected according to code prescriptive requirements, and designs are selected according to code energy performance requirements. Literature has shown that a more-energy-efficient mechanical system (space heating system, heat recovery ventilation and domestic hot water heating system), improved building envelope (wall, window, attic and exposed floor), and installation of a PV system are solutions commonly considered in house designs. A sensitivity analysis on the cost effectiveness of these design options is thus conducted in this research using a case study. With the cost scheme predicted based on historical data, the results show a 16% decrease in the window lifecycle cost by using double-pane window with one heat mirror film between the panes rather than triple-pane window, and a 30% reduction in the wall lifecycle cost by using fibreglass batt and rigid foam insulations rather than polyurethane spray foam insulation. The forced-air space heating system using natural gas furnace is found to be the most economical heating system when compared with boiler, electric baseboard, and air-source heat pump. Design using the natural gas furnace heating system, hot water heater, and ventilation, as well as minor envelope upgrades from the base design case results in the least lifecycle cost to achieve the desired improved energy performance. Two other cost schemes are also considered in the sensitivity analysis.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • House design
  • Building envelope
  • Cold climate
  • Least life cycle cost
  • National Building Code of Canada
  • Alberta Building Code
  • Low-energy homes

• Graduation date

  Spring 2017

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R37D2QK83

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.