Energy savings potential for advanced thermal distribution technology in residential and small commercial buildings.

An evaluation of the potential for energy savings in thermal distribution systems in residential and small commercial buildings has been carried out. Thermal distribution systems are the ductwork, piping, or other means used to transport heat or cooling effect from the equipment that produces the heat or cooling to the building spaces in which it is used. This evaluation was divided into four stages. First, households and small commercial buildings were broken down into specific categories relevant to thermal distribution issues; categories used in the breakdown were climate zone, building type, thermal distribution system type, and thermal distribution system location. An additional breakdown into existing buildings and new construction was used. Second, energy use per household (residential) or unit floor area (small commercial) was estimated. Third, the building stock was projected out to the year 2020, with a division into pre-1995 (existing) and post-1995 (new) buildings. 1995 was selected as the approximate date at which a new research program could begin to have significant impact on thermal distribution systems in new construction. Most buildings built before 1995 will still be in use in 2020; these, together with 25 years of new construction, were judged an appropriate mix to use as a basis for setting research priorities. Finally, energy savings from improved thermal distribution were estimated as percentages of the annual energy use projected for 2020. From these numbers, national energy-savings projections were made.