4523 -- Interactions of Water and Energy Use in Residential Buildings, Part I: Modeling PDF

This paper investigates the interactive relationship between water and energy use in residential buildings. Little research has been performed in this specific area, most likely since water costs have been relatively low when compared to energy costs. However, water demand and costs are on the rise, especially in the southwestern United States. At their current rate of escalation, water and sewer costs are becoming a more substantial portion of the total residential utility costs. Several measures are identified that potentially affect both water and energy use in residential buildings, including landscaping and irrigation, the use of evaporative cooling equipment, and indoor water management. Simulations are conducted to determine the energy and water use intensity of a single family home involving the interaction effects of selected measures. This paper outlines the modeling details of the various interactions between energy use and water consumption in typical residential buildings.

Units: Dual