DA-88-08-4 -- Alternatives for Monitoring Multidwelling Energy Measures PDF

Utility billings are conmonly used to examine overall energy use change resulting from retrofits. Meter readings are the only data required to calculate the normalized annual consumption (NAC) for these examinations. Although NAC is broadly accepted for research analyses and easily translated to dollar savings, valid monitoring techniques are needed for purposes other than calculation of energy savings. Measurements now virtually confined to research can help to pre-assess (audit) the effectiveness of measures, separate the individual effects of retrofits installed as a package, and provide installation quality control. Past and present monitoring and suggested future expansion of monitoring techniques are documented arld assessed. The monitoring techniques examined include infrared scanning, temperature variability of dwellings, leakage area, and rate of heat supply. Occupants’ comfort and other observations are also examined as possible means of subjective retrofit assessment.