Predicting Cost Impact of More Energy Efficient New Single and Small Multi-Family Homes

9 pages•Published: May 26, 2024

Payam Bakhshi, Afshin Pourmokhtarian and John Cribbs

Abstract

Focused on Massachusetts, this research investigates the cost impact of constructing residential homes at various energy efficiency levels and uses real quotes obtained from subcontractors working in the state. The study includes single-family homes and small multi-family homes (2-4 units) across different Home Energy Rating System (HERS) scenarios. These scenarios range from traditional homes (HERS 55) to more energy-efficient designs like all-electric homes with mini- split heat pumps (HERS 45), all-electric homes with central heat pumps (HERS 45), and dual-fuel homes with furnaces and ducted heat pumps (HERS 42). The findings reveal that enhancing energy efficiency increases costs, varying with housing type and targeted HERS score. Single-family homes see a cost rise between $3.77 and $8.12 per square foot (SF), while small multi-family homes face higher increases, from $7.75 to $23.78 per SF, mainly due to their smaller unit sizes. In Massachusetts, improving energy efficiency in single-family homes could add between 1.8% and 3.8% to overall costs, based on HERS scores. The incremental costs are primarily linked to insulation, air tightness, windows, HVAC systems, electrical work, and gas line. This study offers insights crucial for developing public policies to mitigate these additional costs and for making informed decisions about housing affordability.

Keyphrases: building, energy efficient, home energy rating system (hers), hvac costs, insulation

In: Tom Leathem, Wes Collins and Anthony Perrenoud (editors). Proceedings of 60th Annual Associated Schools of Construction International Conference, vol 5, pages 367-375.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/1WL8
	https://doi.org/10.29007/62r8

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2024:Predicting_Cost_Impact_More,
  author    = {Payam Bakhshi and Afshin Pourmokhtarian and John Cribbs},
  title     = {Predicting Cost Impact of More Energy Efficient New Single and Small Multi-Family Homes},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of 60th Annual Associated Schools of Construction International Conference},
  editor    = {Tom Leathem and Wes Collins and Anthony Perrenoud},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {5},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/1WL8},
  doi       = {10.29007/62r8},
  pages     = {367-375},
  year      = {2024}}

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