What are the implications of mechanically introducing humid outside air into residential buildings, compared to the indoor air quality benefits?

Take a look at the results of a study of 10 homes in Gainesville, FL that includes impact on energy use, comfort, durability, and cost.

• Measured Cooling Season Results Relating the Impact of Mechanical Ventilation on Energy, Comfort, and Indoor Air Quality in Humid Climates

In another study of mechanical ventilation in homes, two lab homes, constructed to represent characteristics of typical existing Florida homes, were monitored. They were configured with tight and leaky building envelopes, and with and without mechanical ventilation. Simulation results of high performance new homes with mechanical ventilation, and typical older homes with and without air tightening and mechanical ventilation, were also presented.

• Vent Right and Then? Mechanical Ventilation, Dehumidification and Energy Use in Humid Climates

Most states have adopted commercial and residential building energy codes and many are planning adoption of more conservative codes over time. Decreased energy use will help improve conservation, but how well are energy codes enforced? This paper describes the research method, audit procedure and results, which include a list of the top occurring areas of non-compliance and suggestions to improve compliance enforcement.

• Where Should We Focus Efforts to Improve Building Energy Code Enforcement Rates? Results From a Research Study in Florida

How much energy can you save by retrofitting your lighting and using advanced power strips in your home? Find out in the research publication below, in which 56 all-electric Florida homes were evaluated.

• Measured Retrofit Savings from Efficient Lighting and Smart Power Strips

Oversizing of fixed-capacity (FC) heat pumps and air conditioning systems is understood to reduce space conditioning energy efficiency, and is not permitted or at least severely restricted by various standards, state codes, and programs. FSEC research found, however, that oversizing variable capacity (VC) heat pump systems substantially decreases energy consumption. This paper support right-sizing FC systems, but oversizing VC systems.

• Making the Case for Oversizing Variable-Capacity Heat Pumps

Florida recently implemented a new method for determining utility allowances for low income housing tax credit properties that provide new incentives for energy efficient construction. These incentives have driven one affordable multifamily developer to exceed minimum energy code by 40 percent in new developments since 2011 encompassing over 1,400 residential units in 15 properties. Tenants benefit from enhanced humidity control, comfort and indoor air quality. This paper shows how energy efficiency is making its way into a building sector that has traditionally been hard to reach.

• Incentives for Efficient Multifamily Construction Through Utility Allowance Calculations in Florida

In collaboration with Florida Power & Light (FPL), FSEC is pursuing a phased residential energy-efficiency retrofit program in Florida. This research is to establish annual energy and peak energy reductions from the technologies of two levels of retrofit – shallow and deep, with savings levels at the high end expected to reduce whole-house energy use by 40%.

Energy end-use savings and economic evaluation results from the phased measure packages and single measures are summarized along with lessons learned from a sample of 60 existing, all-electric homes.

• Measured Results of Phased Shallow and Deep Retrofits in Existing Homes