Title: Thermostat down and fuel consumption up: a paradox explained
Abstract: Fuel consumption in residential heating at various thermostat settings has been widely considered. In an article by Nelson, ASHRAE Journal, August 1973, it was shown that for a warm-air-heated house, 5F and 10F temperature night set backs (reference daytime thermostat set point was simulated at 75F for 8 hours) reduce fuel consumption by an average of 9 to 15 percent, depending on the geographic location. Experimental studies conducted by the authors of this article in two Connecticut hot-water-heated houses yielded similar results for an 8F setback over an 8-hour period. However, it was found that a 4F setback for 8 hours overnight (reference temperature 68F) resulted in no savings. This paper offers a conceptual model to explain this paradox. (MCW)
Publication Year: 1977
Publication Date: 1977-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 2
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