A Single-Family Home Energy Retrofit Project
This project focuses on retrofitting a single-family home in a low-income neighborhood of San Antonio, Texas, where cooling loads dominate. It highlights the potential of energy retrofits to reduce operational energy use and support climate change mitigation in the residential sector.
Through energy performance simulations using DesignBuilder, various retrofit strategies were analyzed, including the addition of an insulation layer to external walls and roof, external surface color adjustments, high-efficiency cooling-heating and hot water systems.
The final scenario, which combined all effective retrofit measures, achieved a 55% reduction in annual cooling and heating electricity use and a 45% decrease in carbon emissions. Using the Discounted Payback Period (DPP) method, the average payback period was estimated at five years. The project demonstrates how targeted retrofits can enhance thermal comfort, lower energy costs, and reduce environmental impact, offering practical insights for sustainable retrofitting in similar climates.
