Energy Efficiency Experts

Climate Zones

Here in San Diego Most of us live in Climate zones 7 and 10. The county also has climate zones 14 and 15 the dessert and mountain areas. I have samples posted to demonstrate how modeling works and can be effected by climate zone. It can also impact rebates. I have samples of reports that will demonstrate the difference.

I have modeled a house using Energy Pro. The house is identical in every way. It is the same model and feature and has been place in two different climate zones.

I have labeled them Escondido and San Diego.

The model consists of a 1600 square foot home with single glazed windows and no insulation in the walls and R 11 in the attic. A 200 square foot cathedral ceiling There a leaky duct system and a leaky envelope.

Each home is upgraded with new ducting, improved insulation in roof and walls, new windows and envelope sealing. Each estimated cost is 11,729 (this is not an estimate simply an example)

Our San Diego home has an existing HERS score of 171 and after improvements a score of 108 for a 37% improvement on the HERS scale

Our Escondido home has an existing HERS score of 204 and after improvements a score of 116 for a 43% improvement on the HERS scale

With the ECON 2 residential performance report that will be used with Energy Upgrade California we see a 25.8 percent improvement in the San Diego home and a 32.7% improvement on the Escondido home.

As we can see climate zone will impact a report by more than 6% for the same home. Location has a significant impact on energy modeling reports.