A Case for Savings

Energy Savings Modeling

Studies and modeling illustrate how spray foam insulation can help reduce heating and cooling cost

Summary: A modeling study was developed to calculate and compare the heating and cooling costs of a large and medium size hom. For each size home, the energy usage of a basic code-compliant design; a design that used spray foam insulation instead of traditional insulation; and a design that uses spray foam insulation and other responsible building materials, in this instance good windows and doors, are compared. HVAC systems and utility pricing remained consistent across all models. REM/RATE software, which complies with National Home Energy Rating Standards as promulgated by Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), was used to measure the energy savings. The homes that only installed spray foam insulation experienced 26.3% -45. 9% annual energy savings compared to the base model, while those that contain spray foam insulation and the improved windows and doors received 45.8% -51.4% annual savings compared to the base model.