Paper presented at ASHRAE Technical Symposium
Date: June, 1997
Prepared by: John Proctor, P.E., Proctor Engineering Group
The investigation found that newly constructed homes in Phoenix have substantial deficiencies in their air conditioning systems, similar to those found in studies from other parts of the country. Improvements can be made to provide lower energy usage and reduced peak electrical demand while improving occupant comfort and satisfaction. Significant problems were found. Air flow across the inside coil averaged 15% below specification and only 18% of the units were correctly charged. New homes in this sample were very air tight with up to 82% that may not meet ASHRAE ventilation standards with the windows closed. The measured supply duct leakage averaged 9% of the air handler flow.
Return leakage was less on the average at 5% of flow. Four systems with platform returns had very high return leakage. These results are supported by extensive information gathered in this project as well as data from projects in other climates.
This full presentation is available from
A.S.H.R.A.E.
