Texas Energy Codes
Dear Sir,
I am writing to ask about the new Texas energy codes impacting the Construction Industry.
As an Architect, I am required now to implement energy efficient design, which I am happy to do.
I care deeply about the state of the Natural Environment and the Human impact.
My question to you, the writers of the new energy code are as follows...
1) Why is it, that spaces in which people work 8 hours a day, are limited in the amount and type of lighting (namely flourescent), while retail spaces may still use large amounts of electricity to show off merchandise, that, to be honest, could care less about the quality of light they have.
2) Why is it that residential builders here in North Texas are allowed to install the entire Air Conditioning/Heating Unit in the unconditioned Attic Space?
Would it not be more prudent to design systems that are encapsulated totally With-In the conditioned space?
My attic typically gets upwards of 150 degrees in the summer and in the 30s in the winter.
(Seems counter intuitive to pump 55 degree air through a 95 degree temperature difference, even with the duct work insulated. Same goes for pushing 100 degree air through 30 degrees)
Research by University faculty have shown that placing the air handler in an interior closet, and by building the house on a perimeter bond beam, a void is created benieth the home into which the conditioned air is pumped and directed into the various rooms through floor vents. Thus eliminating the need for expensive duct work.
This would also mitigate some of the expansive clay soil movement under those same houses, reducing repairs, etc.
Sincerely,
Troubled
I am writing to ask about the new Texas energy codes impacting the Construction Industry.
As an Architect, I am required now to implement energy efficient design, which I am happy to do.
I care deeply about the state of the Natural Environment and the Human impact.
My question to you, the writers of the new energy code are as follows...
1) Why is it, that spaces in which people work 8 hours a day, are limited in the amount and type of lighting (namely flourescent), while retail spaces may still use large amounts of electricity to show off merchandise, that, to be honest, could care less about the quality of light they have.
2) Why is it that residential builders here in North Texas are allowed to install the entire Air Conditioning/Heating Unit in the unconditioned Attic Space?
Would it not be more prudent to design systems that are encapsulated totally With-In the conditioned space?
My attic typically gets upwards of 150 degrees in the summer and in the 30s in the winter.
(Seems counter intuitive to pump 55 degree air through a 95 degree temperature difference, even with the duct work insulated. Same goes for pushing 100 degree air through 30 degrees)
Research by University faculty have shown that placing the air handler in an interior closet, and by building the house on a perimeter bond beam, a void is created benieth the home into which the conditioned air is pumped and directed into the various rooms through floor vents. Thus eliminating the need for expensive duct work.
This would also mitigate some of the expansive clay soil movement under those same houses, reducing repairs, etc.
Sincerely,
Troubled
posted by karlthebunny at 8:16 PM
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