Ventilating Residences and their Attics for Energy Conservation; LOCATION = North America;

Three identical houses in Houston, Texas were extensively instrumented for measuring their air conditioner energy consumption and ceiling and duct heat-gain rates. Comparative tests were conducted to investigate differences in house performance due to increased attic ventilation. The performances of a roof-mounted power ventilator, a ridge vent, and wind-driven turbines were compared to the performance of soffit venting meeting the requirements of the HUD Minimum Property Standards. The effect of various attic ventilation techniques on the indoor-comfort condition was also investigated. Separate tests were conducted to investigate the effect of whole house ventilation of the cooling energy requirement and the indoor comfort condition.