LAUSR

This study aims to narrow the gap between predicted and actual energy performance in buildings. Predictive models were established that relate the electric consumption by HVAC systems to maintain certain indoor environmental conditions in variable weather to the type of facade. The models were developed using data gathered from test cells with adiabatic envelopes on all but the facade to be tested. Three facade types were studied. The first, the standard solution, consisted in a double wythe brick wall with an intermediate air space, the configuration most commonly deployed in multi-family dwellings built in Spain between 1940 and 1980 (prior to the enactment of the first building codes that limited overall energy demand in buildings). The other two were retrofits frequently found in such buildings: ventilated facades and ETICS (external thermal insulation composite systems). Two predictive models were designed for each type of facade, one for summer and the other for winter. The linear regression equations and the main statistical parameters are reported.