Implementation--ASHRAE standard 90-75. Final report

Based on a study of meteorological conditions in New Mexico, the state was divided into 11 climatic zones, and building wall design conditions were determined for each zone. Using the concept of an Effective U Value, defined as the average heat transfer rate through a wall over an extended time, e.g., an entire season, 26 different wall types with various window combinations and color tones were designated as acceptable by ASHRAE Standard 90-75 building code. Also, 26 houses in the Albuquerque area were surveyed for actual energy consumption and computed energy use using both traditional and the Effective U Value computing methods. Calculations by the Effective U Value method were much closer to measured energy consumption. New Mexico has adopted an Energy Conservation Building Code and use of Effective U Values to determine whether wall constructions are in compliance with the code have promoted the code's implementation. (LCL)