Using building and occupant characteristics to predict residential residual miscellaneous electrical loads: a comparison between an asset label and an occupant-based operational model for homes in Florida

Abstract

Over the past thirty years, the intensity of all major energy-use categories has decreased in the residential market with the exception of residual Miscellaneous Electrical Loads (MELs). MELs include primarily plug loads and some hard wired loads. The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index is the most widely used residential energy rating system in the USA. It provides a home asset label using standardized occupant-dependent behaviour. Standardized occupant behaviour allows for the comparison of other HERS-rated homes, but may not predict actual energy consumption well. This study created the Residual Miscellaneous Electrical Load Model (RMELM) to predict the MEL by regressing an equation from a 12,000 household survey. The RMELM was then tested on 24 existing homes and compared with the MEL model of the HERS index. The RMELM more closely predicted the actual MEL in 71% of the test houses and explained 55% more of the MEL variation.

Keywords:

• residual
• miscellaneous electrical loads
• HERS index
• RESNET
• energy
• residential

Acknowledgement

Special thanks to Jamie Bullivant at Think Tank Energy Products Inc. for providing the Watts Up? Pro ES data loggers used in this study at a substantial discount.