Electric co-heating tests on two single-family homes with forced-air heating systems were carried out in March 1995. The goal of these tests was to evaluate procedures being considered for incorporation in a standard method of test for thermal distribution system efficiency being developed by ASHRAE. Thermal distribution systems are the ductwork, piping, or other means used to transport heat or cooling effect from the building equipment that produces this thermal energy to the spaces in which it is used. Furthering the project goal, the first objective of the tests was to evaluate electric co-heating as a means of measuring system efficiency. The second objective was to investigate procedures for obtaining the distribution efficiency using system efficiency as a base. Distribution efficiencies of 0.63 and 0.70 were obtained for the two houses.

KEYWORDS: year 1996, testing, housing, heating, warm air heating, calculating, thermal resistance, USA, basements, temperature, room temperature, heat load, energy consumption, measuring, heat loss, accuracy, site testing