Detailed Analysis of the Thermal Mass Credits in a Code-Traceable DOE-2 Simulation of the 2001 IECC for a Single-Family Residence in Texas

This paper presents the results of a study that investigates the thermal mass credits in the 2001 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) (ICC 1999, 2001) for a single-family residence in Texas using the DOE-2 building energy simulation program. In this analysis seven different wall types were simulated, and each wall type was matched to the recommended overall Uvalue of a lightweight wall that meets the prescriptive specifications of the 2001 IECC. This paper presents an analysis of the total annual cooling and heating energy use for wall types with varying thermal mass, and thermostat settings, as well as recommendations concerning the most energy-efficient wall type, and includes input specification methods using the DOE-2 program.