This paper presents a thermal and economical analysis of the optimum insulation level of the energy-efficient houses in Montreal. The analysis was performed by com puter simulation and took into consideration factors such as: size, orientation, window-to-wall ratio, infiltration and ventilation rates, initial cost of insulation, ac tual price of fuel or escalation cost of energy. The main conclusion is that lower ther mal insulation levels than those usually recommended, are economically justified for energy-efficient houses in Montreal. Moreover, as the optimum insulation level de pends on the material cost, the design recommendations should mention the type of insulation.
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