Sensitivity of residential heating energy to building envelope thermal conductance

A two-storey house with basement was modelled using the ENCORE computer program and the climatic conditions of 10 locations in Canada and four different levels of insulation. A direct correlation was found between the above-grade envelope thermal conductance and energy consumption. This correlation could not be reproduced using modified degree-day or variable degree-day heat loss calculations. Modifications to these calculations that would be required to reflect the correlation are discussed.