RESFEN: A Residential Fenestration Performance Design

This paper describes the development of a prototype PC-based computer program called RESFEN. The program calculates the heating and cooling energy performance and costs of residential fenestration systems. Regression analysis of a data base of DOE-2 building energy simulations of single- and two-story residential buildings was used to develop algebraic expressions that form the basis of the calculation procedure. The user can vary geographic location, electricity and gas cost, infiltration and internal load levels, HVAC and wall type as well as window size, U-value, and shading coefficient for the four cardinal orientations of north, east, south, and west. Incremental changes in energy use due to obstructions, overhangs, and interior shades can also be calculated.