Insulated Vinyl Siding
Vinyl Siding: Insulated vs. Uninsulated
Siding material with a backing made from extruded polystyrene foam that improves insulation value and durability.
Synopsis:
Integrated vinyl siding combines the functionality of siding with the thermal properties of insulation in one assembly. Residential retrofit projects may include replacement of siding for a variety of reasons ranging from damaged existing siding to a desire to improve weather resistance, insulation, and air sealing. Insulated vinyl siding has expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation permanently built into the back of the siding. Insulated vinyl siding offers the homeowner numerous advantages over traditional vinyl siding including such energy benefits as increased exterior wall R-value, decreased thermal bridging, and increased air tightness. Non-energy benefits include potential utilization of recycled content; increased sound attenuation; impact resistance; insect resistance; and customizable aesthetic details such as texture and feel of the siding.
Insulated vinyl siding costs more than conventional vinyl siding and there will be fewer colors and styles to choose from, so the decision to employ insulated vinyl siding rather than conventional siding should be well-informed. Studies have shown that the insulated siding products have an R-value of between R-2.0 and R-2.7. An examination of pre and post-installation utility heating energy use at 5 sites in different climate zones revealed an average savings of 5.5%.
Energy Savings: 6%
Energy Savings Rating: Limited Assessment
What's this?
| Level | Status | Description |
| 1 | Concept not validated | Claims of energy savings may not be credible due to lack of documentation or validation by unbiased experts. |
| 2 | Concept validated: | An unbiased expert has validated efficiency concepts through technical review and calculations based on engineering principles. |
| 3 | Limited assessment | An unbiased expert has measured technology characteristics and factors of energy use through one or more tests in typical applications with a clear baseline. |
| 4 | Extensive assessment | Additional testing in relevant applications and environments has increased knowledge of performance across a broad range of products, applications, and system conditions. |
| 5 | Comprehensive analysis | Results of lab and field tests have been used to develop methods for reliable prediction of performance across the range of intended applications. |
| 6 | Approved measure | Protocols for technology application are established and approved. |
Simple Payback is one tool used to estimate the cost-effectiveness of a proposed investment, such as the investment in an energy efficient technology. Simple payback indicates how many years it will take for the initial investment to "pay itself back." The basic formula for calculating a simple payback is:
Simple Payback = Incremental First Cost / Annual Savings
The Incremental Cost is determined by subtracting the Baseline First Cost from the Measure First Cost.
For New Construction, the Baseline First Cost is the cost to purchase the standard practice technology. The Measure First Cost is the cost of the alternative, more energy efficienct technology. Installation costs are not included, as it is assumed that installation costs are approximately the same for the Baseline and the Emerging Technology.
For Retrofit scenarios, the Baseline First Cost is $0, since the baseline scenario is to leave the existing equipment in place. The Emerging Technology First Cost is the Measure First Cost plus Installation Cost (the cost of the replacement technology, plus the labor cost to install it). Retrofit scenarios generally have a higher First Cost and longer Simple Paybacks than New Construction scenarios.
Simple Paybacks are called "simple" because they do not include details such as the time value of money or inflation, and often do not include operations and maintenance (O&M) costs or end-of-life disposal costs. However, they can still provide a powerful tool for a quick assessment of a proposed measure. These paybacks are rough estimates based upon best available data, and should be treated with caution. For major financial decisions, it is suggested that a full Lifecycle Cost Analysis be performed which includes the unique details of your situation.
The energy savings estimates are based upon an electric rate of $.09/kWh, and are calculated by comparing the range of estimated energy savings to the baseline energy use. For most technologies, this results in "Typical," "Fast" and "Slow" payback estimates, corresponding with the "Typical," "High" and "Low" estimates of energy savings, respectively.