The framed constructed houses have a higher R rating in the walls than the concrete block houses (nominally R-11 vs. R-5) but it probably doesn't make a significant difference in the HVAC costs. Typically, windows account for most of the heat gain/heat loss in Manual J calculations and those are essentially the same for both types of construction. Attic insulation is the same. You could possibly make the case that the concrete block houses are "tighter" and will save some energy via less outside air exchanges but that would be speculation. I have also noticed that same sized framed and block houses have the same tonnage of AC so the required heat load calculations came out very similar.
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Originally Posted by birdiebill
We are spending the month of May at The Villages. As we look around for a home style and price range that suits us, there are many factors to consider---location, new or pre-owned, type of construction, size, floor plan, number of bedrooms, etc. When deciding on type of construction, many factors come into play, but which are more energy efficient? The frame construction or the block/cement construction?
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