Civil Engineering Faculty Publications
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
8-27-2026
Abstract
Heatwaves have become increasingly intense and frequent in recent years. As a result, residents are forced to rely on air-conditioning systems, a major contributor to high energy consumption. South Texas is one of the regions that has been affected by historically extreme heat. This paper explores the challenges this region has faced due to heatwaves and the strategies adopted to mitigate their effects. It investigates the use of cooling technologies, energy-related habits, and investment in home construction to reduce indoor heat and manage electricity bills. A literature review is performed to help identify relevant factors related to maximizing energy efficiency. Additionally, a survey is conducted to collect and analyze data on how heatwaves have affected residents economically, socially, and in terms of health, as well as the behaviors and measures they have taken. The findings suggest that while residents employ behavioral measures and energy-efficient retrofits, building materials can influence electricity costs. Overall, the results highlight the need to combine building improvements with behavioral adaptations to enhance resilience and reduce energy consumption in heat-prone regions.
Recommended Citation
Castan, Rosa A., and Gasser G. Ali. "Residential Cooling Energy Efficiency during Heatwaves in South Texas." In Construction Research Congress 2026, pp. 95-105. https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784487006.010
First Page
95
Publication Title
Construction Research Congress 2026 Advanced Technologies Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics in Construction Selected Papers from Construction Research Congress 2026
Streaming Media
DOI
10.1061/9780784487006.010
Comments
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