The idea of conserving energy is a multifacited game of minimizing the heat transfer from someplace hot to somplace cold. how to accomplish this can be first studied by looking at the Thermos Bottle.

Heat Losses in a Building.

Thermal Insulation Chapter 5

20% of energy consumed in the U.S. is used for space heating.

Recall the Cathedral in Bath England

Effect of Thermal Insulation. Limit Conductive Heat Losses

Q/t = [kA(T2-T1)]/L

  • Q/t = Heat Loss (or Gain during Summer)
  • K = Conductivity
  • A = Surface Area
  • (T2-T1) = Temperature Difference between inside and outside
  • L= thickness of material.

Low e Windows: Home Energy Magazine Online

Energy Conservation Basics Energy Conservation: Heating and Insulation

Insulation Information Click on Energy, then insulation. Also click on information regarding energy issues. For example, what is a ZEH?

Degree Days

Degree Days Article (U.S.News)

  • Unit Degree Day (650F - Average Outside Temperature) Each Day

R-value

R=L/k The thickness of the material divided by its conductivity.

R values for a wall made up of different materials add together.

RT=R1+R2+R3+...

Q=(A*(T2-T1)*t)/RT

For heat needs in an entire season

Q=(A*(Number of Annual Degree Days)*(24Hours/Day))/RT

History of Heating Degree Days Eugene Oregon

Air Infiltration ( Seal The Air Leaks)

  • Caulking
  • Automatic Closing of the furnace flue
  • Glass fireplace doors
  • Health effects
    • Increased Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide
    • Radon Gas

Water Heaters

  • Use 10% to 20% of the energy in a typical home.
  • Water Has A high specific heat, therefore it takes allot of energy to raise its temperature.
  • Save Energy by:
    • Lowering Temperature
    • Insulating exterior and hot water pipes
    • Reduce usage: Water saving devices
    • Electric Igniters
    • Flue damper

Clothes dryer can use 15% of the electrical energy in a house

  • Use Outside or indoors drying methods
  • Use a gas dryer

Food Prep : Stove

  • Small well insulated ovens are move efficient
  • Waste heat goes into the house in the winter, adds to heating. Bake your own bread in the Winter

Lighting

  • 5% of the Total energy Usage goes to Lighting
  • Change to energy efficient Fluorescent Bulbs
  • Design for maximum light for daytime

The Energy conserving House

  • California Example: A $2700 investment reduced usage by a factor of 3.
  • In Oregon EWEB: Energy Buy Back Program: Pay for Insulation upgrades to older homes.

 Can paint reduce heat loss? According to Hy Tech paints. We need to design an experiment to see if it really does somethng...