I have a home assessment assignment. This is supposed to be submitted on with absolutely no . I would like to receive this no later than Friday, February 28, 2020, to review. Please follow the rubric exactly. Kindly pay attention to the marks for each section to give you an idea of the work entailed. Serious People only. Also, I will need this in APA 6th ed. format with reference.
Title: Assessing the Energy Efficiency of Residential Homes
Introduction
Energy efficiency is a critical aspect of sustainable development, as it contributes to reducing energy consumption and minimizing environmental impacts. Residential homes represent a significant sector where improvements in energy efficiency can be pursued. This assessment focuses on evaluating the energy efficiency of residential homes, taking into consideration various factors such as insulation, appliances, lighting, and heating systems. The goal is to identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations for enhancing energy performance.
Methods
To assess the energy efficiency of residential homes, a comprehensive approach needs to be adopted. This involves evaluating multiple aspects of the building, such as insulation, appliances, lighting, and heating systems, as well as considering occupant behavior. The following methods are suggested for conducting a thorough assessment:
1. Building Envelope Inspection: Begin by assessing the building envelope, including walls, roof, and windows. Check for any gaps or leaks that may impact insulation and consider the quality and age of the materials used. Analyze the overall thermal performance of the envelope, including U-values, R-values, and other relevant metrics, to determine its effectiveness in preventing heat transfer.
2. Appliance Audit: Evaluate the energy efficiency of appliances present in the residential home, including refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and air conditioners. Use energy labels and ratings to determine the energy consumption of each appliance and compare them to more energy-efficient models available in the market. Assess the age and maintenance condition of the appliances to identify potential opportunities for replacement or improvement.
3. Lighting Assessment: Assess the lighting systems within the residential home. Evaluate the types of light bulbs used and consider switching to more energy-efficient alternatives, such as LED bulbs. Conduct a lighting audit to determine the energy consumption and quality of lighting in different areas of the house.
4. Heating System Evaluation: Evaluate the efficiency of the heating system used in the residential home. Consider the type of heating system (e.g., central heating, individual room heaters) and their energy consumption. Assess the age and maintenance condition of the system, as well as the effectiveness of insulation in retaining heat.
5. Occupant Behavior Analysis: Collect information on the occupant behavior and lifestyle patterns. This can include data on temperature settings, usage patterns of appliances, and hours of lighting usage. Analyze this data to identify areas where energy consumption can be reduced through behavior modifications or adjustments in daily routines.
Results and Recommendations
Based on the assessment, recommendations can be made to enhance the energy efficiency of residential homes. These recommendations can be categorized as follows:
1. Insulation Improvements: Address any insulation gaps or leaks found during the building envelope inspection. Upgrade insulation materials, such as adding more insulation in walls, roofs, and windows, to minimize heat transfer and improve energy efficiency.
2. Appliance Upgrades: Replace old and inefficient appliances with energy-efficient models. Encourage the use of appliances with high energy ratings, such as ENERGY STAR certified products. Promote responsible consumption patterns, such as washing clothes in full loads and using appliances during off-peak hours.
3. Lighting Changes: Replace traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. Encourage the use of natural light during daytime and promote the habit of switching off lights when not in use.
4. Heating System Optimization: Improve the efficiency of the heating system by upgrading to more energy-efficient technologies. Proper insulation and regular maintenance of the heating system should be emphasized.
5. Behavior Modification: Educate occupants on energy-saving practices, such as setting thermostats to appropriate temperatures, turning off appliances when not in use, and using natural ventilation instead of air conditioning whenever possible.
Conclusion
Assessing the energy efficiency of residential homes is a crucial step towards achieving sustainable development goals. By considering the building envelope, appliances, lighting systems, heating systems, and occupant behavior, potential areas for improvement can be identified. This assessment provides recommendations for enhancing energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption in residential homes, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future.