Presenter: Dr.Nick Safai
Authors: Daniel Green, Nick Safai
Faculty Advisor: DrNick Safai
Institution: Salt Lake Community College
I believe we can build homes better. If we insulate and seal better, use more efficient equipment, and take advantage of solar. If we update the way we build presently we could off-set energy bills completely. Closed cell insulation not only offers more R value, it also seals penetrations, it will add sheer value to the structure. A better sealed home not only makes it cheaper but reduces cold-spots. With new VFR HVAC equipment you can transfer heat around the home. It will help lower energy use in the community. Combine this with solar and depending on the region owners will see much benefit. The average person could reach a net zero efficiency. Making the change could make the energy demands of today a thing of the past without having to build infrastructure. In my paper I ‘ll explain and show that for the most part integration would be easy. Layering the walls with closed cell would just replace batting. Adoption of heat pumps will be harder. Heat pump are slowing gain ground in the states. And with solar it would be best to have it build ready for solar. Retro fit can at times create a challenge. As the housing demand continues to skyrocket let's make a change today that will require energy for future generations. In order to coexist with this planet, we must change.