Power Generation

US research project aims to improve home efficiency by half

A research project at a US national laboratory is undertaking a series of energy retrofits on selected homes to improve efficiency by 30-50%.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is receiving $1.4 million from the Department of Energy’s Building America Program, as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, to support the project.

The retrofits will be carried out on at least ten homes using the latest in energy efficiency materials and technologies and will cost around $10 per square foot. Although participating home owners will have to cover the costs themselves, the researchers say they will be recouped within in ten years through energy bill savings.

“Deep retrofit is a fairly expensive upfront proposition, but can be one of the best investments available to many homeowners,” says lead researcher Jeff Christian.

Typical measures that will be used include replacement energy efficient windows, heating and cooling systems, new appliances and solar panels.

“We’re hoping that this demonstration stimulates enough interest among members of the public that it will become self-sustaining,” says Christian.

For further information:
www.ornl.gov/

27 November 2009

Back