Energy Retrofitting Advanced Technologies in a Hot Climate: Henderson, Nevada
Energy retrofitting of existing homes has received much attention since the energy crisis of the mid-1970’s. Traditional energy saving upgrades have consisted of such measures as caulking, adding insulation and installing double pane replacement windows. In addition, there have been a number of technologies developed that are not yet widely accepted or understood. Many of these technologies have been identified by the PATH program and were considered for the energy retrofit as appropriate with respect to climate and site. Establishing a methodology and understanding technologies used in field evaluation is an important step in accomplishing one of the primary PATH visions to reduce energy use by 30% or more in existing homes.
This study documents a cost-effective approach to existing home energy conservation through technology, rather than sacrificing comfort or convenience. The methodology includes analysis of traditional energy saving techniques in addition to lesser-known PATH technologies. A pre-retrofit analysis was done by characterizing the home, modeling the technologies and evaluating the potential cost effectiveness of the upgrades. After the retrofit was completed, the home was re-characterized and evaluated to assess the actual energy savings and cost-effectiveness of the retrofit.
The Home Innovation Research Labs worked with Bill Asdal, the property owner, to perform this warm climate energy retrofit on existing home in Henderson, Nevada, a southeastern suburb of Las Vegas.
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