Question

On average, superinsulated homes use just 15 percent of the fuel required to heat the same size conventional home built before the energy crisis in the 1970 s. Write an essay on superinsulated homes, and identify the features that make them so energy efficient as well as the problems associated with them. Do you think superinsulated homes will be economically attractive in your area?

Short answer

Evaluate the economic attractiveness of superinsulated homes in your area. Answer: The main features that make superinsulated homes energy-efficient include increased insulation levels in the walls, roof, and floor; airtight construction; triple-glazed windows with low-emissivity coatings; energy-efficient HVAC systems; and the use of solar or renewable energy sources. Possible associated problems include higher upfront construction costs, potential indoor air quality issues, difficulty finding skilled contractors, and aesthetic and architectural considerations. The economic attractiveness of superinsulated homes in my area depends on factors such as local climate, energy costs, potential cost savings, and available incentives for energy-efficient construction. My personal opinion is that superinsulated homes can be a good fit for my area, given the increasing awareness of the importance of energy efficiency and sustainable living.

Step-by-step solution

Introduce superinsulated homes in the essay

Begin the essay by introducing superinsulated homes as an energy-efficient alternative to conventional homes built before the energy crisis in the 1970s. Mention that on average, superinsulated homes use only 15% of the fuel required to heat a conventional home of the same size. Step 2:

Describe the features that make superinsulated homes energy-efficient

In this section, describe the features that contribute to the energy-efficiency of superinsulated homes. Some of these features include: - Increased insulation levels in the walls, roof, and floor, which help to reduce heat loss. - Airtight construction to minimize drafts and infiltration of outdoor air. - Triple-glazed windows with low-emissivity coatings, which help to reduce heat loss through the windows. - Installation of energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. - Use of solar energy or other renewable energy sources to supplement traditional heating and cooling systems. Step 3:

Discuss the problems associated with superinsulated homes

In this section, discuss the challenges or problems that homeowners might face with a superinsulated home. Some of these problems include: - Higher upfront construction costs, as the energy-efficient materials and systems used in superinsulated homes can be more expensive than those in conventional homes. - Potential issues with indoor air quality, as the airtight construction of superinsulated homes can lead to the build-up of moisture, odors, and indoor air pollutants if not properly managed through ventilation. - Possible difficulty in finding contractors skilled in the design and construction of superinsulated homes, as this type of construction may be less common in some areas. - Aesthetics and architectural considerations, as superinsulated homes may differ in appearance from conventional homes due to their unique design requirements. Step 4:

Evaluate the economic attractiveness of superinsulated homes in the student's area

In this section, discuss whether superinsulated homes would be economically attractive in the student's area. Consider factors such as the local climate, energy costs, potential cost savings from reduced fuel use, and any available incentives or rebates for energy-efficient construction. Conclude this section with the student's personal opinion on whether they believe superinsulated homes would be a good fit for their area.