Chapter 24 Energy Conservation
397
Construction Techniques
Many energy saving systems involve the
manner in which a house is built. While it is
possible to add some energy saving systems
after a building is completed, it is best to
install them during construction.
There are many different potential conser-
vation factors when building. Choosing the
proper insulation, windows, and roof can all
affect the conservation of energy in heating
and cooling a building.
Insulation
Many of the ways to conserve energy
revolve around the use of insulation. The
best results are obtained if the insulation is
installed as the house is being constructed.
House wrap is a barrier that goes directly
underneath the exterior siding of a home,
Figure 24-6. One of its functions is to act as a
windbreaker. It prevents drafts from entering
the home, which helps save energy and lowers
heating and cooling bills.
Figure 24-5. The fl uid in the coils usually
contains a mixture of antifreeze and water.
Inside the house, the pipes from the coils
connect to a heat exchanger.
In the summer, the fl uid passes through
a heat exchanger where it absorbs heat from
inside the house. The temperature inside the
house might be around 78° F or higher. The
fl uid cools in the ground loop where the
temperature is around 60° F and then returns
to the house. The fl uid then passes through
the heat exchanger where it again absorbs heat
from inside the house. This process repeats
itself during the hot days of summer.
In the winter, the outside temperature
might range from 20° F to 30° F. However, the
temperature deep below the ground is still
around 60° F. The cool fl uid from inside the
house fl ows through the ground loop, picking
up heat. The heated fl uid fl ows to the heat
exchanger where the heat is removed from
the fl uid to heat the inside of the house. This
process repeats itself during the cold winter
days.
Figure 24-5. A geothermal system relies on the constant temperature found deep below the
earth’s surface.
Fluid
in
Summer
Fluid
in
Winter
Fluid out Fluid out
Pump Pump