RECONNAISSANCE, ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN OF BUILDING SITE, FORM AND ORGANIZATION
M.A. Apartment
This family apartment belongs to the Shehu family of four. It is situated on the 11th floor (the top floor) of RR. Saracve Street. The apartment is single-level, featuring two bedrooms, a kitchen, a combined living and dining room, and one restroom. On the northwest side, it borders a neighboring 12-story building, while on the southeast side, it connects to the rest of the building
Tirana falls within Climate Zone 3C (Warm Marine Climate), characterized by long, hot, and dry summers, with temperatures reaching up to 41°C. Each year, rising temperatures highlight the growing need for strategies to mitigate heat gain during the summer months. Shading plays a crucial role in this situation, requiring vertical shading on the east and west sides and horizontal shading on the south.
In August, the hottest month, Tirana experiences extreme heat stress during midday, while nights remain comfortable conditions.During spring, there is no significant thermal stress. However, by the end of the season, thermal stress becomes noticeable during midday. During winter, temperatures can occasionally drop as low as -8°C, though this is rare and typically lasts only a few days. Most winters in Tirana are mild and wet.
Tirana experiences more then 240 sunny days annually, implementing effective shading strategies is essential.
The prevailing winds during winter come from southeast and during summer from north-west. Taking in consideration the overall climate of tirana, wind becomes an liability during winter and an asset for summer time.
Relative Humidity
The relative humidity in Tirana fluctuates with the time of day. The early mornings and late evenings have a high relative humdity, leaving the the mid-day timeframe within a comfortable range.
Diurnal Swing
Due to its location, Tirana experiences a large diurnal swing between day and night temperatures with the temperature going up to 41C during the day in August but falling down to 20C during the evening. The flucation in temperatures creates an oppurtunity for passive control through the use of materials with high thermal masses.
Solar Exposure
Due to warm summer conditions, the exposure to direct solar heat gain is very high. Strategies to mitigate excessive heat gain can using large overhangs along the southern facade and using vertical shading along the east and western facade. A large focus should be placed on the western facade as the sun intensity during the hours before sunset is very high.
Psychometric Chart
The psychometric chart depicts the natural comfort zone as a small period of time but strategies like high thermal mass and solar shading can be used to maximize the comfort range during the summer. Cross ventilation creates opportunity for passive cooling.
Shadow Analysis
Summer Solstice, June 21
9am-12pm-3pm
During the summertime, the sun becomes more intense as its altitude increases. Only a small portion of the roof facing northwest remains shaded. Given the high temperatures Tirana experiences in summer, new strategies are needed to increase shaded areas, such as incorporating a green roof or reflective roofing solutions. The apartment’s current shading devices are highly efficient, as they are adjustable. They can be closed in the summer to block sunlight from entering indoor spaces and opened in the winter to allow sunlight to reach inside.
Wind Conditions
Wind Speed: Maximum 8mph- Fresh Breze
Direction: The summer prevailing wind direction is from northwest. The wind during summer time is an asset in Tirana, given the high temperatures. However, the apartment has openings only on the west facade wich creates a problem in receiving wind during this season. also the building located on the north-west prevents the winds to reach the apartment. 9:00 am 12:00 pm 3:00 pm
Shadow Analysis
Winter Solstice, December 21
9am-12pm-3pm
Due to the building’s location, the apartment receives sunlight from noon until sunset during the winter months. However, the two neighboring buildings to the southeast and northwest block sunlight from reaching the apartment earlier in the day. The southwest part of the roof receives the most sunlight, making it ideal for an outdoor space and helping to warm the roof, which can positively affect indoor thermal comfort.
Wind Conditions
Wind Speed: Maximum 8mph- Fresh Breze
Direction: The winter prevailing wind direction is from southeast. The wind during Winter time is a liability for the climate of Tirana. The building located next to the apartment on the south east direction, serves as a shield from the winters wind, which can have a positive impact on preventing the wind to effect the comfort of the indoor spaces. 9:00 am 12:00 pm 3:00 pm
Indoor Sun Penetration Analysis
Summer Solstice, June 21
9am-12pm-3pm
During summer time, the apartment receives sunlight starting from after noon until sunset. the buildings orinetation, facing Southwest have a negative impact in thermal comfort of indoor spaces. Tirana Experiences hot summer days, this is why we need to avoid direct sunlight during these hours, as it contributes to higher indoor temperatures. The analysis reveals that the balcony, kitchen, living room, and Bedroom 1 receive the most light, while Bedroom 2 receives the least.
Indoor Sun Penetration Analysis
Winter Solstice, December 21
9am-12pm-3pm
During winter time, the apartment receives shade from morning until noon. This is a liability considering the climate of Tirana, as temperatures get cold in winter, and the absence of sunlight will reduce the thermal comfort of the indoor spaces. From noon until sunset, the living room receives the most light, whereas Bedroom 1 receives the least sunlight because the building to the south blocks the sunlight. The corridor does not receive natural sunlight, as it is a closed space without any windows.
Taking in consideration tiranas hot, long summer with temperatures reaching high up to 41C.
During winter, Tirana can experience temperatures as low as -6C. for this reason directing sun to indoor spaces, and temperatures becomes very important. flexible shading devices are suggested to bllock sun during hot summer time, and allow sun to indoor spaces during winter.
The apartment faces only southwest, and there are no possibilities to rearrange the spaces, as it is connected to two other buildings on south east and north west. This table presents the optimal hypothetical arrangement of spaces based on their usage and specific requirements.
The apartment’s layout offers no flexibility for rearranging the interior spaces. The most frequently used and important areas for this family are the living and dining room, balcony, and kitchen, as these are the primary gathering spaces. The kitchen presents a challenge, as its thermal resistance is low, leading to uncomfortable temperatures, too cold in winter and the chance of overheating in summer. However, the client prefers to keep the kitchen in its current location to enjoy the views, avoid food aromas spreading indoors, and maintain its connection to the balcony. Given that Tirana experiences warm temperatures and over 250 sunny days per year, this setup serves as a welcoming space for family gatherings.
For these reasons, no interior changes will be made; instead, the focus will be on redesigning the roof
The roof is situated above the 11th floor and is shared between the two families living on that level. The south-facing section of the roof enjoys more favorable sunlight conditions, receiving morning sun while shielding against the harsher western sun. which is an asset considering Tirana’s hot and prolonged summer months.
However, despite plans to redesign the entire roof, this project will focus on the section owned by the Shehu family, which faces west. From the solar window diagram, it is evident that the roof receives sunlight throughout the day during the summer, with shade only occurring on this specific part of the roof from 7:00 to 9:00 AM.
Based on the data, this area presents significant potential to create an outdoor environment for the family. Nevertheless, the diagram highlights the need for additional shading on this section of the roof during summer, as temperatures can reach up to 43°C.
Latitude: 41°19’56”N
Longtitude: 19°49’22”E
The roof belongs to the two families living on the 11th floor. The redesign approach considers the entire roof, aiming to increase social interaction between neighbors
This spot provides a stunning view of the Dajti Mountains, offering the family a perfect place to sit and enjoy the scenery. Giving an “escape” from the loud city.
The trees are placed on the northwest side of the roof to increase shade during the summer, creaing a comfortable outdoor setup and also helping to lower indoor temperatures. Additionally, the trees can filter air from the BBQ areas located on both sides of the roof, ensuring that smells are not an issue for neighbors living on higher floors
Tirana experiences more than 250 sunny days, making it a good oportunity to use solar panels that will reduce the eletricity cost of the family and as a more sustainable approach.
These areas, designed as gathering spaces, will have a structure to support and guide grapevines. These are deciduous plants that will cast shade on this part of the roof from spring through fall. This shade is essential in these areas during the summer to reduce the roof’s heat gain. The plants are lightweight, making them a good option for rooftop greenery. In winter, the leaves will fall, allowing sunlight to reach the roof and provide warmth to indoor spaces.
Summer
9:00 am 12:00 pm 3:00 pm
In the summer, following the redesign, many areas receive direct sunlight in the mornings, allowing the owners to fully enjoy the warmth of the morning sun.
At midday, when the sun is at its peak, the space provides comfortable areas shaded by the grapevines.
In the afternoon, the trees planted on the west will cast shadows, creating cooler seating areas. Since only half of the roof is shaded during this time, the owners can choose whether to relax under the tree shade or enjoy the warmth of the sun.
Winter
9:00 am 3:00 pm
12:00 pm
During winter, sun exposure is maximized. All the trees included in this proposal are deciduous, which helps reduce sun exposure in the summer while increasing it in the winter.
Part_ 3
Building Heat Loss Calculations
This section focuses on calculating the U-values of the building envelope and identifying sources of heat loss. It provides a detailed analysis of the building’s insulation and highlights areas that require improvement.
This section identifies the primary energy consumption loads for the Shehu family’s apartment unit.
48315-48635
HEATING
Heating: Building Load Coefficient
1. UA total for house (BTU/h oF) 432.6 x 24 = 10,382 building load coefficient (BTU/day oF)
2. DD base 65oF. Look up monthly DD at that base or calculate (new DD base– ave temp/month) x days month
Heating fuel type 1 Electric
3B. heating system efficiency 280% ( te current heat pumps HITACHI RAK-60RPE / RAC-60NPE 24,000 and RAK-50REF / RAC-50WEF 18,000 btu belong to a A++ class which shows a very high energy effciency)
4. $0.1/kwh
Based on the values, we can notice that January is the month with the highest heating costs because it is also the coldest month with the greatest HDD. Because of the warm temperature the city experiences from Jun to September, the heating costs are set to $0.
Passive house = 1 watt house (per sqmeter and hdd metric) = 0.8 Btu/sqft/hdd
Best new homes: 2 Btu/SqFt-HDD
ENERGY STAR® homes: 5 Btu/SqFt-HDD
low usage existing homes: 7 Btu/SqFt-HDD
medium usage existing homes: 11 Btu/ SqFt-HDD
high usage existing homes: 15 Btu/ SqFt-HDD
DOMESTIC HOT WATER
Gallons of hot water 1232.8/month
DHW Fuel type _Electric
Tessy: Electric Water Heater
As shown on the graphs, the family uses hot water mostly for showering which accounts 47.11%% of the overall consumption. followed by Clothes washing machine with 45.43 %. Based on this results, new improvement have to be considered to lower the loads especially from showering and clothes washing.
Hot Water Loads and Bills
During the summer months, from June to August, the family moves to the coast and spends fewer days at their home compared to other months. For this reason, the hot water usage drops to 1,000 gallons per month.
COOLING
General Information
7. Monthly CDD or cooling hours/month (variable by month)
Equipment SEER rating = 20 BTU/wh
Unit Capacity 24000+18000 BTUh= 42000 BTUh
8. Cooling system demand factor in kwh/CDD 2.1 = unit capacity in BTU/hr divided by (SEER in BTU/wh x 1000 wh/kwh)
The CDD values are multiplied by 0.7 because, during the summer, the occupants travel, resulting in days when cooling is not used. Additionally, the equipment they use is an air conditioner, which provides the flexibility of zone cooling. During the summer, the owners prefer to spend most of their evenings on their balcony, which helps reduce cooling loads.
The family uses cooling for four months of the year. Albania experiences hot and dry summers, with temperatures rising above 104°F, making cooling a very important factor. The family is using a high efficiency AC with a seer rating 20 which contributes to the low monthly bills for cooling.
LIGHTING
All lighting in the apartment is LED, which plays a significant role in keeping monthly costs low.
Appliances account for a significant portion of this household’s annual energy consumption, with refrigerators being the primary contributors. Notably, Refrigerator Two, which is outdated and not energy-efficient, consumes the most energy. To reduce annual energy consumption, it is strongly recommended that the household invest in new, energy-efficient appliances.
Car 2 6,000 miles/year / 24 mpg = 250 gallons X 0.125 mmbtu/gallon = 31 mmbtu
663 Total gallons
82Total mmbtu
14. Total mmbtu 82/ 12 months= 6.8 mmbtu
15. Average $/gallon $5.99/ 0.125 mmbtu/gallon = 47.92 $/mmbtu
This family owns two cars: a 2006 Toyota Corolla and a 2021 Mercedes C-Class, driving a combined total of 18,000 miles annually. With fuel prices in Albania at $5.99 per gallon, their yearly fuel expense amounts to $3,919. To reduce these costs, it is highly recommended that the family replace the older 2006 model, which has high fuel consumption, with a new electric vehicle. Since the family has private parking, charging an electric car would be both convenient and practical.
The Site EUI of the house
TOTAL MONTHLY ELECTRIC USE (EXCLUDING CARS)
This column shows the actual electricity bills that the owners paid for each month over a year.
There is a 4% difference between the manually calculated electricity usage and the actual bills. This difference can be attributed to several factors. For instance, during holidays, the family often hosts guests, which increases appliance usage and contributes to higher costs. Additionally, the family occasionally utilizes zoning for heating and cooling, which can reduce overall heating and cooling expenses.
Based on the calculations, hot water accounts for the largest share of total electricity usage,with 36% of the overall consumption. This is followed by appliances at 29% and heating at 19%. These values highlight the need for a more energy-efficient water heater to help reduce annual costs. Among appliances, the refrigerator and oven contribute the most to electricity expenses, indicating a need to replace them with more energy-efficient models. For heating loads, infiltration was identified as the biggest contributor to increased monthly costs suggesting that iplementing new strategies to reduce infiltration rates is essential.
10 RETROFITS STRATEGIES
1-Replacement of Heating Equipment. Based on usage of the monthly gallons of hot water that the owners are using per month, it is recommend to replace the existing water heater equipment with a higher-efficiency model to significantly lower annual hot water costs.
2-Installing Smart Water Monitoring Technologies. Implementing smart systems to track water usage and identify high-consumption patterns can help owners become more aware of their water use, encouraging them to reduce their overall consumption.
3-Low flow fixtures. Data shows that showering accounts for 47.11% of the monthly hot water usage. To reduce water consumption per shower, it is recommended to replace the existing showerhead with a low-flow model.
4-New refrigerators. ppliances account for the second-largest electricity usage, with refrigerators consuming 54% of this energy. Replacing the current refrigerators with more energy-efficient models is recommended to reduce the household’s overall electricity consumption.
5-Replacement of th oven. The oven accounts for 22% of the energy consumption within the appliances category. Considering the current oven uses an average of 2,200 watts, replacing it with a more energy-efficient model is recommended to reduce its energy usage.
6-New Dishwasher. The current dishwasher consumes an average of 1,400 watts per use. Replacing it with an ENERGY STAR-certified model, which uses less water and energy, will significantly reduce the annual electricity consumption for this house.
7-Sealing air leaks. Based on the calculations from Assignment 3.2, infiltration accounts for 50% of the heat loss. This high value is because the kitchen is surrounded by windows that have been used for nearly 20 years. Noticeable air leaks in the window frames further contribute to the issue. Implementing weatherstripping for the operable windows and caulking the fixed ones is a cost-effective and efficient solution to reduce heat loss and improve the home’s overall energy performance.
8- Solar Panels. Tirana, Albania, enjoys over 250 sunny days per year, making it an ideal location for installing solar panels. Additionally, since the house is located on the top floor and the owners also have ownership of the roof, this retrofit is highly practical and perfectly suited for their property.
9-Green roofs. Adding greenery to the roof will increase shading on its surface, particularly during the summer months. This will significantly enhance indoor comfort by reducing heat gain, ultimately lowering the usage of air conditioning and decreasing energy consumption.
10- Replacement of the Windows. The windows, covering 231.2 square feet of the house, are a significant source of air leaks. The current single-pane, sheet metal frame windows have a low R-value, making them inefficient at retaining heat. Replacing them with double-layered windows with a higher R-value is proposed to reduce infiltration and heating loads. However, this strategy is ranked at number 10 due to its high cost compared to other effective and more affordable solutions like weatherstripping and caulking. Additionally, based on the data of manual calculation of the energy use, prioritizing other strategies may have a more significant reduction in overall electricity usage.
Annual Loads
Based on data collected from RemRate, domestic hot water (DHW) accounts for the highest annual energy usage at 14.2 mmBtu (53%), followed by lighting and appliances at 8.3 mmBtu (31%). However, there is a discrepancy between the data from manual calculations and the RemRate model for these categories. In the manual calculations, DHW usage is lower, while heating is 1.7 mmBtu higher compared to the RemRate model.
*It is important to note that the house has generally low energy consumption rates, meaning even small numerical differences can result in relatively high percentage variations.
The overall difference in annual energy usage between the two methods is 6%.
Annual Costs
From the data, it is evident that domestic hot water (DHW) accounts for the highest annual energy cost in both the RemRate model and manual calculations.
Overall, the total annual costs calculated manually differ by only 1% from those obtained using the RemRate model.
Both analyses highlight the need to implement strategies to reduce the annual costs associated with DHW and appliances.
Heating
In both calculations, infiltration represents the largest portion of the overall annual heating, accounting for 8 mmBtu in the manual calculation and 6 mmBtu in the RemRate model.
It is worth noting that the largest discrepancy occurs in the wall category, with a difference of 2 mmBtu. Due to the relatively low values, this translates to a percentage difference of (-138%).
The total difference between the two models is minimal, with the RemRate model showing 1 mmBtu less than the manual calculations.
These values are relatively low because the building is a small apartment unit.
Codes Summary
Based on the data from the RemRate model, this apartment unit does not meet the IECC 2018 requirements, falling short by 28.4%.
The largest gap in meeting the IECC standards is in the Windows and Doors category. This apartment faces southwest and is located in a climate with very hot, dry summers and winters where temperatures can drop as low as -7°C. Windows significantly influence heat gain and loss due to their extensive coverage on the southwest-facing façade. The current windows of this house, are not performing very well, because they have been used for more than 20 years. Visualy inspected, there is a high inflitration rate coming from windows. To meet the IECC requirements, new strategies to improve window performance are necessary.
The ceiling, with a U-value of 0.02, meets the IECC 2018 requirements.
However, the Above-Grade Walls fail to comply, with a 6% difference compared to the code requirements. The current U-value of 0.1 indicates the need for additional insulation to reduce heat transfer and improve wall performance to meet IECC standards.
This apartment unit has an inflitration level above 3 which does not meet the requirements of IECC 2018.
Retrofit Action - Changing the water Heater
Product Information
Tesy 80 L ModEco Cloud
Quantify the Benefits
The Tesy model provides superior energy efficiency, justifying its $620 price tag. Additionally, it features a faster heating system compared to the Ariston model. Considering that water heating is one of the largest contributors to annual energy consumption, the Tesy model stands out as the best choice.
Cost-Benefit
Analysis
• New water Heater Price : $490
• • Regular Water Heater Price: $300
•
• Total Material Cost for retrofit: $320
• • Labour cost: -
• • Total Cost: $190
Payback Time: (cost/savings) $190 / $165 = 1 year and 1 month
• The current washing machine is situated on the small balcony of the house, where space is very limited. This model fits perfectly within the available area.
• Among the many features That the Electrolux model offers, the stacking capability is particularly beneficial for the house. The owners currently do not have a dryer, and since the balcony space is very limited, this feature will make it possible to add a dryer without requiring extra room.
Quantify the Benefits
Old Clothwasher: -30 Galons per use -1200 wat -Efficiency: Standard
New Clothwasher: -15 Galons per use
-0.29 kwh per use
-Efficiency: Energy Star
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Cost Anaysis
• Product price: $820
• Calculate cost differential Standard Cloth Washer price: $500
• 820-500=$320
• Units Needed: 1
• Installation cos: - (included in the price)
• Total: $320
Benefit Analysis
• Annual $ Savings: $106
• Annual mmBTU: 0.7
Payback Time:
$320 / $ 90 = 3.5 years( 42 months)
Retrofit Action - Low flow fixtures.
Kohler K-72418-H Features
Awaken G-Series shower head features a contemporary design
Advanced spray engine provides three alternate experiences: wide coverage, intense drenching, and targeted spray
Simple thumb tab allows for a smooth transition between sprays
Spray nozzles cover full area of sprayhead
1.5 GPM (gallons per minute) shower head flow rate
1/2" NPT connection
Wall-mount installation
Kohler finishes resist corrosion and tarnishing
Quanity: 1
Cost: $28
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Cost Anaysis
• Product cost $28
• Installation: $30 (The existing shower head requires proffesional assistance to be removed)
• Total Cost= $26 + $30= $58
• From assignment 3 and 4 it is noticed that showering accounts for 65% of the monthly hot water usage. To reduce water consumption per shower, it is recommended to replace the existing showerhead with a low-flow model.
Quantify the Benefits
Existing water usage for shower
GPM estimates : 2.2 GPM
8min x 2.2 = 17.6 gallons/use x 11 shower per week= 193.6 Gallons
New water usage with water efficient showerhead
New water usage
8min x 1.5 = 12 gallons/use x 11 showers per week = 132 Gallons
193.6 - 132 = 61.6 Gallons save per week
Payback Time: (cost/savings)
$72 / $56 = 1.2 year
Retrofit Action - Smart Water Meter
Product Information
Quantify the Benefits
Existing water usage for shower GPM estimates : 2.2 GPM
8min x 2.2 = 17.6 x 11 shower per week= 193.6 Gallons
New water usage after installing smart water
Water heating accounts for a significant portion of annual energy costs. Data indicates that occupants are using an excessive amount of hot water. To address this, it is recommended to install a smart water meter. This device allows users to monitor their water consumption and provides suggestions and notifications via an app when hot water usage is unusually high, promoting more efficient habits and energy savings.
This product is estimated to reduce water usage by 3.5 gallons per shower.
17.6 gallons - 3.5 Gallons = 14.1 Gallons per shower x 11 showers per week= 155 gallons per week
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Cost Anaysis
• Product price : $399
• units needed: 1
• Installation cost: - (it has a straightforward installment which does not require the need for a plumber)
• Total: $399
Payback Time:
$399 / $35= 11.4 years
Wi-Fi Water Meter
Retrofit Action - Replacing Dishwasher
• 485 quality checks on every dishwasher
• PrecisionWash uses intelligent sensors for a smarter clean
• PureDry energy efficient drying system is safe for plastics
• Quiet Operation at 50 dBA: creating a dishwasher so quiet, you can’t always tell it’s running
• Wi-Fi enabled Home
• Cost: $547
in
• Cost:$399
• Based on the features of each dishwasher, the Bosch 100 Series is the best choice. It is more energy-efficient, uses fewer gallons of water than the Amana 24-inch model, operates quietly, and offers a more spacious design.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
• Unit Cost= $547
• Instalment Cost= Free
• Total cost = $547
• Cost for a standard Dishwasher = $400
• Difference = $147
• $ Saved per month from new dishwasher= $8
Payback Time:
$147 / $8 = 18 Years
Bosch 100 Series
Retrofit Action - Oven Replacement
Cost: $997
Cost Anaysis
• Product price : $800
• Installation cost: $10 + Transportation
• $810
The oven accounts for 22% of the total energy consumption in the appliances category. However, the annual energy use for appliances is relatively low at 11 mmBTU, with an annual energy cost of $322. Given this, the payback time for a more energyefficient model is likely to be significant, making price a critical factor when selecting this appliance. The Samsung Bespoke model, priced at $997, is ENERGY STAR certified, ensuring energy efficiency while keeping operating costs manageable. The whirpool, have a lower price but is less energy efficient and offers limited cooking fettures comapred to Samusung model.
Quantify the Benefits
Payback Time:
(810 - 500) / 16 = 19.1 Years
Samsung Bespoke 30-in Glass Top 5 Burners
Google Nest Smart Thermostat
Cost: $499
Retrofit Action -Replacing The Refrigerator
Product Info
ENERGY STAR certified: Yes
Total Unit Gross Capacity - AHAM: 4.1 Cu Ft
Refrigerator Gross Capacity: 9.9 Cu Ft
Current: 10 A
Volts: 110-120 V
Frequency: 60 Hz
Power cord length: 94”
Energy consumption 490 kWh/yr
• Overall Appliance Dimensions (HxWxD) (in)
• 79 15/16 “ x 23 5/8 “ x 26 3/16
• Cost $1299
Quantify the Benefits
Samsung - 15.6 cu. ft. Top Freezer
• Cost $765
• Appliances represent the second-largest source of electricity consumption in the household, with refrigerators accounting for 54% of this energy use. Currently, there are two refrigerators: one is newer and energy-efficient, while the other is outdated and less efficient. This discrepancy highlights the need to replace only the older refrigerator.
The primary challenge is the limited kitchen space, which requires the new refrigerator to have a width of no more than 23 5/8 inches. However, since the family enjoys cooking and requires a spacious refrigerator for their needs, the replacement must prioritize height to compensate for the restricted width.
• The size of Bosch-800 Series refrigerator model and the energy sonumtion fits perfectly with the requirent of the space and the needs for this houshold. For this reasons Bosch-800 model is the optimal choice
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Cost Anaysis
• Product price: $1199
• units needed: 1
• Installation cost: $10
• Total= $1209
Cost Anaysis
• Cost of a standard Refrigerator: $775
• Difference: 1209 - 775 = $434
Payback Time:
$434 / $18 = 24 years
Bosch-800 Series 24’’ Black
Retrofit Action - Caulking and Weatherstripping
Product Information
Identify locations for caulking and weatherstripping
Based on the calculations from Assignment 3.2, infiltration accounts for 50% of the heat loss. This high value is because the kitchen is surrounded by windows that have been used for nearly 20 years. Noticeable air leaks in the window frames further contribute to the issue.
• Tirana experiences over 240 sunny days annually, making solar panels an excellent solution for reducing energy costs.
• SOL-GT black
With this addition, the owners can achieve a net-zero house. As the home will produce as much renuable energy as it consumes.
• Years
Sun Tempering
• Calculations
• Since the unit faces only west, it cannot take full advantage of southern sunlight. For this reason, the values referenced in the table above are taken during the afternoon, when the sun reaches the building’s surface, rather than at noon.
• there is a significant actual window surface connecting exterior with interior spaces. since the apartment only faces west it makes it not possible to add more windows.
• The apartment already has a significant amount of window surface connecting the interior to the exterior. However, because the unit faces only west, it is not possible to add additional windows. Given these constraints, it is recommended to improve the U-values of the existing windows. The current windows are single-pane with a U-value of 0.6, which indicates significant heat loss. Even though the west-facing windows allow ample sunlight into the interior spaces during winter, the high U-value results in substantial heat loss. Lowering the U-value will help retain heat indoors, improving thermal comfort and energy efficiency.
• Winter
• Winter
• Summer
• Additionally, Tirana experiences high temperatures during the summer, so strategies to minimize heat gain during these months are essential. Since the apartment has openings only on the west façade, crossventilation is not feasible. Therefore, passive stacked ventilation is proposed as an effective strategy for cooling the apartment during summer.
To enhance ventilation and manage solar heat gain effectively, it is suggested to install an operable window above the existing west-facing windows. This addition would allow hot air to escape during summer, improving indoor comfort and reducing reliance on mechanical cooling. Combined, these strategies optimize solar heat gain during winter while mitigating overheating in summer. added on top part of the existing window. this will allow the hot air, during summer time to be exhosted from the indoor spaces.
Retrofit Summary
• The AM House, located in Tirana, Albania, is home to three occupants and has an annual energy cost of $778, with water heating and appliances contributing the most. Analysis of the household revealed that its heating and cooling system is highly efficient, which helps keep energy costs in these categories low.
The retrofit proposals focused primarily on reducing energy costs for water heating, lighting, and appliances. However, after analyzing eight retrofit scenarios, the data showed a relatively long payback period. This is due to the household’s already low annual electricity costs, meaning the savings generated by the retrofits take longer to offset the initial investment.
• Before • After
• After implementing eight retrofit proposals, water heating showed the most significant improvement, with annual energy consumption decreasing from 14.1 MMBtu to 4.1 MMBtu.
• After implementing eight retrofit strategies, the annual energy cost for this apartment will decrease to $418, resulting in total savings of $360 for the family.
The most significant cost reduction was in water heating, with a 71% decrease. This was achieved by upgrading to a more energy-efficient water heating system, installing low-flow water fixtures, and integrating equipment to monitor hot water usage. These measures collectively contributed to the substantial savings.
Codes Summary
Based on the data from the RemRate model, this apartment unit does not meet the IECC 2018 requirements, falling short by 16.90%.
The largest gap in meeting the IECC standards is in the Windows and Doors category. This apartment faces southwest and is located in a climate with very hot, dry summers and winters where temperatures can drop as low as -7°C. Windows significantly influence heat gain and loss due to their extensive coverage on the southwest-facing façade. To meet the IECC requirements, new strategies to improve window performance are necessary.
After implementing eight retrofit strategies, the apartment still falls short of achieving the Energy Star rating. Lighting and appliances, as well as cooling, remain the primary contributors with values exceeding the Energy Star benchmarks.
Water heating is the only category that meets the Energy Star rating criteria.
Conclusions
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Shehu family’s apartment unit, offering a detailed understanding of its building envelope, including its strengths and weaknesses. It proposes strategies to reduce annual energy consumption effectively.
The first two assignments prioritize the environmental evaluation of the project site and the development of recommendations for building massing and organization. They propose a new outdoor space on the apartment roof, designed to enhance the occupants’ experience by providing an escape and creating a microclimate oasis in the middle of a dense city.
The third phase focuses on construction detailing and calculating heat transmission coefficients for various building assemblies to determine the total heat loss for the home. The analysis concluded that infiltration was the most significant contributor to heat loss.
Part 4 aimed to create an accurate estimate of all energy use in your client’s home. It was concluded that hot water and appliances are the biggest contributors for the annual energy consumtion.
In Assignment 5, the objective was to build a software model capable of automatically calculating all the energy loads for the household. It was observed that the manual calculations, actual electricity consumption, and data gathered from REM/Rate aligned closely, reinforcing the accuracy and importance of the proposed retrofit suggestions.
In the final assignment, eight retrofit ideas and two passive heat gain strategies are detailed, building on all previous analyses and a thorough understanding of the apartment unit. It provides a holistic and clear estimation of the benefits these retrofits would bring if implemented.
The project successfully reduced energy use by 46% through the application of eight retrofit strategies tailored to the climate and the current condition of the apartment. With the implementantion of solar panel a zero-net house was acheived!
