Engineering Homework Help

Problem

A home with 1,300 ft2 of poorly insulated ceiling is located in an area with an 7-month heating season during which time the outdoor temperature averages 40°F while the inside temperature is kept at 70°F It has been proposed to the owner that $1,500 be spent to add more insulation to the ceiling, raising its total R-value from 11 to 40 (ft2-°F-hr/Btu). The house is heated with electricity that costs 8 cents/kWhr.

a. How much money would the owner expect to save each year, and how long would it take for the energy savings to pay for the cost of insulation?

b. b. Suppose 1/2 million homes served by coal plants could achieve similar energy savings. Estimate the annual reduction in SO2, particulate, and carbon emissions that would be realized.