Energy Efficiency in Homes: An Introduction and Study Proposal
It is no secret that homes across the country are wasting large amounts of energy. In the winter, heat slips out of poorly sealed windows, under cracks in the door, and through un-insulated attics. In the summertime, the sun beams into the house, causing air conditioning to be turned up. Hall lights and televisions are left on for hours, and these inefficiencies begin to add up.
The proposed study is a “a potential case study that would enable policy makers, energy providers, and advocates in Chapel Hill and Carrboro measure the impact of energy efficiency.”
Topic: Impact of energy efficiency
Site: 4 neighborhoods in Chapel Hill and Carrboro, North Carolina
Method: Survey and follow-up interviews – gauge residents’ attitudes toward energy use as well as their knowledge of energy efficient improvements and available assistance programs
Analysis: Survey responses would be tabulated and analyzed with statistical software
Expectations:
- Renters would be less concerned about rising energy costs and less likely to have taken any measures to reduce these costs than homeowners.
- Some positive correlation between an occupant’s low income and efforts to reduce heating bills, as those with less money would be more concerned with keeping their costs as low as possible.
- Expect slightly more people who heat their homes with oil or natural gas to pursue improved energy efficiency.
- The percentage of people who took measures to improve the energy efficiency of their homes would be significantly less than those who claim that their energy costs create a financial hardship.
http://gradschool.unc.edu/funding/gradschool/weiss/energyefficiency.pdf
PREPARED BY MEMBERS OF THE 2005-2006 WEISS URBAN LIVABILITY FELLOWSHIP AT UNC-CHAPEL HILL http://www.unc.edu/depts/grad/Weiss/weiss.html
LEIRAN BITON, RAPHAEL GINSBERG, BRANNON INGRAM, HEATHER JANKOWSKI, ABBY PARCELL, AND BRIAN TURNER