Energy in buildings
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Contents

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 The importance of energy use in buildings
  • 2 Reducing space heating demand
    • 2.1 Heating a house
    • 2.2 Cutting building fabric heat losses
      • 2.2.1 Insulated windows
      • 2.2.2 U-Values
      • 2.2.3 Insulation materials and their properties
      • 2.2.4 Conductivity and U-values – the basics
      • 2.2.5 Using insulation
      • 2.2.6 Calculating U-values of multiple layers of materials
    • 2.3 Cutting ventilation losses
      • 2.3.1 Airtightness
      • 2.3.2 Ventilation heat recovery
    • 2.4 How much insulation does a building need?
      • 2.4.1 Calculating the total heat loss of a house
      • 2.4.2 Degree days
      • 2.4.3 Balance point temperature
      • 2.4.4 Improving insulation standards
  • 3 Improving heating system efficiency
    • 3.1 Gas boilers
    • 3.2 Oil-fired boilers
    • 3.3 Electric heating
      • 3.3.1 Heat pumps
    • 3.4 Combined Heat and Power Generation
      • 3.4.1 Fuel cell CHP
      • 3.4.2 Using waste heat from large power stations
      • 3.4.3 Which form of CHP is best?
    • 3.5 Heating systems and CO2 emissions
  • 4 Saving electricity
    • 4.1 Electrical appliances
      • 4.1.1 Televisions and consumer electronics
      • 4.1.2 Refrigerators
      • 4.1.3 Washing machines and ‘wet appliances’
      • 4.1.4 Cooking
    • 4.2 Energy-efficient lighting
      • 4.2.1 Lamp types
      • 4.2.2 LED development
      • 4.2.3 Lighting and illuminance
  • 5 Home energy assessment
  • Conclusion
  • End-of-course quiz
  • Acknowledgements
  • References
  • Glossary

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