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The arrows show three areas through which heat is lost in a poorly insulated dwelling house - Leaving Cert Construction Studies - Question 2 - 2009
Question 2
The arrows show three areas through which heat is lost in a poorly insulated dwelling house. The house has a slated roof, concrete block external walls with a cavity... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The arrows show three areas through which heat is lost in a poorly insulated dwelling house - Leaving Cert Construction Studies - Question 2 - 2009
Step 1
Select any two areas of the dwelling house and describe how you would insulate the areas selected to reduce the heat loss.
Answer
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Insulating the Roof:
- Type of Insulation: Use fiberglass or mineral wool insulation.
- Installation: Place insulation between the rafters in the attic, ensuring it fits snugly without gaps.
- Thickness: The insulation should be at least 200 mm for optimal thermal performance.
- Sketch Description: Draw the roof with insulation shown between rafters, labeling it as fiberglass insulation and indicating the thickness.
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Insulating the Walls:
- Type of Insulation: Use polystyrene or cellulose-based insulation.
- Installation: Fit insulation inside the wall cavity or apply it to the exterior surface of external walls.
- Thickness: Approximately 100 mm is effective; specify depending on the material used.
- Sketch Description: Illustrate the elevation of a wall, indicating the insulation layer and its thickness.
Step 2
Discuss two advantages of increasing the thermal insulation levels in a dwelling house.
Answer
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Energy Efficiency:
Enhancing thermal insulation significantly reduces heat loss in winter and keeps indoor spaces cooler in summer. This efficiency leads to lower energy bills as heating and cooling systems won't have to work as hard, translating into significant cost savings over time. -
Environmental Impact:
Increasing insulation levels decreases dependency on non-renewable energy sources, thereby reducing carbon footprint. This contributes to a healthier environment and aligns with sustainability goals by minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.