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The Murphy family live in a bungalow with their two children, John (11 years) and Emily (4 years) - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 1(a) - 2017
Question 1(a)
The Murphy family live in a bungalow with their two children, John (11 years) and Emily (4 years). (i) Evaluate the suitability of the home for the family’s present... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The Murphy family live in a bungalow with their two children, John (11 years) and Emily (4 years) - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 1(a) - 2017
Step 1
Evaluate the suitability of the home for the family’s present and future needs. Suggest modifications, if required.
Answer
The Murphy family's bungalow appears suitable for their current needs, but its design could better accommodate future family dynamics as their children grow.
- Bedroom Allocation: Bedroom 4 can function as a guest bedroom or playroom, which is valuable for both the children and guests.
- Privacy Considerations: Adding sliding doors from the living room to the garden will improve privacy and outdoor access.
- Future-Proofing: Combining Bedroom 3 with the living area could create a more open plan, facilitating family interaction.
- Ideal Environment for Children: An additional study area for John could be created by modifying Bedroom 4, making it a dual-purpose room.
- Garage Conversion: The garage could be reconfigured into more livable space if needed.
Overall, while the bungalow meets immediate requirements, adjustments could greatly enhance functionality and comfort.
Step 2
Identify potential energy inefficiencies in a home and suggest strategies for improvement.
Answer
Potential energy inefficiencies that may affect the Murphy family's bungalow include:
- Heating System Issues: The installation of timers and thermostats for individual rooms is lacking. Upgrading this system can optimize heating schedules and reduce energy waste.
- Water Usage: The family may benefit from low-flow showerheads to reduce water consumption without sacrificing comfort.
- Insulation Gaps: Sealing drafts around windows and doors can prevent heat loss during colder months. Using double or triple glazing for better insulation is advisable.
Strategies for Improvement:
- Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, such as using CFLs in place of incandescent bulbs, will lower electricity consumption.
- Regular maintenance checks on heating systems can ensure they operate efficiently, especially during peak usage seasons.
- Encouraging the use of modern appliances that conserve energy, such as induction stoves, can pave the way for a more environmentally friendly approach.
Step 3
Write an informative note on the Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate.
Answer
A Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate is essential for properties sold or rented, providing an energy efficiency assessment.
- Regulatory Requirements: It must be issued by a registered assessor, making it a necessary inclusion in property advertisements.
- Rating Scale: The BER operates on a scale from A to G, with A being the most energy-efficient and G the least.
- Benefits of High Ratings: Properties rated A or B are more attractive to buyers and renters due to lower energy bills and a reduced environmental impact.
- Importance of Energy Audit: Owners should consider an energy audit to assess their homes. Improvements identified through this process can lead to higher BER ratings and increased property values.
In conclusion, the BER certificate is a useful tool for both existing homeowners and potential buyers, as it clearly indicates energy efficiency levels and the potential for future savings.