ARC pilot demonstrates reduced heating costs

The Alberta Research Council (ARC) has completed a pilot studying demonstrating that by combining two technologies, space heating in Canadian homes can be reduced by 48%. The study used three one-room test modules and combined existing structural insulated panel system (SIPS) and direct solar collection and heat storage technologies. ARC covered 75% of the study’s $250,000 cost, with the remainder contributed by Natural Resources Canada. Space heating accounts for 65% of home energy consumption, followed by hot water generation (20%) and electricity (15%)….