Cost-Effective Home Improvements: Comfort Edition

Abstract

Climate change is a global phenomenon that affects human and animal comfort levels. The Napa Valley has been feeling the effects of this most recently with wildfires, drought, and power shutdowns. The case study in this paper analyzed the best course of action to improve the comfort levels for the occupants of a home in Napa, California. Quantifying the comfort levels and what factors will improve the quality of life for the people affected by these extreme temperatures will be the main focus. Climate Consultant 6.0 software was utilized to make decisions regarding the home’s repairs or renovations required to make the comfort levels better for its occupants. It was determined that the most effective repairs and renovations were insulation and solar panels. Insulation by itself is about $1,173.30 without including labor. Solar panels costs vary depending on if the homeowner chooses to finance, lease, or pay with cash up front. These recommendations included an approximate amount of cost savings for the homeowners, which were estimated to be $78,000 over 20 years for the solar panels alone.