Studies have shown that many residential buildings possess an acceptable level of thermal insulation for walls, roofs, and windows. However, improper use of air conditioning and heating systems is the primary driver of high electricity consumption, rather than structural weaknesses. Therefore, optimizing home operation and adapting to the local climate can yield significant energy savings without the need for costly structural modifications. This aligns perfectly with the concept of Adaptive Thermal Comfort, which encourages users to accept a broader thermal range instead of striving for constant, energy-intensive temperatures.
While increasing the thickness of thermal insulation for walls or roofs does help reduce heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, it is not always the first or most cost-effective solution. In many cases, acceptable thermal comfort can be achieved by raising the AC setpoint in summer or lowering the heating degree in winter—in harmony with the Syrian climate and local habits—without negatively affecting the sense of comfort.
Windows also play a pivotal role in interior temperature, especially during the summer. Simple measures such as using curtains, awnings, or closing windows facing the sun at noon can significantly reduce solar radiation and minimize the need for prolonged AC operation.
Results indicate that the greatest reduction in energy consumption is achieved through Operational Optimization within the home, rather than just insulation. Key measures include:
LED Lighting: Replacing traditional lighting with LED bulbs to reduce electricity consumption and lower the internal heat load within rooms.
Natural Ventilation: Enhancing airflow by opening windows at appropriate times (at night and early morning) instead of constant reliance on air conditioning.
Smart AC Usage: Using air conditioners only when necessary and setting them to temperatures suitable for the local climate, avoiding unnecessarily low settings.
Solar Water Heating: Installing solar thermal systems to cover domestic hot water needs, reducing dependence on electricity or gas and cutting long-term costs.
Photovoltaic (PV) Systems: If feasible, installing solar PV systems to cover part of the electrical load and reduce monthly utility bills.
Consequently, homeowners are advised to start by modifying usage behavior—adjusting temperatures and ventilation—before moving towards improving insulation, windows, or installing solar systems based on financial capability. This approach achieves the best balance between thermal comfort, financial savings, and sustainability, without imposing unnecessary burdens on the homeowner.
By: Eng. Mohammad Bashar Al-Khatib Mechanical & Renewable Energy Engineering
