The project has converted a two-storey building and introduced several energy-efficient upgrades to the old farmhouse. The shelter for homeless will be operated by Placentia Presbyterian Church as the H.I.S. (Homeless Intervention and Shelter) House.
The upgrades at the farmhouse involved change of both HVAC systems. The lighting of the entire building will be swapped with new energy-efficient fluorescent lights. The other work involved attic insulation, Energy Star Roofing and Solar and Thermal Panel Systems and use of Energy Star appliances.
The H.I.S. House has Echo solar system generated energy, which is twice the output of a basic solar electric photovoltaic (PV) system and offsets 10% of the power requirements of the building. The Echo solar system supplements conventional solar panels with a unique solar thermal technology that captures the heat from the PV panels. In addition to producing electricity, the Echo systems also generates hot water for washing and bathing, which will offset 90% of the building’s hot water requirements.
The energy-efficient, green upgrades to the H.I.S. House will enable will enable it to run at low operating costs for energy, electricity, gas, and water.
