Final answer:
The project to retrofit windows for better thermal efficiency is rooted in physics, specifically thermal physics, as it involves heat transfer, insulation, and energy savings. The goal is to reduce energy costs by implementing materials that improve the insulation properties of a building.
Step-by-step explanation:
The project involving retrofitting existing windows with high-efficiency materials aims at improving thermal performance. This is achieved through high-efficiency window film, weather-stripping, and new sashes, which collectively serve to minimize heat loss in winter and enhance cooling during summer. The calculation of the heat conduction rate through a window, the power admitted into a home via sunlight, and the cost-benefit analysis of adding insulation are all pertinent to understanding energy efficiency in buildings, which is a principle concept in physics.
The retrofitting effort can lead to considerable energy cost savings and has a significant upfront cost. With an annual saving of $1,100 and a projected useful life of 25 years against a $20,000 initial investment, one can also calculate the payback period and return on investment to assess the financial feasibility of such energy-saving measures. These calculations fall under the realm of thermal physics, involving concepts such as heat transfer, insulation, and energy conservation.