Team Members:
Jacob Owen – Undergraduate student in Mechanical Engineering
Diego Prado – Undergraduate student in Mechanical Engineering
Jonathan Rust – Undergraduate student in Mechanical Engineering
Olivia Wilson – Undergraduate student in Mechanical Engineering
Advisors: Dr. Sandra Boetcher and Dr. Rafael Rodriguez
School: Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
Challenge: Building Affordability
The objective of this challenge is to reduce costs of high-performance, energy-efficient building technologies to improve affordability, equity, and accessibility.
Project Title: Affordable Retrofit Heat Pump Water Heating
Solution: Inflation and rising energy costs have heavily impacted low-to-moderate-income (LMI) households, making efficient technologies like heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) financially out of reach. To address this, we developed the “Retro Loop”—an add-on heat pump module that retrofits with existing water heater tanks. Designed to heat water during off-peak hours, the Retro Loop reduces energy consumption and cuts utility bills, without requiring homeowners to invest in a completely new system. By reducing utility bills by 67-80%, our product provides substantial relief from rising energy expenses. With an estimated payback period of just 5 years, the Retro Loop offers a quick return on investment through monthly savings and potential rebates. Combining high efficiency with an accessible price point, our product aims to make sustainable water heating affordable for LMI households and may qualify for valuable rebates. By offering both economic and environmental benefits, the Retro Loop provides a realistic, cost-effective way for families to lower energy expenses and achieve energy justice.