Grading the building site to drain water away from the building is said to ___ energy.

Grading the building site to drain water away from the building is said to ___ energy.

• A. Waste energy
• B. Increase energy
• C. Save energy
• D. Lose energy

Answer: (C)

Directing water away from the building to keep the base dry reduces energy use. A dry foundation lowers heat loss through the ground and reduces moisture-related loads on heating, cooling, and dehumidification, so less energy is needed to maintain comfortable conditions. Proper drainage also minimizes dampness and mold, which would otherwise increase energy use through additional climate-control needs. So grading the site to drain water away saves energy. If water were allowed to stand, moisture would rise and energy use would typically increase.

Directing water away from the building to keep the base dry reduces energy use. A dry foundation lowers heat loss through the ground and reduces moisture-related loads on heating, cooling, and dehumidification, so less energy is needed to maintain comfortable conditions. Proper drainage also minimizes dampness and mold, which would otherwise increase energy use through additional climate-control needs. So grading the site to drain water away saves energy. If water were allowed to stand, moisture would rise and energy use would typically increase.