Topic // Thermal Efficiency

Thermal Efficiency

r-value, u-value, conduction, convection, radiation

Introduction

Insulating a building in any climate can have merits. In cold climates, insulation serves to reduce heating costs. In temperate and hot climates, insulation can serve to reduce air conditioning costs. It is often difficult and expensive to retrofit insulation in an existing building so identifying proper amounts at the design stage is critical. Minimization of thermal bridging is also important to achieve maximum benefits of insulation.


Determine the building function and amount of equipment that will be used. Determine internal heat gains from occupants and equipment when considering HVAC requirements.

In general, build walls, roofs, and floors of adequate thermal resistance to provide human comfort and energy efficiency. Pay particular attention to roofs as they can receive excessive solar gains in summer and losses in winter.

Consider the reflectivity of the building envelope. In hot climates and when cooling loads are present, review the colour selection and reflectivity of exterior walls.

Prevent moisture buildup within the envelope. Place vapour barrier on the warm side of the wall when space heating is used to prevent moisture from condensing in the wall cavity.

Weatherstrip all doors and place sealing gaskets and latches on all operable windows. Prevent air leakage to avoid convective losses and unwanted infiltration.

Specify construction materials and details that reduce heat transfer. Prevent heat transfer through walls to maintain indoor environments.

Incorporate solar controls on the building exterior to reduce heat gain. Consider solar gains and losses through the roof and all exterior walls.

Consider the use of earth berms to reduce heat transmission and radiant heat loads on the building envelope. Sod roofs and buried exterior walls provide thermal mass that absorbs and controls solar gains.

Details

Application

Certification

References

Books and Resources

Web Resources

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