Reducing unwanted energy transfer
There are two main ways to reduce unwanted energy transfers by heating:
- use insulationThings which protect by preventing a loss of heat. - materials with low thermal conductivityA measure of how quickly heat will transfer through a material. ;
- use thicker materials.
The table shows some ways in which this is achieved in homes and other buildings.
| Method | Details |
| Cavity wall | A gap between two brick walls contains air, which has a lower thermal conductivity than brick. |
| Cavity wall insulation | The gap between two brick walls is filled with material that has a lower thermal conductivity than air. |
| Loft insulation | A thick layer of material with a low thermal conductivity reduces the rate of heat transfer through the ceiling. |
| Double glazed windows | A gap between two panes of glass contains air or another gas, which has a lower thermal conductivity than glass. |
| Method | Cavity wall |
|---|---|
| Details | A gap between two brick walls contains air, which has a lower thermal conductivity than brick. |
| Method | Cavity wall insulation |
|---|---|
| Details | The gap between two brick walls is filled with material that has a lower thermal conductivity than air. |
| Method | Loft insulation |
|---|---|
| Details | A thick layer of material with a low thermal conductivity reduces the rate of heat transfer through the ceiling. |
| Method | Double glazed windows |
|---|---|
| Details | A gap between two panes of glass contains air or another gas, which has a lower thermal conductivity than glass. |