MEASURES TO PREVENT HEAT LOSSES

Home insulation is an important aspect of preventing heat losses that has a direct
influence on energy consumptions relating to heating needs.

Insulation is designed to inhibit the transfer of outward flow of heat and the inward flow
of cold air attraction.

Home insulation is important to keep the heat in and limit heat loss from inside home.

FIG 1.

Good insulation reduces unwanted cold air infiltration into the building and heat
lossfrom the fabric/structure of the building.

TYPES OF INSULATIONS
There are two main categories of thermal home insulation - bulk and reflective. For
example, fibre, polyester, polystyrene and mineral wool are of the 'bulk' category while
aluminium/aluminum foil is in the 'reflective' category. These are sometimes combined
into a composite material fibre and aluminium/aluminum for underfloor installations.
  Bulk insulation mainly resists the transfer of conducted and convected heat,
which is achieved by trapping air within its structure. Because of these numerous
air pockets it is able to thermally resist heat transfer regardless of the direction of
heat flow, like an excellent ski-jacket.
 Reflective insulation acts by resisting the radiant heat flow by its high reflectivity
(its ability to reflect light-waves) and its low emissivity (this means the ability of
a material to emit heat, for example, iron has high emissivity, while aluminum
foil has a low emissivity) which means that foil is great at reflecting radiant
energy.

 Fibre or polyester 'batt & roll' home insulation is constructed to slow the

movement of air through it the same as a wooly jumper/jersey, or those string
vests that kept you amazingly warm.

Generally used in roof cavities, walls and floors.

Also available is the combination of aluminum foil and fibre, for underfloor
insulation.

 Polystyrene is used to insulate a number of things from insulation of crash

helmets and chilly bins to disposable coffee cups. The reason for this is because
polystyrene is a very poor conductor of energy (force) and heat. This insulation is
'friction fitted' meaning it fits 'tightly between the floor joists with or without an
air-gap.

Generally used under floors. Also available are 'Structural Insulating Panels'
(SIP's) for walls. Some wall insulation products can be installed on the inside or
outside of solid walls.

 Aluminum/Aluminum foil works by reflecting heat back into home, just like a

thermos/flask and the life saving survival blanket

Generally used in floors.

 Polyurethane Foam insulates and air-seals, it sound proofs and it is water

resistant.

 Mineral wool home insulation has excellent thermal resistance. The fibres in

this product are non-combustible and used to prevent the spread of fires.

Generally used in walls, roof and ceiling space.

 Well fitted Double Glazing can cut heat loss through it by as much as 50%, and
if you had double glazing with 'low emissivity' then you can reduce heat loss by a
further 30%. You will lose around 20% of total heat loss through single glazing
even when there are draught proofed.

 Door Seals for insulation against draughts.

Preventing Heat Loss

Through the ExternalWalls, Windows, etc. of Buildings:

Proper measures should be taken to prevent heat loss through the external walls,
windows, etc. of buildings, with due consideration given to the following particulars.
(1) making the site and floor plans for buildings with due consideration given to the
orientation of the external walls, layouts of rooms, and other matters.
(2) using thermal insulating materials for external walls, roofs, floors, windows, and
openings.
(3) reducing the solar radiation load by adopting a system capable of properly
controlling solar radiation through windows, planting trees, or taking other measures.

FIG 2. REDUCING HEAT LOSS