Thermal performance is an important factor in the comfort and energy efficiency of any home. Poor thermal performance can lead to increased energy costs, uncomfortable living conditions, and even health problems. Fortunately, there are many ways to improve the thermal performance of a home.
The first place to start when trying to achieve a high level of thermal performance is site selection and orientation. In Australia the sun rises in the East, it traverses the sky to our North before setting in the West. We can capitalise on the natural light and warmth provided by the sun by placing the main living areas on the Northern side of the home, windows in these rooms will then allow the sunlight in winter to enter and warm the space. It is important to include shading to these windows as well, the shading will provide protection from the sun during summer and help to keep direct sunlight out of the home in turn helping to keep the home cool.
One of the most effective methods for improving the thermal performance of a home is to install insulation. Insulation helps to prevent conditioned air, or inside air that has been heated or cooled, from escaping through walls, floors, and ceilings. It also helps to keep warm air out in the summer and cold air out in the winter. The type of insulation used will depend on the specific needs of the home. Common types of insulation include fiberglass, rockwool, natural wool, and rigid foam as well as reflective wraps.
Another way to improve thermal performance is to reduce air infiltration. Air infiltration occurs when conditioned air escapes through cracks and openings in the walls and windows. Sealing any cracks or openings around windows and doors can help to reduce air infiltration. Additionally, caulking around windows and doors can help to reduce unwanted drafts and make a home more comfortable. If the home has been sealed extremely well then, the addition of a ventilation system with a heat exchange unit may be required.
Windows can be a major source of heat transfer between the inside and outside. Traditionally in Australia, our windows have been single-glazed however this has changed over the last 20 years and double-glazing is now quite prevalent. Double glazing is a great way to ensure your windows are more thermally efficient with the benefit of also decreasing sound transmission.
Finally, using thermal mass cab significantly contribute to the thermal performance of your home. What is thermal mass I hear you say, thermal mass is a material that has the ability to absorb, store and then release heat. In a home, the two most common items used for this purpose are concrete and bricks. A concrete slab or an internal brick wall, given the right conditions, has the ability to absorb and store the heat from the sun during the day and then, when the temperature drops in the evening release this stored heat back into the room. This is great for Spring, Winter, and Autumn, with proper shading the effect of this can be limited in Sumer.
Designing with thermal performance in mind is the easiest way to ensure you get long-term benefits. A good designer will work in conjunction with an Accredited Thermal Performance Assessor to get the results you are hoping to achieve. Obviously, there can be additional costs associated with better thermal performance due to increases in insulation levels and glazing types.
