Cooling of Buildings

• What are the two main factors that affect how quickly a building cools down?

  Thermal conductivity of the walls and the thickness of the walls
• How does thermal conductivity affect energy transfer in buildings?

  • Higher thermal conductivity means higher rate of energy transfer by conduction
  • Materials with low thermal conductivity reduce energy loss
• Why is high thermal conductivity a problem for buildings in the UK?

  It causes increased heating costs due to energy loss
• What is the effect of insulating materials on thermal conductivity?

  Insulating materials have low thermal conductivity, reducing energy transfer
• What construction method can reduce thermal energy transfer in buildings?

  • Use materials with low thermal conductivity
  • Build with thick walls
  • Install double glazed windows
  • Add loft insulation
• What type of windows are commonly used to reduce thermal energy loss?

  Double glazed windows
• How does loft insulation contribute to reducing thermal energy loss?

  It reduces the rate of thermal energy transfer through the roof
• How does the construction of modern houses with two layers of walls affect thermal energy transfer?

  It allows for insulation to be added, reducing thermal energy transfer