cooling of buildings

• What is the first main factor affecting building cooling?

  Thermal conductivity of the walls
• What does higher thermal conductivity indicate?

  Higher rate of energy transfer by conduction
• What are modern houses typically built from?

  External brick wall and internal Breeze block wall
• What is the purpose of packing the cavity between walls?

  To reduce thermal energy transfer
• How much can insulating material reduce thermal conductivity?

  By up to 10 times
• What type of windows do most houses now have?

  Double glazed windows
• Why are double glazed windows preferred?

  They have lower thermal conductivity
• What is another area where thermal energy can escape?

  Through the roof of a house
• What can be used to reduce thermal energy loss through the roof?

  Loft insulation
• What characteristic does loft insulation have?

  It has low thermal conductivity
• How can thermal energy transfer be reduced in buildings?

  By using materials with low thermal conductivity
• What is another method to reduce thermal energy transfer?

  Building the house with thick walls