Thermal Insulation

2.1 Definition Thermal insulation is any material or substance that provides a high resistance to the flow of heat from one surface to another. As sixty percent of total heat is lost across walls and ceilings and the remaining 40% heat is lost across windows and ventilation openings, thermal insulation is used to reduce heat flow across these areas and subsequently reduces the energy demands of air conditioners. 2.2: Benefits of thermal insulation. 2.2.1 Provides comfort Buildings provided with thermal insulation gives comfort in both summer and winter because they remain cooler in summer and warmer in winter than outside. 2.2.2 Saves energy Energy consumed by air conditioners is estimated as (60-70%) of the total consumed energy in buildings. This energy could be reduced through applying proper insulation system. To achieve maximum reduction, integrated application should be used in all building elements including districts planning, building design, and selecting proper insulation systems. Use of proper insulation system can achieve 40% reduction in air conditioner's energy consumption.

2.2.3 Reduces cost of energy Because demand on electricity increases during summer at peak hours (13 -5 pm), new power plants are required every year to

fulfill this demand. As a result, costs of energy increases. Adding thermal insulation results in decreasing demand and energy cost. 2.2.4 Reduces capital and running costs Use of proper thermal insulation system reduces air conditioner's capacities and subsequent reduces their capital costs. It also increases service time for air conditioners, and reduces maintenance costs. 2.2.5 Reduces noise Most thermal insulation materials have varying levels of reducing sound and subsequently lead to reduce noise. 2.2.6 Controls condensation Applying good building design and use of proper thermal insulation with closed cells can help control vapor condensation level. Double layer, high R-Value systems work well to prevent condensation. 2.2.7 Reduces cracks Buildings with insufficient elasticity are subject to a sudden expansion or contraction that leads to cracks. Sizes of cracks vary according to conductivity and heat capacity. Therefore, providing proper type of thermal insulation reduces cost of buildings as a result of reducing cracks. 2.2.8 Reduces constructional loads Use of proper insulation system helps reduce constructional loads. For example, use of hurdy styrene blocks reduces 95% of weight of hurdy blocks in ceilings. In addition, use of sloped ceiling insulation reduces 95% of weight of sloped concrete. 2.2.9 Controls fire Thermal insulation materials have different abilities with respect to fire protection. Some of them do not burn in case of temperature

rise such as rock wall, glass rock, and perlite. Others burn, melt or smoke such as polystyrene and polyurethane. 2.2.10 Reduces gas emission Use of thermal insulation reduces energy capacities required for air conditioning. As a result, energy required to run air conditioners reduces by which greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide reduce. Saving tips: You con achieve most or all benefits mentioned above, if you add proper thermal insulation system to your building.

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