THERMAL MASS
Thermal mass applies to the ability of a material to take in and store heat energy. If a material has high thermal mass, it will require a good deal of heat energy to change its temperature. Those with low thermal mass will be lightweight and lose their temperature far more readily.
Essentially, strong thermal mass will be achieved by a material absorbing unwanted heat during the day and then releasing it again at night.
What materials are high in thermal mass?
Although this isn’t a one size fits all answer, typically you will find high levels of thermal mass in:
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Concrete
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Filled concrete block
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Stone
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Masonry
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Brick
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Tile
These materials share common factors, such as a high specific heat capacity, a high density and (at least) moderate thermal conductivity.
Each material will absorb different amounts of heat and will absorb and re-radiate it at varying speeds. Understanding the range of options and their impacts should be a key part of your building development process.
Thermal mass materials help you to maintain comfortable temperatures in the home throughout the day and all year round.
Used correctly, it moderates and averages out the extremes of temperature (for example, day compared to night). Not only will this keep your property heated appropriately, but it will also have a positive impact on your energy bills. It does this by:
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Maximizing the benefits of solar gain, limiting the need for heating fuel
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Smoothing out fluctuations in internal temperatures
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Reducing peak temperatures thus making air-conditioning obsolete
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The cut in both heating and cooling fuels will also cut CO2 emissions
What are the benefits of thermal mass?
