The Three Ways Heat is Lost

Thermal Imaging Photo Courtesy of Energy Trust of Oregon
Thermal Imaging Photo Courtesy of Energy Trust of Oregon
Heat is transferred in three ways. Establishing a "thermal boundary" by creating air and insulation barriers diminishes heat transfer, which creates a more efficient and comfortable home. This is why we always suggest air sealing in combination with insulating.
  • Conduction - conduction is energy or heat transferred through solid objects - creating an insulation barrier (insulation) reduces conductive heat loss. 
     
  • Convection - convection is energy or heat transferred by air movement - creating a complete air barrier (air sealing) prevents convective heat loss.
     
  • Radiation - radiation is energy or heat that travels through waves - creating a insulation barrier (insulation) reduces radiant heat loss.

Insulation and Air Barriers Work Together

Think of an Air Barrier (air sealing) as your home's wind breaker and Insulation Barrier as your home's sweater. The sweater keeps body heat close to your body (preventing conductive and radiant heat loss), and the wind breaker reduces cold air chills (convective heat loss).  Insulation and air sealing work together as a system to create a Thermal Barrier, just like a sweater and a wind breaker.