Title: Basics of Building Heating and Cooling - archtoolbox.com
Headings: Basics of Building Heating and Cooling
Basics of Building Heating and Cooling
Article Contents
Conduction
Convection
Radiation
Cooling

Content: Building insulation, on the other hand, is not a good conductor. If you were to grab insulation with your hand, it would likely feel warm or neutral, due to the fact that the vibration of the molecules in your hand is not able to cause an appreciable increase in the vibration of the molecules in the insulation. Heating or cooling through conduction typically takes place at the building envelope (the outside walls, windows and doors) where warm or cold air outside causes the molecules of the envelope to increase vibration or decrease vibration which in turn causes a heat loss or gain inside of the building. An example of conduction affecting building temperature is the transfer of heat energy through the components of a window. Outside air comes in contact with the exterior mullion surface, which transfers energy through the metals and the glass, which transfers the energy to interior finish materials in contact with the mullion. This is the reason that window manufacturers use a thermal break material. The thermal break is a poor conductor so heat energy doesn't move through it as easily. This same principal applies to all building construction - a thermal break is critical in keeping heat energy from being lost to cold outdoor air. Convection
Convection is the movement of warmer areas of a fluid (liquid or gas) to cooler areas of a fluid. The movement can occur naturally or may be forced through mechanical means.