Insulating our Homes

The scene takes the form of a house where various methods of insulation are modelled. By exploring the house, energy transfer can be observed and the parts of a house that can be targeted to reduce heat loss can be determined.

# Learning objectives

1: Be able to describe how energy can be lost from a home.{.info}

2: Be able to describe how insulation reduces heat loss in a home{.info}

3: Be able to explain why insulation reduces heat loss{.info}

# Cavity Wall and Loft Insulation{.objective .objective1}

In this section, heat loss from the walls and loft are described. The type of insulation used to reduce heat loss is outlined and an explanation as to why heat loss is reduced is provided. Heat transfer relies on particles absorbing heat energy and transferring it away from where it need to be conserved. Wall cavity and loft insulation is designed to trap air and prevent heat loss by convection.

# Floor Insulation{.objective .objective2}

In this section, heat loss through floors will be described. An explanation of floor insulation will be provided, as the insulator is a poor conductor. This reduces heat loss by conduction through the floor.

# Double Glazing Windows{.objective .objective3}

In this section, a description of heat loss through windows will be provided. Similar to wall cavity insulation, double glazing traps a layer of air. As it absorbs heat energy from the home, it can transfer it as the particles cannot move.