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Making use of energy – WJECRestricting energy loss from houses

Heat energy can be transferred from areas of high energy to areas of lower energy by conduction, convection and radiation. Understanding how to control these processes helps reduce energy consumption.

Part of Physics (Single Science)Electricity, energy and waves

Restricting energy loss from houses

Heat energy is lost from buildings through their roofs, windows, walls, floors and through gaps around windows and doors. However, there are ways that these losses can be reduced.

Heat escape routes

Take a look at this of a house. It shows that the roof is cold, which suggests it's well insulated. The windows are red and orange which show that the most heat is lost through them.

A terraced house tinted with a blue hue. The doors and windows have a red hue which signifies escaping heat.
Image caption,
Thermogram of a house showing areas of heat loss

Heat energy is transferred from homes by through the walls, floor, roof and windows. It is also transferred from homes by . For example, cold air can enter the house through gaps in doors and windows, and convection currents can transfer heat energy in the loft to the roof tiles. Heat energy also leaves the house by through the walls, roof and windows.