Resources: Thermal Tutorial

Heat moves through one of three basic methods:

• Conduction is the energy transfer through solids. Different types of solids transfer heat more easily than others, with metals among the most conductive and ceramics among the least conductive.
• Convection is energy transfer through gasses or liquids. Currents carry heat energy through the liquid or gas. Most heat energy is transferred through convection.
• Radiation is energy transferred through electromagnetic waves. Radiative energy converts to convection when it touches a solid surface.

As a simple rule, heat always follows cold. Just like water, heat will move through the path of least resistance until it reaches a state of equilibrium.

Traditional insulation, including fiberglass, cellulose, polyurethane foam and other solids, contain small pockets of air that slow conductive heat transfer. They do not block or prevent the transfer of heat. Traditional insulation only slows the conductive heat transfer. However, heat will be absored, will load, and will transfer.

Heat moves through one of three basic methods:

• Conduction is the energy transfer through solids. Different types of solids transfer heat more easily than others, with metals among the most conductive and ceramics among the least conductive.
• Convection is energy transfer through gasses or liquids. Currents carry heat energy through the liquid or gas. Most heat energy is transferred through convection.
• Radiation is energy transferred through electromagnetic waves. Radiative energy converts to convection when it touches a solid surface.

As a simple rule, heat always follows cold. Just like water, heat will move through the path of least resistance until it reaches a state of equilibrium.

Traditional insulation, including fiberglass, cellulose, polyurethane foam and other solids, contain small pockets of air that slow conductive heat transfer. They do not block or prevent the transfer of heat. Traditional insulation only slows the conductive heat transfer. However, heat will be absored, will load, and will transfer.