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Radiation
One significant source of heating for a house is
radiation from the sun. Depending on the climate
that the house is built in, this can be a positive or a
negative. In cold climates, thermal efficiency can
be maintained by placing large windows on the south side
of the house as well as building the house out of a dark
material which will help soak up radiation from the
sun. In warm climates where the main issue is
cooling the house windows can be placed under eaves or can
be covered by blinds to reduce the heat inflow from the
suns radiation. In addition, the roof can be heavily
insulated with reflective materials which will reflect a
large amount of radiation away from the house.Although the sun is by far the most important source of radiation. Other sources can have an impact as well. "Low-wavelength, non-visible infrared radiation can carry heat directly from warm objects to cooler objects. Infrared radiation is why you can feel the heat of a hot burner element on a stove-top, even from across the room. Older windows will allow infrared radiation coming from warm objects outside to radiate into your home; shades can help to block this radiation. Newer windows have low-e coatings that block infrared radiation. Infrared radiation will also carry the heat of your walls and ceiling directly to your body." (4) |
