Thermal Mass
Materials in a building (concrete, brick, tile, water) that absorb and store heat, moderating temperature swings. Homes with high thermal mass stay cooler in summer days and retain warmth longer at night.
Why It Matters
Thermal mass works like free energy storage. A well-insulated concrete floor can be heated with cheap overnight electricity and release warmth throughout the day.
Related Tools
Related Terms
R-Value
A measure of thermal resistance — how well a material resists heat flow. Higher R-values mean better insulation. Recommended attic R-values range from R-38 to R-60 depending on climate zone.
Air Sealing
The process of identifying and sealing unintentional air leaks in a building envelope — including gaps around pipes, wires, ducts, windows, and the attic hatch.
Load Shifting
Moving electricity consumption from one time period to another — typically from expensive peak hours to cheaper off-peak hours — using timers, smart controls, or batteries.