Thermal insulation can be defined as a material which serves as a blockage to prevent temperature transfer, or the transposing of thermal energy from one object to another with a lower or higher temperature. Insulation is commonly used to prevent heat from escaping buildings, but it is also used to insulate objects such as geysers and fireplaces in the home.
When two objects with dissimilar temperatures interact, the temperature will naturally try to regulate itself through the heat warming up the colder object, or the colder object bringing down the temperature of the warmer object. By inserting insulation, this process of heat transfer is reduced or in some cases completely avoiding. Thermal insulation is typically measured using a measurement called the R-value, which indicates how well a material can insulate.
Buildings are usually required to have some form of temperature regulation. This takes place through heating or cooling implements such as heaters, fans and air conditioners, all of which use a lot of energy in order to keep the temperature regulated. It is therefore recommended that all buildings be insulated in order to keep them energy efficient and environmentally kinder. It is also cheaper to heat an insulated building than an uninsulated one.
A building which is well insulated can save money on energy costs and ensures that temperature in the various parts of the building is similar. It therefore creates a more comfortable setting indoors for people to live in during temperature extremes on the exterior. Insulation can also reduce maintenance costs of the home as it puts less stress on temperature regulation equipment and appliances. Insulation which is well installed does not need to be maintained.
Insulation is required in various areas of the home which includes windows. A reflective film which can be stuck on the windows can be used to insulate windows, and double glazing techniques are very effective to insulate windows against temperature and noises. Other areas that require thermal insulation are industrial areas where energy is used in order to regulate temperature of items or processes. Pipes and machines can be insulated, as well as whole rooms in order to allow certain processes to take place during the development of products or processes.