Hey!
I was just wondering in a home, where would the main loss of heat or energy be and how could I stop this..? Thanks!
In certain scenarios, flat roofs make more sense than pitched roofs (and vice versa).
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial NowDig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.
Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox
Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.
Start Your Free TrialGet complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.
Already a member? Log in
We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.
Replies
Depens on the home.
Heat is transfered into and out of the building by transmission (conduction and convection) through walls, windows, doors, perimeters, ceilings, slabs, floors and skylights. Then there is heat gain/loss due to infiltration, ventilation, exhaust and combustion vents.
How can you stop all this heat loss? Seal leaks, insulate ceilings (heat loss through the ceiling/roof/attic is usually one of the bigger portion in an "average" house), walls, floors and foundation walls. Use good, insulated windows. Use sealed combustion appliances where possible. On direct-vent (i.e. those that take combustion air from the room and vent through gravity type flues) appliances, have combustion air fed via automatic, damper controlled supply ducts, that are closed when not needed. Get an energy recovery ventilator to provide fresh air to the house.