Heat gains is the amount of heat energy supplied to the interior of a building from various sources. Regardless of which heating system selected. They are an important part of the building's energy balance, as they affect the internal temperature and the demand for additional heating or cooling.
Sources of thermal gain are divided into:
- internal - from the operation of electrical appliances (e.g. refrigerators, lighting, computers), the presence of people (heat given off by the body), cooking, washing or bathing,
- external - resulting from insolation - solar radiation penetrating through windows, heat transfer from the environment through the building envelope (e.g. in summer).
Looking at energy-efficient construction, it can be seen that thermal gains are already taken into account at the The design of heating and cooling systems. And also in the selection of insulation and window joinery.
If we choose wisely house design, we can reduce the need for heating energy. This is particularly important during the transitional season. In the summer, they can lead to overheating, so it is important to manage them consciously (e.g. through blinds, shutters, mechanical ventilation).
