Harnessing Thermal Mass: Natural Heating and Cooling for Your Home
- sabrina39770
- Dec 4, 2024
- 1 min read
In this episode, we take you on a fascinating journey into the world of thermal mass—a natural and energy-efficient way to heat and cool your home. Perfect for New Zealand's climate, where concrete slab foundations provide an incredible opportunity to store and regulate thermal energy, we explore how this simple yet powerful concept can transform your living space.
We’ll explain how thermal mass works, its relationship with insulation, and how to optimize it in your home design. From harnessing the sun’s warmth in winter to keeping cool during summer, we’ll show you how to make your home a natural climate partner. Plus, we discuss the role of air-to-water heat pumps in maximizing thermal mass systems for year-round comfort and efficiency.
You’ll hear insights from two expert resources: Your Home, a guide to sustainable home design, and Building Green, which uncovers how thermal mass and insulation work together. Whether you’re building, renovating, or just looking for ways to save energy, this episode is packed with actionable ideas.
Join us as we reimagine how homes in New Zealand can work with the environment—not against it—for a better, more sustainable future. Tune in now and start your journey to a smarter, cosier home.