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Re: Heat question

To: Dave & M <rusd@velocitus.net>
Subject: Re: Heat question
From: Michael Porter <portermd@zianet.com>
Date: Tue, 06 Dec 2005 19:58:47 -0700
Dave & M wrote:

>
> There is more to comfort than just the air temperature. A prolonged set
> back will lower the temperature of literally tons of building materials
> & house contents. It takes a long time to bring this thermal mass back
> up to temp. Any exposed body surfaces will radiate heat to colder
> surfaces.  "People" will radiate heat to these colder surfaces even when
> the air temperature is up. I guess you can wear a sweater, hat, & gloves
> in the house to compensate.
>

Well, all that depends upon heat loss (Z factor) through the materials.  
The purpose of insulation is to slow that rate (which is why it's always 
more economical to put money into insulation than fuel, and more 
economical still to put insulation on the outside of the thermal mass, 
if possible).


But, this is a bit of physiology that's been known for a long time that 
relates to air temperature--your feet are your body's thermostats.  If 
your feet are cold, even if air temp is normal, you're going to feel 
chilly.  When buildings were mostly made of stone, someone invented 
carpets. :)  (Old castles in England in the 10th-12th centuries used 
woven reed mats to keep feet off all that cold stone.)  When considering 
comfort, air temperature can generally be a bit lower if your feet are 
toasty. !


Cheers.

-- 
Michael D. Porter
Roswell, NM

Never let anyone drive you crazy when you know it's within walking distance....




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