What does the term “thermal bridge” refer to in energy efficiency?

The term “thermal bridge” specifically refers to materials or sections of a building that allow heat to transfer through them more easily than the surrounding insulated areas. This can significantly reduce the overall effectiveness of insulation in a building envelope, as thermal bridges can create pathways for heat loss or gain. In the context of energy efficiency, a thermal bridge can lead to increased energy consumption for heating and cooling because the areas adjacent to these bridges can escape or gain heat more quickly than insulated areas, creating cold spots in winter and heat gain in summer.

Understanding thermal bridges is vital for improving energy efficiency in building design and retrofitting, as identifying and mitigating these areas can lead to better thermal performance and lower energy costs.