In the industry today, construction projects have shifted focus to implementing solutions that help create energy-efficient buildings and also improve air quality, all in the aid of futureproofing our environment. It is no stranger to anyone that there is a strong emphasis across many industries to implement sustainable solutions and support the race to net zero, and for the construction sector, building energy-efficient buildings is vital to ensuring we reach the low emissions target. But, this isn’t the only concern as indoor air quality (IAQ) must also be addressed.
According to the National Human Activity Pattern Survey (NHAPS), adults in the UK spend approximately 90% of their lifetime indoors, unbeknowingly breathing in harmful pollutants, originating from mould spores and volatile compounds in household products. Because of this, there has been a rise in installing HVAC systems in order to improve a buildings’ efficiency and its indoor air quality, but due to disrupting the continuous insulation of the building envelope, they aren’t as energy-efficient as you might think. Paul Beech, General Manager at Armatherm™, discusses more about the importance of thermally isolating fixtures to ensure optimal efficiency and reduce energy loss.
HVAC systems have become one of the go-to solutions to help regulate temperatures in both new and existing buildings, with the idea that they would help to improve the efficiency of the building by reducing energy usage and costs. However, because of the way they are installed, it actually compromises it. This is because when it comes to thermal performance, anything that penetrates the building envelope can create a bridge which allows energy to transfer easily through the connection, causing issues with heat loss and condensation. Due to how HVAC systems are installed, they are susceptible to thermal bridging occurring and if left unaddressed, the problems connected with it.
Often overlooked, thermal bridging is a common issue which can be combatted by isolating the connections where highly conductive materials meet and where the building envelope is penetrated. When solutions are not put in place surrounding thermal bridging, these areas are vulnerable to cold spots which can lead to condensation and mould growing within the walls. This further adds to the issue surrounding poor indoor air quality as the element that is supposed to be improving the IAQ, is actually part of the problem. Because of this, it is essential that the connection between the HVAC and the building envelope is properly isolated to prevent thermal bridging and the subsequent health issues associated with poor indoor air quality.
This doesn’t mean that HVACs shouldn’t be installed as they can be vital to reducing energy usage by regulating temperatures, which with the ever nearing goal of net zero looming, it is essential that any factor that could improve a building’s efficiency is considered. But, it does mean that solutions that combat thermal bridging also need to be implemented to ensure that the HVAC is as effective as possible.
Thermal breaks are one solution that have been developed to help combat thermal bridging, with various products on the market to be utilised in different applications. In this case, thermal breaks can be installed to isolate the connection between the HVAC system and the building itself, restricting the movement of energy. Implementing these solutions reduces heat loss by up to 90%, improving the overall efficiency of the building, whilst also combating the issues surrounding condensation and henceforth enhancing the indoor air quality. Although it isn’t compulsory to put these solutions in place, it is however recommended that they are considered especially with the net zero aims that need to be met and the health risks associated with poor indoor air quality.
To ensure that the industry meets its sustainability targets, reducing energy is one of the major changes that need to be made. By installing solutions like HVAC systems, they can considerably help to limit overconsumption of energy by regulating temperatures, but to ensure they work efficiently, it is vital they are also implemented in conjunction with thermal break solutions. This is because HVAC systems disrupt the continuous insulation of the building. There are other sustainable solutions that can be implemented to help reduce energy consumption such as utilising renewable sources or upgrading insulation and windows, but again these elements also penetrate the building envelope causing problems with thermal bridging. Therefore, in order to be more successful in limiting energy usage, whilst meeting net zero aims and reducing the risk of poor indoor air quality, combating thermal bridging is the problem that needs addressing.
This article appeared in the October 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.