The effect of ceiling insulation on indoor comfort

In South Africa, installing ceiling insulation in all existing houses could result in substantial benefits for the country. Simulations have shown that for high-income houses alone, almost 3000 GWh can be saved in winter heating per year. A reduction of approximately 1950 MW in the national peak demand in winter can also be achieved. These benefits are of significant economic as well as environmental importance. Unfortunately, the savings per household are too low to convince home-owners to install ceiling insulation. Other benefits, such as improving indoor thermal comfort, therefore need to be investigated. This study quantifies the summer ‘comfort’ benefits of ceiling insulation in South Africa for the first time. Results showed that three times more people would be satisfied with the indoor conditions with ceiling insulation installed than without.