A major source of heat loss in homes is through walls. Increased insulation on interior walls may reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling. This study evaluated the thermal transmittance characteristics of 15 wall coverings that differed in weight, thickness, density, fiber content, and construction characteristics. A guarded hot/cold plate was used to measure the thermal conductivity of the fabrics. Significant differences in thermal transmittance were found among some of the wall coverings evaluated.
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