Where are two common locations of an existing thermal boundary?

Two common locations of an existing thermal boundary in a building are indeed the attic floor and the crawlspace ceiling. The thermal boundary is important because it separates conditioned (heated or cooled) spaces from unconditioned spaces, playing a crucial role in energy efficiency and thermal comfort within a home.

The attic floor serves as a key thermal boundary by isolating the living area from the extreme temperatures often found in attics, particularly in regions with significant temperature variations. A well-defined thermal boundary in this area helps prevent heat loss in the winter and keeps the living area cooler during the summer.

On the other hand, the crawlspace ceiling is another critical boundary that separates the conditioned space of the home from the often-damp and poorly insulated crawlspace below. This separation helps maintain energy efficiency and indoor air quality, as it minimizes the potential for moisture intrusion and the associated issues that can arise from it.

These two locations are frequently addressed in building energy assessments, as they directly impact the overall performance of the building envelope, thereby influencing energy consumption and occupant comfort.