The Impact of Insulation Material Selection on Energy Efficiency Based on Regional Climate Conditions: An Analysis Using Energy3D Simulations

Abstract

In recent years, energy conservation and efficiency have gained significant importance globally. Within this scope, increasing the use of renewable energy sources and reducing the energy consumption of buildings, which account for a substantial share of energy use, are among the primary objectives. Insulation applications, in particular, offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to reduce heating energy demand. Optimal insulation thickness balances insulation and fuel costs, optimizing expenses while reducing the environmental impacts associated with fuel consumption. Consequently, numerous studies in recent years have focused on optimizing insulation thickness. Moreover, in the residential sector, the largest portion of energy consumption is generally attributed to air conditioning systems used for maintaining thermal comfort. In this context, proper insulation applications using energy-saving materials emerge as an effective method to reduce energy costs by minimizing heat loss or gain. This study analyzes the impact of insulation material selection on energy efficiency based on regional climate conditions using Energy3D simulations. The effects of insulation materials applied in different climatic zones and various cities on energy consumption, heating, and cooling loads were examined. The study compares the energy efficiency of insulated and non-insulated buildings under the climatic conditions of different regions in Turkey, including İzmir, Antalya, Istanbul, and Tokat. Simulation results revealed that the use of insulation materials significantly reduces energy consumption and overall costs. Notably, the use of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) (Dalmaçyalı® Double Carbon Thermal Insulation Board) and Stone Wool (Dalmaçyalı® Stonewool SW035) materials yielded significant improvements in energy efficiency. EPS material demonstrated the highest energy savings due to its low U-value, while Stone Wool provided additional benefits such as fire safety. Additionally, insulation thickness was found to have a considerable impact on energy efficiency. Insulation applications with a thickness of 10–12 cm emerged as the optimal solution for minimizing energy consumption and costs. The study highlights the critical importance of selecting insulation materials suitable for regional climatic conditions in terms of energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The findings provide valuable insights for developing sustainable and efficient building designs.