Certified Energy Auditor Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

In passive solar design, thermal mass refers to materials that can absorb, store, and release heat. The ideal thermal mass materials are dense and have a high specific heat capacity, allowing them to store heat energy effectively. Stone is particularly suitable for this purpose due to its high density and ability to retain warmth, especially in environments where it can collect heat during the day from sunlight. When the temperatures drop, stone releases the stored heat slowly, helping to maintain a more stable indoor temperature.

Other materials such as wood, tile, and carpet do not have the same thermal mass properties as stone. Wood, while a popular choice for flooring, is less dense and does not retain heat as effectively. Tile can offer moderate thermal mass depending on its composition, but it typically doesn't match the heat retention capability of stone. Carpet, being a soft and insulating material, is generally unsuitable for thermal mass as it prevents heat transfer rather than facilitating it. Thus, in the context of passive solar design, stone stands out as the most effective choice for thermal mass flooring.