Overheating Calculations
Technical overheating risk assessments to ensure Part O compliance, thermal comfort, and climate-resilient building design.
Request a QuoteUnderstanding Overheating Risk
As buildings become more airtight and energy efficient, managing internal heat is increasingly important. Overheating calculations identify potential risks early, helping designers create comfortable spaces without relying on mechanical cooling.
Our Assessment Process
1. Design Review
Analysis of layouts, glazing, orientation, and ventilation strategies.
2. Thermal Modelling
Simulation of internal temperatures using Part O or dynamic modelling methods.
3. Risk Evaluation
Identification of rooms and periods vulnerable to overheating.
4. Mitigation Strategy
Clear, practical design recommendations to achieve compliance.
Key Factors Assessed
- Internal Heat Gains – Occupants, appliances, and lighting.
- Solar Gains – Glazing size, orientation, and shading.
- Ventilation – Natural and mechanical airflow strategies.
- Thermal Mass – Ability of materials to absorb and release heat.
- External Conditions – Local climate and urban heat effects.
Regulatory Compliance
We assess developments against Approved Document Part O and provide documentation suitable for planning submissions and building control approval.
Assessment Methods
Both simplified compliance checks and detailed dynamic thermal modelling are available depending on project complexity.
Solar Control
External shading, brise-soleil, and solar control glazing.
Ventilation
Cross-ventilation, night cooling, and purge strategies.
Passive Design
Optimised layouts, thermal mass, and fabric-first measures.
Future Proofing
Design responses aligned with future climate scenarios.
Why Are Overheating Calculations Important?
- Health & Comfort: Prevents heat stress, especially for vulnerable individuals.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meets local and national guidelines (e.g., Part O of UK Building Regulations).
- Energy Efficiency: Reduces reliance on active cooling, lowering energy demand.
- Climate Resilience: Ensures buildings can withstand future climate conditions.
Key Factors in Overheating Calculations:
- Internal Heat Gains – Assesses heat from occupants, appliances, and lighting.
- Solar Gains – Evaluates sunlight exposure through glazing and building orientation.
- Ventilation & Airflow – Considers natural and mechanical ventilation effectiveness.
- Thermal Mass – Measures the building’s ability to absorb and release heat.
- External Factors – Considers urban heat island effects and local climate data.
Overheating Assessment Methods:
- Dynamic Thermal Modelling – Uses software to simulate heat performance.
- Simplified Compliance Checks – Follows prescriptive methods in Building Regulations (AD-Part O).
To mitigate overheating, strategies like external shading, high-performance glazing, night-time ventilation, and passive cooling techniques are often recommended.
Get Started Today
Do you need an Overheating Assessment for your project? Get in touch for a personalized quote.
Simple Process for Overheating Compliance
At A+E Consultancy Ltd, we provide clear and reliable overheating assessments for new buildings. Our goal is to help you meet Building Regulations and keep indoor spaces comfortable. We use a simple process that is easy to follow and quick to apply.
Step-by-Step Approach
We use a specific approach when conducting each Part O overheating assessment:
- 1. Project Review: We examine the plans, layout, and orientation of the building. This is a preliminary measure, which can help identify potential problems at an early stage.
- 2. Thermal Modelling: We simulate the accumulation of heat in the different rooms. We also take into account the space being exposed to the sun and its intended use.
- 3. Risk Check: We identify rooms that may have overheating risk. We also refer to the rules in Part O.
- 4. Design Advice: We provide simple fixes, which can include shading, glazing specification, and ventilation.
- 5. Final Report: We provide a clear report. It shows how your design meets compliance.
Why It Is Important
Modern highly insulated buildings trap heat inside. This can make rooms uncomfortable. Our overheating assessments help prevent this problem early.
Key benefits include:
- Better thermal comfort
- Reduce the need for cooling systems
- Improved energy use
- Full compliance with Part O
Support for Your Project
We work closely with architects and developers. Our team gives fast and practical advice. This helps avoid delays and extra costs.
A proper Part O overheating assessment ensures your project stays on track. It also improves the long-term value of your building.
With A+E Consultancy Ltd, you get simple, clear, and effective support for overheating compliance.