Which measure indicates how well a material resists the flow of heat?

The measure that indicates how well a material resists the flow of heat is R-Value. R-Value is a metric used in the construction and insulation industries to determine the effectiveness of insulation materials in resisting heat transfer. A higher R-Value signifies a greater insulating effectiveness, meaning that the material is better at limiting heat flow, which is crucial for maintaining energy efficiency within buildings. This is particularly important in the context of green building and energy conservation, as insulating materials with high R-Values help reduce the heating and cooling demands of a building, thereby lowering energy usage and contributing to a more sustainable environment.

In contrast, U-Value measures the overall heat transfer for a building element, combining the effects of conduction, convection, and radiation, but does not directly reflect the insulating properties of a single material. SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is related to the efficiency of cooling systems, while HSPF (Heating Season Performance Factor) measures the efficiency of heating systems. Thus, while all these values are essential in energy efficiency discussions, R-Value specifically focuses on insulation effectiveness.