Some newer barrier films are substantially less conductive which reduces this problem. One of the advantages of building the FEA computer model is the ability to separate the overall energy use into a quantitative estimate of each component's contribution, allowing for knowledge of how much energy is going through the door, gasket area, and individual walls. This detailed information can help identify the major areas for energy reduction. The results from each thermal discontinuity FEA model are combined with the ideal envelope heat gain to obtain the total heat gain. The thermal FEA model can also provide insight into the identification and quantification of thermal shorts and surface temperatures.
Surface temperatures are important in making sure there are no condensation problems.
Vacuum insulation with careful design can sometimes eliminate the need for local heating for condensation control, which saves energy and the cost of the heater. The computer models can then be used to rapidly study the effect of design changes. A cost performance trade-off study can then be performed and the design direction selected to reach the goal at the lowest cost. Another consideration when incorporating vacuum insulation is the structural design of the application. Often insulation provides more than thermal control.