kallpunkter

Kallpunkter is a term used in Nordic languages to describe locations that experience lower temperatures than their surrounding area. In practice, the concept appears in several fields, most notably building physics and climate studies, where identifying cold points helps assess energy efficiency, comfort, and moisture risks.

In buildings, kallpunkter commonly occur near exterior walls, corners, window frames, or other areas where heat transfer is concentrated. They can arise from insufficient insulation, thermal bridges, or air leaks, and may lead to surface condensation and, over time, mold or material deterioration. The existence of cold spots also contributes to higher energy consumption as heating systems compensate to maintain a uniform indoor temperature.

Detection and assessment are typically performed with infrared thermography, supplemented by fixed or portable temperature sensors and data loggers. Mapping temperature distributions allows for targeted retrofit work and more effective insulation and air-sealing strategies.

Mitigation focuses on reducing heat loss and improving temperature uniformity. Approaches include improving insulation thickness and continuity, minimizing thermal bridges through design adjustments or bridging solutions, sealing unintended air leaks, and optimizing ventilation, sometimes with heat recovery to maintain comfort while lowering energy use.

In broader usage, kallpunkter may also refer to localized cold regions in meteorological or environmental studies, describing zones within a larger area where temperatures are notably lower due to microclimates or topographic effects. Etymologically, the term derives from kall (cold) and punkt (point). See also thermal bridge, condensation, frost risk.