Energy Saving Ceilings FAQs

1. What are the benefits of TEMPLOK ceilings?
   The temperature moderating effects of TEMPLOK can lead to several benefits associated with thermal mass in buildings. Primary benefits include improved thermal comfort, reduced heating and cooling needs, and more efficient HVAC operation. Together, these effects can save energy and contribute to more sustainable, healthy, and resilient spaces.
2. How do TEMPLOK ceilings work?
   TEMPLOK ceilings use a specially designed Phase Change Material (PCM) that melts and freezes around a comfortable 72°F. During warm weather, as the building heats up during the day, the PCM gradually melts and passively cools the space. The stored heat can be released back to the building at night as temperature drops, re-freezing the PCM. During cool weather, and in a building that naturally gains excess heat during the day, the PCM can help to retain the excess heat to keep the building warmer at night.
3. How are acoustics impacted by the TEMPLOK tile?
   TEMPLOK performance boosts sound-blocking performance (CAC) and has no significant effect on sound absorption (NRC). See product data page for complete information.
   
   Data Sheet - ULTIMA TEMPLOK Energy Saving Ceilings
   Data Sheet - CALLA TEMPLOK Energy Saving Ceilings
   Data Sheet - SCHOOL ZONE FINE FISSURED TEMPLOK Energy Saving Ceilings
   
4. How much do TEMPLOK ceiling tiles weigh? Is installation in Seismic zones approved?
   TEMPLOK ceilings weigh about 2.0 LBS/SF. The suspension systems, whether 9/16" or 15/16", should be installed to meet the minimum requirements established in the ASTM C636 standard and any other requirements established by local code and the authority having jurisdiction. All suspension system components used must be rated to carry the appropriate load per ASTM C635. Consult the suspension system product data page for load carrying information and panel product data page for specific panel weight.
5. What is the fire performance?
   Class A: ASTM E84 and CAN/ULC S102 surface burning characteristics. Flame Spread Index of 25 or less. Smoke Developed Index of 450 or less. Consult a code official in your jurisdiction for mechanical code compliance.
6. What is the Phase Change Material (PCM) in TEMPLOK ceilings made of?
   The Phase Change Material (PCM) contains a water and salt solution that crystallizes and dissolves as it changes phase. The PCM is sealed in welded compartments in the tile. Handling is safe with standard Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including gloves and safety glasses. Refer to the SDS for more information.
   
   SDS - TEMPLOK Ceiling Panels
   
7. Are TEMPLOK ceilings durable?
   TEMPLOK is designed with an industrial strength PVC casing and welded seals, designed for durability on the jobsite. In the rare event a tile becomes damaged, do not install it and refer to the SDS for handling and cleanup information.

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1. How does TEMPLOK heat and cool the room through the ceiling tile? Does it only heat/cool the plenum?
   The PCM in TEMPLOK tiles exchanges heat with air on both sides of the ceiling. The room and the plenum zones are both inside the insulated building envelope, so the temperature moderating effects of PCM on both sides can affect the heating and cooling energy profile of the building.
   
   On the room side, heat exchanges through the acoustical ceiling tile. While the acoustical tile slows the heat transfer rate somewhat, air movement from ventilation, activity, and natural thermal plumes in the room tend to increase the rate of heat transfer. On the plenum side, heat exchanges directly between the TEMPLOK tile and the air.
2. How does heat move/transfer in and out of the TEMPLOK tiles?
   Heat transfers into the tile naturally as the air above and below the ceiling warms up, typically during the daytime. Heat transfers out of the tile as the building temperature falls, typically at night or when the space is unoccupied.
   
   Operating strategies like night ventilation or pre-cooling can aid the removal of heat from the PCM at night when cooling is most efficient or inexpensive.
3. At what temperature and duration do TEMPLOK tiles "freeze” and “melt”?
   The PCM in TEMPLOK changes phase continuously from the upper 60s°F through the upper 70s°F. The PCM can be partially frozen (solid) and partially melted (liquid) depending on its temperature. A few hours of varied air temperature can cause the PCM to change temperature by a few degrees, partially melting or freezing it.
4. Is ceiling height a factor that may impact performance?
   Ceiling height is not a primary factor but can affect the way the PCM works. In spaces with high ceilings and low air circulation, warm air that tends to naturally rise and stratify near the ceiling can be mitigated with PCM. This can contribute to energy-savings. The PCM can also slow heat transfer though the ceiling, helping to separate the unconditioned space above the ceiling from the occupied space. However, PCM in a high ceiling is less likely to directly influence the thermal comfort of occupants near floor level.
5. Does this work in both ducted return and Return Air Plenums (RAP)? Is there a better-suited application?
   PCM ceilings can be effective in both ducted and return air plenums. However, the PCM can work differently in each application. In ducted plenums, PCM reduces heat transfer through the ceiling which can help to isolate hot and cold plenums from the conditioned space below. This use can be most effective in top-story plenums beneath the roof, or in buildings with leaky ducts or envelopes. In return air plenums, the PCM is directly coupled with the HVAC system which lends to more controllable thermal load management. Compared to non-air-handling plenums, return plenums can allow more responsive use of the PCM to shift thermal loads. PCM in both plenum types can contribute to energy-savings, peak load shifting, and thermal comfort enhancements.
6. What impact does cycling the AC or heat have on TEMPLOK (if any)? Does it impact the lifespan of the PCM?
   Cycling the AC or heat does not affect the longevity of the PCM. TEMPLOK is designed to contain and stabilize the PCM for thousands of cycles with high performance. However, the temperature stabilizing effects of the PCM can reduce cycling of the HVAC system. PCM passively moderates the air temperature and thereby may reduce the frequency of on/off cycles by the HVAC system. Studies have shown that reducing HVAC cycling can prolong their lifespan, reducing long term wear and tear.

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1. Are TEMPLOK ceilings part of the Armstrong SUSTAIN Portfolio?
   No; however, because of our commitment to transparency, the TEMPLOK ceilings have a Health Product Declaration (HPD) which discloses ingredients to 100 ppm. The virgin PVC in TEMPLOK panels is free of ortho-phthalates, halogenated flame retardants, and heavy metals, which allows this product to meet both WELL™ Building Standard’s Material Restriction and Enhanced Material Restriction Features. Additionally, TEMPLOK ceiling panels have been tested and comply with the CDPH v1.2 Emissions Standard.
2. Can TEMPLOK ceiling tiles be recycled at the end of their useful life through the Armstrong Ceilings Recycling Program?
   The acoustical ceiling tiles can be separated from the TEMPLOK panel and recycled through the Armstrong Ceilings Recycling Program, as can the old mineral fiber tiles replaced by TEMPLOK ceilings.
3. What WELL and LEED® credits do TEMPLOK ceilings contribute to?
   TEMPLOK fits into the thermal comfort portion of WELL building standard and can contribute to energy and atmosphere credits under optimized energy performance for LEED.

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1. Can I cut TEMPLOK ceiling tiles?
   TEMPLOK ceiling tiles are not intended to be field cut. Use the standard acoustical tile of the family for grid openings requiring tile cuts (borders/MEP, etc.).
2. How many TEMPLOK ceiling tiles do I need to install in my project to realize published energy savings?
   Each TEMPLOK tile adds thermal mass and incrementally improves the thermal stability of the space. The more TEMPLOK ceilings that are installed, the greater the effect. For most spaces, it is recommended to use TEMPLOK panels in all full grid openings. Use standard ceiling tiles without TEMPLOK for perimeter and MEP cuts.
3. What are the best applications for TEMPLOK ceiling tiles?
   TEMPLOK ceilings offer the greatest temperature moderating effects in spaces with large temperature variations. This is typically caused by the climate or the presence of heat generating sources during the day (occupants, computers, or solar load) that dissipate during the night.
   
   In various climates, use of PCM in spaces with high heat gains during the day, like classrooms, conference rooms, perimeter offices, and lobbies can be effective. In these settings, with intermittent heat sources, the PCM can help to stabilize temperatures hour-to-hour. This can lead to reduced HVAC cycling and excess heat recovery to keep the building warmer overnight.
4. How do TEMPLOK tiles work in cloud applications?
   Cloud installations can be an effective application for TEMPLOK ceiling tiles. Both the top and bottom face of the cloud exchange heat with the air in the space. The high surface area can lead to more efficient and responsive heating and cooling effects of the PCM.
5. How are TEMPLOK ceiling tiles installed?
   TEMPLOK ceilings are installed like regular ceiling tiles but are used only in full grid openings because they cannot be field cut. The same family of tile without TEMPLOK visually matches and is used to make perimeter and MEP cuts.
   
   Example: ULTIMA TEMPLOK is installed in the full grid opening (typically 60-80% of the ceiling), ULTIMA is cut and installed in perimeters and around MEP.
6. What is the R-value of a TEMPLOK ceiling tile?
   R-value is a measure of a material’s heat flow resistance after its thermal mass has reached a steady state. In such test conditions, because PCM is not changing state (not melting or freezing), the measured R-value is small.
   
   In real building conditions, temperatures change continuously, and the effective heat flow resistance of a building element can be increased by its thermal mass. Unofficial terms like “dynamic R-Value" or “mass-enhanced R-Value" have attempted to describe this effect.

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