Phase Change Materials in Residential Buildings: Challenges, Opportunities, and Performance

Phase change materials (PCMs) have emerged as promising solutions for improving thermal management in residential buildings by enhancing thermal storage capacity and reducing energy consumption. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the application of PCMs in residential construction, focusing on their thermal properties, benefits, and limitations. A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, primarily covering studies published between 2015 and 2025. However, key studies published outside this period were also considered due to their relevance and significant contribution to the understanding of PCM performance and application. This analysis explores key parameters affecting PCM performance, including phase transition temperature, thermal conductivity, and material stability. The results highlight that optimized PCM integration can reduce energy consumption by up to 30% and improve indoor thermal comfort. However, challenges such as low thermal conductivity and phase separation still limit their large-scale adoption. The findings provide insights into the advantages and barriers associated with PCM-based systems and propose strategies to enhance their performance, including the use of nanocomposites and improved encapsulation techniques.