What is sensible heat characterized as?

Sensible heat is defined as heat that can be sensed or measured, meaning it is associated with the temperature change of a substance. When sensible heat is added to a substance, it raises the temperature without causing a phase change, allowing it to be measured with a thermometer. For example, when water is heated from 20°C to 50°C, the increase in temperature represents the sensible heat. This property distinguishes it from latent heat, which is associated with phase changes, where the temperature remains constant while the substance changes state (like water turning into steam). Thus, the correct understanding of sensible heat is critical for HVAC professionals, as it relates directly to temperature control and energy efficiency in heating and cooling systems.