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Sensible heat refers to the heat that causes a change in temperature of a substance without causing a change in its phase. When heat is added to a substance, and that heat produces a measurable increase in temperature, it is classified as sensible heat. This is a key concept in thermodynamics, where the temperature of a gas, liquid, or solid changes as heat is transferred to or from it.

In contrast, latent heat is related to phase changes, such as melting or boiling, and does not result in a temperature change during the process, despite the absorption or release of heat. Specific heat relates to the amount of heat required to change the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius but does not describe the heat itself. Superheat involves heating a vapor beyond its boiling point without a phase change, focusing more on the state of the material rather than direct temperature change associated with sensible heat.

Understanding sensible heat is crucial in HVAC systems, where determining temperature changes is essential for effective heating and cooling solutions.