A Passive House is a recent methodology of building a house with the purpose to lower Carbon emissions and keep monthly bills lower. There are lots of benefits to such a house. However, when building or recognizing such a structure, it is useful to know a few of the principles that are at the base of building such a dwelling.
- Airtight
The airtight layer is often found on the inside of external walls (membrane, plaster). It’s preferable to avoid puncturing it as much as possible. Instead, you might be able to find solutions to hang photos without using nails. If you must pierce the walls, make sure to properly seal any leftover holes after removing the bolts.
- Ventilation system
You should change the fresh air filter and exhaust air filter once a year, just like you would with a vacuum cleaner. This will guarantee that the ventilation equipment is in good working order and that interior air quality is maintained efficiently. Maintaining clear overflow air apertures indoors and extract/supply valves will also assist fresh air to circulate throughout the building.
3 more tips for proper ventilation:
- Reduce your energy usage even further by opening your windows for ventilation when the outside temperature and humidity levels are near to the ideal inside environment. – Don’t forget to turn the ventilation device back on when the weather changes.
- Reduce airflow if you think the air is excessively dry during chilly winter periods. You may augment this by keeping indoor plants and hanging clothes inside.
- Keep all initial valve settings and locations or consult a trained professional before making any modifications to make your life simpler.
- Efficient glazing and shading
Allow the sun to heat your area for free by keeping the external screening open throughout the winter months. With an internal glare screen installed, reading a computer screen becomes more comfortable. Simply utilize the shade when the indoor temperature rises over your comfort level.
This is easier handled by the design of the house and using proper windows.
- Heating
Night-time setback systems (automated systems that reduce room temperatures at night to save on heating expenses) are ineffective in Passive House structures and hence an unneeded complexity. You simply want a little amount of heating electricity that may be provided continuously via radiators underneath your windows!
- Cooling
Peak load concerns do not exist in Passive House structures: The cooling requirement is modest and virtually constant due to their high inertia. However, make good use of the outside shading!