| Rather than duplicate information that is presented on other websites, a short discussion of the concepts and a few links are provided. If you have an interest in following up with this topic please contact us.
Basic Concepts:
- Build a structure that minimizes thermal bridges, has excellent insulation and is very air tight
- Ventilate the house through a heat exchanger that uses exhaust air to heat fresh incoming air
- Take advantage of thermal mass inside the house to store heat
- Manage the surface area of the home to minimize losses
- Install windows that minimize thermal bridges
- Specify the location of windows to optimize solar gain during months when heating is required
- Carefully shade windows (external if possible) to reduce solar gain during months when cooling is required
- Model and optimize the house using passive house software
- Consider tree shading in the planning and modeling process
- Apply careful air sealing and insulating techniques during construction
- Use energy efficient lighting
- Use energy efficient appliances and products
- Carefully specify the heating and cooling system. Bigger is not better!
- Optimize the hot water system
- For a Positive Net Energy home consider Solar thermal, photovoltaic
Useful links:
www.passivehouse.us
www.passivehouse.com
www.e-colab.org
www.passive-on.org
www.energieinstitut.at
www.igpassivhaus.at
www.novatlantis.ch
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