Ventilation in Passive House during the times of COVID 19 – A Brief Discussion

The Ventilation System or the Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) of the passive house generally draws fresh air from the atmosphere and pushes them into the rooms. During this epidemic triggered off by the COVID 19 people are permitted to move around in the open as long as they maintain social distancing as prescribed by the experts. Indeed, like all the other viruses that are exhaled by the infected people are diluted strongly. Hence, the concentration of viruses in the atmosphere is low enough to turn harmless. So the bottom line is that, COVID 19 is not airborne and even if it is airborne it cannot stay in the air long enough to be a genuine threat.

The Ventilation issue of Passive House

The pandemic condition that is prevailing at this point shows pretty vividly why the passive house builders in Melbourne as well as the experts are putting more emphasis on the ventilation of the passive houses and buildings with the fresh air outside. They have also clearly mentioned why it is highly dangerous to use recirculated air ventilation.

Here is a quick look!

The air outside may be polluted, but it will only and only be polluted by dust, which can anyway be filtered by the high-quality fine-class filters like F7..F9, which are recommended by the passive house specialists and are as such, installed at the external air ducts. In fact, only recently, a statement that was published by the German Society of Ventilation (FKG) clearly stated that the passive house ventilation systems (MVHR) that are operating with the atmospheric air should be kept operating and should never be switched off. They also warned against the dangers of reducing or switching off the outside airflow.

To ascertain the gravity of their warning, it is essential to compare the ventilation system of the passive houses in Melbourne with that of the conventional buildings, which do not have any controlled ventilation system. They have clearly stated that all the conventional buildings without these controlled ventilation systems MUST have all their rooms properly ventilated with the atmospheric air. Rooms with a ventilation system that have no connection with the atmospheric air, like in AC rooms, trains, buses, and cars are highly dangerous zones and people using them are more prone to get infected by COVID 19 than those who are not.

The experts are of the opinion that the spaces with conditioned atmosphere might get virally contaminated and this can pose a real danger when the air accumulates into the interior spaces inhabited by users. In passive houses, with high tech filters properly installed at strategic entry points of the air, the intake air is even cleaner. That is the reason, the passive house experts in Melbourne like any other place will recommend proper operation of the outdoor air ventilation mechanism, even during the COVID 19 Pandemic. 

Reasons Why You Need Windows in Passive Houses That Can Open

As passive houses are still not the most trending thing in the modern world (there are no reasons why they shouldn’t be) and an idea that is somewhat obscured by myths and legends, people hesitate to opt for passive houses. They can’t only imagine how a whole house can literally be off the power grid. Among the myths that are circulated regarding passive houses, one of the most outrageous is that you can’t open a window in passive houses. While that is a lie, it’s necessary to have windows in a home that can be opened for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the reasons why it’s crucial to have proper air circulation in a house, passive or otherwise. 

An Energy-efficient Way of Cooling Your Building

During the summer, keeping your windows open is one of the cheapest, easiest and most environment-friendly way of cooling your energy-efficient home. If you have windows on opposite sides of the building, it allows for cross ventilation. In other words, the windows let natural breeze to pass through the building, reducing heat. It is the most effective solution in coastal and tropical areas where the temperature is more relaxed at night than during the day. 

Better than Passive House Air Ducts

The passive house ventilation process generally provides lower air exchange than cross ventilation. The fan would disperse additional heat into the environment, and the cooling system is further weakened in the process. The air exchange ratios of air ducts installed in these buildings are not enough to prevent the air from being too humid or too dry during excessively hot (and cold) weather. Advanced air ventilation systems may be able to do the job, but they are more costly and less energy-efficient than the conventional ventilation systems. On the other hand, windows provide you with a natural solution for cooling your building. 

A Link to the World outside Your Four-Walls

Windows connect our house interior to the vast world of nature that is lying outside. They allow us to look at the breath-taking views of the sunset, hear the birds chirping and singing, and to call out to the children playing in the garden. That is why most homeowners while designing their houses, take care of the fact that it has broad and airy windows. They also want to be able to control when and how to open them.

If you are planning to design and build a passive house to promise your kids a better future, you could contact experienced and renowned passive house builders in Melbourne who will be able to take care of the whole project from scratch. Invest in a passive home and invest in a better tomorrow. 

Cut-Down Your Energy Use With Smart Lights- A Discussion!

Smart home lighting is always an important aspect of your oh-so energy-efficient homes. Other than brightening your property; they also improve home security, creates a good atmosphere and helps you cut down on your monthly bill.

And since; your home lighting accounts for approximately 6-8% of your home’s energy consumption; it does make sense to invest in quality energy-saving lights to turn your interior space into a pleasing and inviting one.

Digging Deeper Into Smart Lights For Your Energy-Efficient Home:-

Nowadays, the rise of smart home bulbs makes it possible for homeowners to control their lighting needs and in the process lessen its energy consumption. You can opt for smart bulbs to regulate your individual light needs.

However, as per energy-efficient home builders in Melbourne:-

“This may not be the best option for those wanting to integrate energy-conserving smart lights along with smart home assistance. Fortunately; for you; there are so many other alternatives that you can go for.”

Optimal options may include in the form of light dimmers, energy-saving lights along with a quality home energy management system much like a constellation connect. This helps reduce their home’s energy use and amp up their overall property protection.

As per their viewpoints; here are some smart lighting solutions to reduce your monthly electricity use.

Employing Smart Lighting Switches:-

They are a smart mode of regulating your home’s lighting and conserving energy consumption. As they are installed; you will be able to control one hard-wired energy-saving light switch- be it from your smart hub or smartphone. These smart lights can also be voice-controlled.

Some options which you can opt include:-

• Single Pole Smart Switch
• Three/Four-Way Smart Switch
• Plug-in Smart Switch

Setting Up Motion Sensors Whenever Applicable In Your House:-

Most motion sensor lighting help save energy by automatically switching off when it detects no activity in a particular room. You can even set it to trigger the lights only when there is a human activity (so as to prevent your cat’s from switching them on as she moves around your residence)

Where Can You Put Motion Sensors Inside Your Home

Motion sensors present the most energy-saving convenience to homeowners (as explained above). Some of those common areas where you can think of installing them include:-

• Basement
• Entryways
• Garages
• Closets
• Bathroom, kitchen
• Outside the main gate
• Hallways
• Children’s rooms

And other high traffic areas in your house.

Adding Smart Light Dimmers :-

In terms of smart lighting options; you can choose from the following:-

• CFLs:- Compact fluorescent light bulbs are extremely energy-efficient. But not being specifically designed for dimmer switches, and when used, they may flicker and have a shortened lifespan.

• LEDs:- They are presently the best lighting option for smart, energy efficient homes. They also last a long time and is compatible with LED dimmer switches.

• Halogen Bulbs:- When used with dimmer switches, they tend to use 20% less energy, in comparison to when they are not dimmed. But these bulbs may not always be appropriate for all homes.

For large spaces, halogen bulbs may prove less energy efficient, and that negates the benefit of using dimmer switches. If you have a large space, then you can opt for a standard low-wattage bulb.

And, Including Smart Energy-Efficient Timers :-

These energy-saving timers are usually placed between the plug and wall outlet. And they are fitted to turn off the plugged-in home item at any particular time.

They are also referred to as timer switches, smart energy-efficient timers and they come with multiple usages. These timers help turn on your home lights at predetermined moments, right before you enter your home after work.

Energy-Efficient Timers Are Mainly Used To Regulate

• Hot tubs and pool filters
• Outdoor security lights
• Small appliances (like for instance computer, radios, flatirons, etc.)
• Water heating appliances
• Indoor lighting

Now that you have a clear perspective on smart energy-efficient home lighting solutions, be sure to discuss these with your home builder about these installations.

Also make it a point to always procure high performance building supplies in Melbourne for your dream home construction. You can even consult with your chosen builder to decide which option will work best for your specific requirements.

How The Design Of An Energy Efficient Functions?

When things come down to discussing the designs of energy-efficient homes, there a number of intricate issues involved. In fact, when we speak about the efficacy or the energy efficiency of these homes, it revolves around the successful coordination of some fundamental elements. All these elements work in close sync with each other to return the desired end effect of a passive house.

Here on this page, we discuss some of these elements, around which the functionality of each energy-efficient home involves.

Proper Orientation of the Windows:

In the typical energy-efficient house, windows or other inlets & devices that collect solar energy, generally face 30 degrees true south and should remain shaded for avoiding overheating during the summers.

During the fall, spring and the winter months, however, they should not ideally remain shaded. This will keep the right balance of heating and cooling effects during the entire season.

Thermal Mass:

Thermal Mass in a passive home generally includes the concrete, stone, bricks, tiles and the likes, which absorb heat from the outside world during the summer days, keeping the interiors cool, and retains the warm air in the house, helping the interiors to remain warm and cozy during the winters.

Other thermal masses in passive solar homes include water and the phase change products. These masses are extremely efficient in storing heat. In the well-insulated homes that are located in a moderate or extreme climate, the thermal mass created by the furnishings and of course, the drywalls of the home is more than sufficient.

This will help in the elimination of the very need for additional thermal storage materials, thus increasing the energy efficiency by manifolds.

Mechanisms of Distributions

Solar heat is transferred from its collection points, and are stored in various vantage points of the house, through the process of conduction, radiation and convection.

In certain smaller homes, small blowers and fans are engaged for able distribution of the heat. Conduction takes place as and when and strategically placed roof overhangs generate shades to vertical south windows during the summers.

Other control approaches that add to the energy efficiency includes various types of electronic sensing devices like a thermostat, various kinds of operable vents and dampers, which allow as well as restrict heat flow, low-emissivity blinds, awnings and operable insulation shutters.

Heat is transmitted through a medium like air as it moves from warmer to colder areas, and then all over the home.

Control Strategies

Appropriately sized and strategically placed roof overhangs generate shades to vertical south windows during the summers. Other control approaches that add to the energy efficiency includes various types of electronic sensing devices like a thermostat, multiple types of operable vents and dampers, which allow as well as restrict heat flow, low-emissivity blinds, awnings and operable insulation shutters.

So you see, passive house builders Melbourne use all these techniques and strategies to make the very mechanism of a passive house function. 

A Few Handy Plans that Passive House Builders Adopt

Expert passive house builders take an altogether different approach to come up with energy-efficient homes. Now the approach surely changes from one project to another depending upon the budget and the layout of the plan. Still, the principle upon which the plans are based remains more or less the same.
Now the main motive behind planning such homes remains constant – that is making sure that the home consumes as little energy as possible. How the experts achieve that through planning? Here are a few examples.

Dealing with the Facet in a special way

When it comes to designing the facet, the passive house builders in Melbourne will make sure that it faces the western sun instead of the eastern one. In other words, it will be the setting sun or a much feebler sun that the facet will be facing. Thus, they can minimise the extent of sunlight getting inside the building, thereby helping the interiors to remain cooler.

Setting up brick volumes on the ground floor 

Setting up multiple brick volumes at strategic locations of the ground floor will create enough shades, which will again make the interiors cooler. It does so by obstructing the unabated flow of sunlight chronologically. When that happens, the interior by default will create a much cooler ambience, which will reduce the need for artificial cooling significantly.

Setting up a connection with the backyard lawn

One noble idea is giving the space more scope to facilitate air circulation, which makes the interiors cooler and healthier. This is done by setting up multiple sets of large sliding doors on either side of the dining area on the ground floor (these buildings usually follow the rule of reverse living. They get directly connect the interiors to the backyard lawn, thus facilitating freer flow of air in and out of the room. This naturally makes the interior airier and more energy efficient.

Setting up polished concrete surfaces and internal brick walls

At times, the makers of energy-efficient homes would cover the internal brick walls with polished concrete surfaces. This concrete surface provides that thermal mass, which keeps the interiors cool and comfortable even in the height of Aussie summers.

Setting up white walls and fit-outs 

Alternatively, they would set up white walls and back them with white fit-outs, which will give the home enough light and summery atmosphere during the winters, making the room warmer than what they would have been, otherwise. Again, these rooms generally have windows with tinted glass, which when closed during summer, makes the rooms cooler. So you see, it helps both ways in two different seasons.
Thus, the experts in most of the cases would put into effect passive solar design mechanisms, and this allows the building to optimise its thermal efficiency at the end of the day. 

Why Should You Invest In Double Glazed Windows?

Double glazed windows- as the name suggests implies windows made of two layers of glass. Both the panels are separated by a space that is filled with inert gas, or it may be left as some vacuum. Most double glazed glass windows are known to provide proper insulation for houses. But its benefits go far beyond this.

“Keeps Condensation Away.”

At first, condensation forming on your windows may not seem like a big deal. But truth be told, it has far-reaching consequences. Those condensed water can cause mildew and mould. Furthermore, the humidity could also cause rotting of the window frames.

But you don’t have to worry about any condensation issues on installing double glazed windows. And with reduced condensation levels; you won’t have to mull over repair and upkeep expenses.

“Increased Level Of Security.”

Most double glazed windows are way harder to break in comparison to its single glazed ones. Proving to be more difficult to force open from the outside, it keeps your home safe from burglar entry.

If you wish to increase the security level more; you can also fit in toughened or laminated glass double glazed windows. They are popular and prove to be a quality choice for energy-efficient home projects.

“Reduces The Quantity Of UV Radiation Getting Into The House.”

Most of your belongings that are near to the window or door are constantly exposed to the sunlight. Be it your furniture, decor, carpets, etc. all of them can incur damage due to UV exposure.

However; when you add double glazed windows; you also protect your furniture or interior decor not just from the UV rays, but also from temperature fluctuations. So, that is another perk of fitting double glazing windows.

“Lessen Energy Consumption & Environmental Impacts.”

Over the course of the century, there’s been incredible growth and development of energy-efficient properties. More use of high-performance building supplies, solar PV panels, energy recovery systems and employed to match the energy efficiency standards.

Double glazing windows (specifically uPVC high quality double glazed windows) are another key component for energy-efficient constructions. They help reduce the impact on the environment and also lessen the energy consumption for the betterment of the environment.

“Boosts The Curb Appeal Of Your House.”

Quality double glazing windows also enhance the curb appeal of your home. Plus, they are designed so to fit into all architectural profiles of a property without compromising its original feel and appearance.

These are some of the perks of using double glazing windows for your energy-efficient home project. Discuss with your home builder about adding this to your new construction. It will be an investment you’ll be proud of.

How to Retrofit Homes for Adding Energy Efficiency

If you have thought of redesigning your home and making it more energy-efficient, you have your task cut out. You need to take into consideration a wide range of factors and bring in some changes. You need to consult the experts who are into building energy-efficient homes and turning the old existing homes into passive houses.

Here is a brief account of the tasks that these companies carry out:

Installing heating solution...

In old, existing homes, hot and cold air escape through all the sides. The roof, the basement, and the unsealed corners of these homes are pathways of the unconditioned air to get in and out.

To get rid of this phenomenon, you need to turn to the passive house builders in Melbourne, who would go for high-quality insulations. The pros of these companies would opt for various green insulation ideas to have your home properly insulated. They would have all these gaps and leaks adequately sealed with the help of proper caulking, wrappers and weatherstrips.

Once done, they would update highly energy-efficient heating and cooling systems to complete the insulation. At times, they opt for geothermal systems to make the homes more energy-efficient. Geothermal systems do not use any energy at all!

They would install LED lights

Conventional light bulbs have a propensity of digging a hole in your pockets and draining out energy from your homes. In fact, research shows that the incandescent bulbs consume 80 per cent more power than the CFL lights. Electric lights usually eat up 25 per cent of the energy budget of a typical household

This is where the LED and the CFL light bulbs come into play. Both these varieties are extremely energy efficient, but the LED lights have more longevity than the CFL bulbs. Moreover, these lights are available in more types and provide a broader range of brightness.

Replacing appliances that are less energy efficient

The old, less energy-efficient electrical appliances go a long way in interfering with the power bills of a household. Hence, if you are to make your home more energy-efficient, you need to get rid of these old, less energy-efficient electrical appliances.

The passive home builders would tell you to replace them with newer, state of the art, more energy-efficient homes. These appliances will go a long way in making homes more energy-efficient.

Besides, adding a sunroom and a skylight here, and there will also help you to make your home more energy-efficient and passive.