Explore - Why Do Passive Houses Need to Be Built Airtight?

The air tightness of a building is its resistance to air leakage in or out through unwanted parts or sections of the passive house. Air leakage can occur through windows, doors, cabinets, joinery, beams, pipes, insulation, electrical wiring, fireplaces, etc. In simple terms, air sealing is about controlling the flow of air inside a building. 

Building an airtight house is one of the keys to building an energy-efficient home. Passive houses are designed to prevent unexpected air leaks, e.g., loss of warm air in winter and infiltration of hot or cold air. Careful design and correct construction are essential to meeting passive house standards. That is why passive house builders in Melbourne offer passive houses with an airtight cover. 

Triple Glazed Windows

The use of triple-glazed windows is compatible. For those who are not aware, three panes of glass are sealed inside the window frame. Usually, there are only one or two panes of glass. So why triple-glazed windows instead of single or double-glazed windows?

Triple-glazed windows are more energy efficient than single or double-glazed windows. They keep the heat in during the summer and keep it out during the winter. Passive house windows are designed to provide high thermal comfort even in the most extreme weather conditions. 

•  The windows are surprisingly resistant to breakage, making them burglar-proof. 
• They are quiet and provide good sound insulation from the road and neighbouring houses. 
• Insulation, careful sealing and high-performance windows significantly reduce external noise. 

According to the passive house builders in Melbourne, all the advantages ultimately increase the value of your passive house. 

Air Changes Rate

When it comes to measuring air tightness, there are many approaches. The most commonly used measurement method is the air change rate. This refers to the number of times the air inside a home is completely replaced when all doors and windows are closed, measured per hour using pressure. A quick search on the internet shows that the average new home has 7-20 air changes per hour. This means that on a windy day, the air changes from hot to cold about 7-10 times per hour. This means that the air heats up 1-10 times per hour. This means that a typical new house in Australia leaks 20 times more than a passive house! This is even when looking at the lower limit of the average allowable value for a typical new build.

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Which Type of House Is Most Energy-efficient?

When selecting the most energy-efficient home for you and your family, there are a lot of things to take into account. The degree of energy efficiency of a house depends on a number of factors, including its size, location, style, and climate.

The sort of residence is one of the most crucial things to think about. There are several types of homes, and each has benefits. Among the most typical kinds of energy efficient homes are the following:

Shape-Shifters

Before discussing certain styles, let's talk about the most critical component: form. The lowest surface area-to-volume ratio is seen in compact homes, such as cubes and domes, which reduce heat loss via the walls and roof. Imagine it as a self-hug to keep oneself warm; the less skin that is exposed, the more effectively you retain heat.

Material Things

Let us now discuss bricks and mortar. Some materials are inherently better at saving energy. Because of their air-filled chambers, straw bale buildings, for example, provide excellent insulation that keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. When obtained responsibly, timber-framed homes offer superior thermal insulation and have a smaller carbon footprint than brick or concrete construction.

Apartments

Apartments are found in multi-unit structures. Because they share walls and ceilings with other units, they might be the most energy-efficient style of dwelling even though they usually have the least amount of room and yard.

The house's location should also be taken into account. More heating will be required for homes in colder climates than for those in warmer ones. Additionally, homes in windy locations will require more heating and cooling than homes in protected places.

Another crucial element to take into account is the climate. Air conditioning is required in homes situated in warm climates. Properties situated in frigid regions must have heating.

Investing in an energy-efficient house benefits the environment, your finances, and your future. You may create a comfortable and environmentally conscious sustainable refuge by being aware of the essential variables involved and making well-informed decisions. Now, go forth and conquer the maze of eco-friendly living!

What Is the Best Shape for a Passive House?

A passive house has currently become the talk of the town with their efficacy and little use of energy for heating and cooling. It is mainly characterised by airtight construction and adequate insulation. During the tough winter, it uses solar energy to keep the house warm. This is how passive homes are beneficial for homeowners.

However, did you know that different shapes affect the efficacy of passive homes? Let us list down a few shapes and how they affect your passive home –

Different Shapes for Passive Homes

Before we begin with anything else, let us learn about the different shapes suitable for passive homes –

Cubes

This is the simplest and most efficient shape for passive homes. In fact, it is the most energy-efficient shape possible to maximise the benefits of passive homes. It is known for having a low surface area to volume ratio that helps in minimising heat loss. 

Rectangles

Rectangles are considered a bit more complex than cubes. Nonetheless, it is also a good choice for your passive homes. 

L-Shaped 

Lastly, another popular choice is only when they’re designed properly. To optimise solar gain, the house's long axis should be facing east-west. It is best to hire reputed passive house builders in Melbourne to get an idea of how the L-shaped system works. 

Advantages of a Compact Shape for Passive Homes

• Reduced heat loss: Because the walls and roof of a compact design have less surface area exposed to the outside air, they lose less heat. This is really important in the winter when the house is trying to retain heat.
• Improved insulation: Insulating a compact building is easier than a complex one. This is because there are fewer crevices and openings via which heat may escape.
• Increased solar gain: A compact design that faces south helps to maximise solar gain during the winter. Solar radiation can assist with natural home heating.

This is how a good shape and design play a crucial role in maximising the efficiency of passive homes. Make sure you hire reputed builders who can guide you through the right size and shape for your property. 

What Are Examples of Energy Efficiency in Homes?

The environment and the planet need us now more than ever! The depletion and degradation of natural resources, increasing carbon footprint, and global warming are all signs we need to change how we live. From our homes to our clothing or eating choices, change is inevitable.

If we talk about starting from your premises, why not turn it into an energy-efficient home? If you’re wondering how let us guide you through –

Home Insulation 

If you add insulation to your home, you can effectively reduce bills and save energy on heating and cooling. When winter arrives, insulation will keep your home warm, while in summer, it will cool down your house. This reduces the need to turn on your heater or air conditioner, helping you save on energy bills. 

Energy-Efficient Appliances

Next, you have the choice of choosing energy-efficient appliances. From your washing machine and refrigerator to thermostats and heaters, make smarter energy-efficient choices. For example, replacing old refrigerators with new ones is one way to save energy. Similarly, new ones are usually energy-efficient, which can save energy. Update your appliances with new ones that are now energy-efficient. 

Change the Lights 

You must have grown up seeing those heavy bulbs installed on your property and elsewhere. If you change these power-consuming bulbs into LED lights, you can save so much that it is beyond your imagination. LED lights use up to 80% less energy as compared to traditional bulbs. 

Solar Panels 

Solar panels are one of the most essential devices you need in your home. With these solar panels, you can use the solar energy to heat your home, reducing the costs. This is an age-old practice to reduce the rising energy bills.

These are some of the most prominent examples of how you can turn your home energy-efficient. If you want to contribute to the environment, here is your chance!

How to Check the Energy Efficiency in My Home?

 Your home's energy usage is a gauge of how efficiently it utilizes energy on a daily basis. You can lower your carbon footprint, lower your energy costs, and increase your comfort by making your house more energy efficient.

Here’s how you can check if you have an energy-efficient home –

Find Any Air Leaks

One of the main reasons for energy loss in houses is air leakage. Look for holes in the foundation and siding and cracks around windows and doors to check for air leaks. You can also use an incense stick or smoke pencil to identify air leaks.

Verify The Insulation

Insulation keeps your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Look in the attic and basement to determine if there is adequate insulation there to inspect your insulation. Remove an outlet cover or switchplate to inspect the walls of your house.

Lighting

Switch to LED bulbs, which are more durable and energy-efficient than conventional incandescent or CFL lamps. Consider adding motion sensors or smart lighting systems to have Lights Automatically Switch Off While Not In Use.

Thermostat Control 

Install a programmable or smart thermostat to control the temperature in your house efficiently. To save money on heating and cooling, set it to be warmer or colder when you're away or asleep.

Water Efficiency

Switch to low-flow plumbing fixtures, which use less water. Any leaks should be repaired right away since even a tiny trickle over time may waste a lot of water.

Renewable Energy Sources

If you want to produce electricity, consider installing solar panels or other renewable energy sources. This can help you use less fossil fuel and cut your energy costs.

Energy Monitoring Systems

Invest in smart home technologies or energy monitoring systems to monitor your energy consumption in real-time. This can show you which practices or equipment use the most energy.

This way, you can figure out whether your home is energy-efficient or not. If not, call professionals to turn your home into a sustainable one where you can witness lower energy bills, too!

How Can a Passive House Benefit Your Health?

Are you looking forward to building a passive house for yourself and your family? You are undoubtedly investing in the right thing. But if you have second thoughts about it, consider knowing about the health benefits of such a house and encouraging yourself in the best manner possible. Once you have set your mind, you should only focus on building your passive house the right way. To achieve perfection in this, get the best energy-efficient home builders on board and get started.

Everyone looks for energy efficiency in their home. So, if a passive house makes it possible, why shouldn’t you consider building one? It is meant to be the perfect contribution to a better and healthier life.

Health Benefits of an Energy-Efficient House

When building a passive house, ventilators are used in different places, which work as suppliers of fresh air within. So, if there are any odours and pollutants inside the building, they are meant to be eliminated in no time. This way, a comfortable indoor air temperature is maintained throughout. Your home can also remain quiet at the same time due to the use of high-performance windows and insulation. This means that if you are staying in a busy area, you can easily prevent noise pollution.

You and your family can undoubtedly stay healthy in a passive house. But you need to make sure that the ventilation systems installed in it are properly done. Otherwise, you may face various problems down the line. You can make the installations proper and perfect by hiring the best energy-efficient home builders.

Investing in and relying on passive house builders can be one of the best decisions of your life. If you are serious about contributing to a better and healthier life, you should consider having them on board for the construction job. Thus, find them now and get started!

Key Features of Designing an Energy-efficient Home with Passive House Supplies

 The key elements of passive design are building location and orientation on the site; building window design; thermal mass; shading and ventilation. The first step is to achieve the exact amount of solar access to acquire enough warmth during the cooler months but also prevent overheating in summer. This is achieved through a combination of location and orientation. Some of the key features of the passive design features like views, covenants and restrictions will be discussed further in this blog.

Thermal insulation

The thick and continuous insulation usually provides a proper thermal separation between the heated or cooled inside environments and outside. High-Performance Building Supplies help to improve thermal comfort and reduce the risk of condensation. Passive house buildings are designed to be resilient to any kind of temperature peaks and be comfortable all around the year. 

Mechanical ventilation heat recovery

MVHR or Mechanical ventilation heat recovery is considered to be a process of improving the inside quality of air without any opening of doors or windows. Passive House Builders in Melbourne use the MVHR for the purpose of improving indoor air quality without opening doors and windows. This system is also useful to clean the air from pollution and help to regulate humidity.

High-performance windows

The windows in a house play an important role in Passive House Design by allowing solar radiation to warm up the interior in winter. High-Performance Building Supplies help in keeping penetration through the insulation to a minimum level. The windows of the house are designed to be airtight and triple-glazed.

According to an experienced passive house designer, the amount of thermal mass required is not significant and easily provided in lightweight construction. A range of concepts regarding passive housing has been discussed in this blog. The adoption of these principles can enable the creation of buildings with healthy and dry indoor spaces.