What is a Passive House and why should you build one?
Are you a self builder? At the start of your mission? Have a design in mind but unsure about the key features for optimal comfort? Maybe you’re a big fan of Grand Designs and love the idea of homes that are truly self sufficient? If you resonate with any of these then you may be interested in a Passive house home.
You may have heard this buzz word over a good handful of the Grand Designs episodes, but what does it actually mean? Is a Passive constructed home any better than a regular home and is it worth the cost? Find out everything you need to know about Passivehaus buildings in this article.
What is a Passive House?
A Passive House is a method of construction that creates a significantly more energy-efficient building compared to traditional methods. It achieves this through advanced insulation, airtight construction, high-performance windows, and efficient ventilation systems, resulting in reduced energy consumption and enhanced indoor comfort.
Why Choose a Passive House?
Choosing a Passivehaus (or Passive House) home over a regular house can offer several advantages, mainly in terms of being more self-sufficient (relying less so on the grid connection), comfort, and sustainability. Let’s break it down into the reasons someone might opt for a Passive House home, how they are different, and whether they are worth the extra investment.
Advantages of Passive Homes
Energy Efficiency:
Reduced Energy Consumption: Passivehaus homes use significantly less energy for heating and cooling compared to conventional homes. They are designed to use up to 90% less heating and cooling energy.
Lower Utility Bills: Due to the reduced energy consumption, homeowners experience much lower utility bills, making the home more cost-effective in the long run.
Comfort:
Consistent Indoor Temperature: The design ensures a consistent indoor temperature throughout the year, avoiding cold drafts and overheated rooms.
Improved Air Quality: Passive house homes have superior ventilation systems that provide a constant supply of fresh air while filtering out pollutants, allergens, and moisture.
Sustainability:
Lower Carbon Footprint: By consuming less energy, Passive house homes contribute to lower carbon emissions, supporting environmental sustainability.
Durability and Quality: These homes are built with high-quality materials and construction techniques that enhance their durability and lifespan.
Self Sufficiency
As the climate changes, some areas of the world require more self sufficient housing to reduce the dependency on the grid. Nobody wants to be out of power and if sourcing your own is a solution, it will reduce the burden and worry of a power outage.
Who likes to pay bills? Becoming self sufficient means you’ll be more in control and will likely pay a lot less in energy bills.
How Passivehaus Homes Differ from Regular Homes
Like Goldilocks, they feel just right:
They don’t get too hot and they don’t get too cold! That’s the beauty of High-Performing Insulation: Passive house homes use thick, high-quality insulation in walls, roofs, and floors to minimise heat loss.
Thermal Bridge-Free Construction: Special construction techniques are used to eliminate thermal bridges, which are areas where heat can escape.
Windows and Doors that keep the home warm and cool:
Triple-Glazed Windows: These homes often feature triple-glazed windows with insulated frames to reduce heat loss and improve thermal performance.
Airtight Construction: Passivehaus standards require extremely airtight construction to prevent air leaks.
Ventilation reducing indoor air pollution:
Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV): An HRV system is used to recover heat from outgoing air and transfer it to incoming fresh air, maintaining a comfortable temperature without losing energy. It also cleans the air regularly removing any dust or toxins that may have entered the home.
Orientation and Design for smart living:
Optimised for Solar Gain: Passive house homes are often oriented and designed to maximise solar gain in the winter and minimise it in the summer.
Compact Shape: The shape and layout are optimised to reduce the surface area through which heat can escape.
Long-Term Savings
Studies and Reports: Numerous studies and reports have demonstrated the energy efficiency and cost savings of Passive house homes. For instance, a study by the Passive House Institute found that these homes can save up to 90% of heating and cooling costs compared to conventional buildings. That could be £1000s each and every year saved on energy bills.
Resale Value: Passive house homes often have higher resale values due to their energy efficiency and sustainability features, which are increasingly in demand.
Cost-Benefit of a Passivehaus Constructed Home
Initial Investment: The upfront cost of building a Passive house home can be higher due to the specialised materials and construction techniques required.However some prefabricated manufacturers can come out at a similar prices of a regular self build. We’d recommend doing some research (and a spot of shopping) to look for the best price for your self build.
Long-Term Savings: Over time, the savings on energy bills can offset the initial higher costs. Depending on energy prices and consumption, homeowners can often see a return on investment within a reasonable period.
Non-Monetary Benefits: Improved comfort, air quality, and environmental impact are significant non-monetary benefits that many homeowners find valuable.
Conclusion
While Passive house homes can require a higher initial investment, they offer substantial benefits in terms of energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainability. The long-term savings on energy bills and the added value of a high-performance home can make them a worthwhile investment for many people. Additionally, the reduced environmental impact aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainable living. Evidence from studies and real-world implementations supports the efficacy of Passive house homes in delivering these advantages.
For more information about Passive House Designs and how we can support you with your self build, get in touch today!
