Physical Address

304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124

What does passive house construction involve?

The construction of a passive house is based on the premise that the building itself is able to provide the right temperature and humidity inside without the need for traditional heating and air conditioning systems. Special technologies and solutions are used to achieve this, such as:

  • Tailored building orientation to the sides of the world to maximise the use of natural solar heat.
  • A thick, thermally insulated external envelope that keeps heat inside the building and prevents it from escaping to the outside.
  • Highly insulated windows that provide plenty of daylight but minimise heat loss.
  • Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, which ensures that air is circulated inside the building but also recovers heat from the extracted air and uses it for space heating.

These and other solutions significantly reduce the need for additional heating and air conditioning, resulting in lower heating and air conditioning bills and reduced CO2 emissions.

How are passive houses heated?

Passive houses are heated mainly by solar radiation which enters the building through the windows. In addition, heat is also generated by people and electrical appliances such as computers, televisions or refrigerators that are used indoors.

Some passive houses also use additional heat sources, such as a fireplace with a water jacket or solar collectors. These solutions make it possible to further raise the temperature inside the building on colder days or in the event of a ventilation failure.

Difference between passive and low-energy houses

Passive and low-energy houses differ primarily in the degree of energy consumption required to heat and ventilate the building.

Passive buildings have very low energy requirements for heating and ventilation, which is made possible by special solutions and technologies.

Energy efficient buildings are also characterised by low energy demand for heating and ventilation, but this is higher than for passive buildings. This can be achieved by using similar solutions, but their efficiency is lower than that of passive buildings.

In general, passive buildings are more energy efficient than energy-efficient buildings and can be equipped primarily with a real heating source and additional renewable energy sources such as solar panels or photovoltaic panels.

How do you choose a passive or energy-efficient home?

If you are considering choosing a passive or energy-efficient home, the following criteria are worth considering:

  • Costs: Building a passive or energy-efficient house requires special solutions and technologies, which can increase the price of construction compared to a traditional house. However, in the long run, these additional costs can pay off in the form of lower heating and air conditioning bills.
  • Needs and preferences: If you want to make sure your home is as energy efficient as possible, a passive house is a better choice. However, if your needs are smaller or you want more freedom to use traditional heating and air conditioning systems, an energy-efficient home may be a better option.
  • Technical possibilities and local regulations: Before deciding to build a passive or low-energy house, it is a good idea to check whether the technical options are feasible where you live and whether they comply with current regulations and standards.
  • The future: A passive or low-energy house is an investment for the future, which can bring tangible benefits in the form of lower heating and air conditioning bills and reduced CO2 emissions. If you are looking for a long-term solution, a passive or energy-efficient house is worth considering.