If you’re hot and cold about making passive house property or design investments, here’s another factor to consider—heating and cooling options. The name of the game is minimizing energy consumption to maximize indoor comfortability.
Passive house buildings are energy-efficient by nature and rely on innovative construction solutions to cut energy consumption by anywhere from 75 to 90% compared to other buildings with a central furnace or boiler. The United States Department of Energy reported that heating and cooling systems make up over 50% of the average American household’s energy usage. Passive house construction integrates energy efficiency into every aspect of the project by promoting thermal insulation and airtightness, south-facing high-performance windows, solar power, and a compact conditioning system to drive this disproportionate percentage down.
Especially useful for regions like Maine that experience cold winters and hot summers, passive house builds optimize heat emissions generated from residents’ daily activities—whether laundry or baking cookies—to maintain consistent indoor temperatures during the heating and cooling seasons. They have multiple layers of top-quality insulation, triple glazed windows and doors, and mechanical ventilation systems like a Heat Recovery Ventilator or Energy Recovery Ventilator that contribute towards a healthy, indoor environment. Industry experts even suggest orienting properties to the sun to capitalize on heat gains during colder months. Passive-house homeowners could ideally wave goodbye to their monthly energy bill and hello to energy-efficient living.
image courtesy of Dan LeFebvre on unsplash.
The main goal for a passive house heating and cooling system? A home without uncomfortable drafts, inconsistent temperatures, bulky unit designs, or poor air quality. See more below about the various options for heating and cooling passive houses in Maine and beyond.
1) Electric or Hot Water Post-Heater:
Both duct-mounted heaters are compatible with most domestic systems and have compact designs that optimize space in the home. They work by reacting to temperature changes in the MVHR Heat Recovery Ventilation System to regulate the temperature inside. The seemingly only difference between the two systems is that one is sourced by electricity and the other by hot water, as indicated by their names. However, these systems aren’t generally considered user-friendly. They can also have a relatively high running cost, counterproductive for many people seeking significant long-term savings in house utilities.
2) Solar Heating:
Solar heating has become increasingly accessible to homeowners in recent years. They work by transferring heat from the sun to a hot water cylinder linked to underfloor heating, radiant panels, MVHR, or other heating methods. Solar heating is incredibly successful in areas such as Maine, which are exposed to cold temperatures but receive ample sunlight. Although they are cost-effective, solar panels may not be feasible for all building layouts and most likely require an additional backup system.
3) Electric Panels:
This popular option might get the job done but has left homeowners unhappy with expensive operating costs and a slightly burnt scent when running.
4) Gas Boilers:
Gas Boilers are the “Ol’ Reliables” of heating systems and are considered user-friendly in ways that other units are not. Boilers can accommodate luxury appliance upgrades throughout the home, from heated floors in the kitchen to a towel warming rack in the bathroom; but, gas prices are subject to change and might result in a heftier-than-expected bill.
5) Radiant Heating:
This final suggestion appears one of the most highly-regarded by passive-house builders and occupants. A General Contractor can build a radiator system into the walls during the construction process. While this may be a higher upfront expense, it doesn’t take up any space, has a lower monthly operating cost, can be used for heating and cooling, and is virtually silent. Radiators are an excellent and affordable supplement when passive-house builds have triple-paned windows, proper insulation, convective air movement, and Thermostatic Radiator Valves.
So, mull over your options and decide which heating and cooling system will work best for your PassivHaus. Click here to learn more about finally getting your property passive-house certified.