Our homes use a lot of energy. From electric appliances to heating and air conditioning systems, all of our essentials tend to make living spaces less green. While various eco-friendly home repairs can help with this problem, those looking to truly level up their energy-saving should learn about passive houses.

A passive house is a building constructed with features that make conventional heating and cooling systems unnecessary. The green design allows passive houses to maintain a consistent indoor temperature without the fossil fuels that traditional methods produce.

Keep reading to discover how passive houses work and the many ways buildings can benefit from them.

Features of Passive Houses

Wondering how passive houses work their energy-saving magic? Here are the features that accomplish the job:

• Efficient insulation: To prevent heat from escaping the building, every part of a passive house includes high-quality insulation.

• Top-notch ventilation: Passive houses exchange poor quality air with fresh outdoor air to maintain consistent indoor humidity levels and temperatures.

• Airtight seals: Designing buildings with tight seals prevents moisture from coming indoors, reducing the risk of poor air quality and mold.

• Well-constructed doors and windows: Well-insulated, double or triple-paned doors and windows in passive houses prevent the heat loss common in regular homes.

• Free heating: Passive houses use “free heat” from electric or gas appliances to offset fresh outdoor air and maintain a consistent indoor temperature.

Benefits of Passive Houses

With a bit of remodeling, you can start enjoying the many advantages of passive houses. Check out just a handful of them:

• Energy efficiency: Since it eliminates the need for conventional heating and cooling systems, a passive house uses 90% less energy and keeps the utility bills low.

• Extra comfort: Without all the inconsistent temperatures that come with typical homes, passive houses can make living situations much more comfortable.

• Taxes and rebates: Depending on the year and location, people with passive houses might be able to receive a tax credit, grant, rebate, or loan for the remodel.

• More relaxation: People in passive houses skip out on loud heating and cooling systems and hear less outdoor noise as a result of proper ventilation and seals.

• Better air quality: The ventilation in passive houses eliminates allergens from the air, keeping it fresh and free from dust, pollen, and other pollutants.

• High building standards: Since passive houses have to meet high-quality construction requirements, they’re built with materials that are made to last.

• Tenant magnet: The perks of passive houses make them attractive for tenants, so landlords remodeling their property can boast the green initiative while managing the rental process.

By investing in a passive house remodel, you’ll be able to save money down the road while making your space greener. Still want to learn more? Check out the infographic below for everything you need to know about passive houses.

About the Author:

Jennifer Anderson is a writer with a passion for all things history and popular culture. In her spare time, you’ll find her watching sitcoms, going on hikes, and searching for vintage finds at local thrift shops.

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