Great advantages of passive houses

Passive houses are probably the most sustainable housing solutions. Their energy efficiency, adequate ventilation and stable temperature are among their main advantages. In fact, they do not need to resort to heating or air conditioning. In most cases, it is enough to install some controlled mechanical ventilation system.

What are passive houses

This type of sustainable houses is defined by the following characteristics:

• Energy efficiency.
• Comfort.
• Sustainability.
• Affordable price.
• Quality ventilation.
• Brightness.
• High level of comfort.
• Systems based on renewable energies.
• Good insulation in walls, floors, and windows.

In this way, the heating or air conditioning consumption is reduced by about 90% compared to old buildings. These levels are around 75% if we compare them with more current conventional buildings.

On the other hand, ventilation systems are installed to provide fresh air constantly. In this way, the air quality is also optimized. In this line, low levels of radon are guaranteed, which affects the good health of the inhabitants.

Therefore, passive houses incorporate quality ventilation systems that improve the air quality and allow us significant savings. But what requirements must houses meet to be considered passive houses? Here are some:

• Necessary energy. The house and its resources, such as appliances, the water network, or heating, do not exceed 60 kWh per year per square meter.
• Heating. They do not exceed the consumption of 15 kWh per year per square meter or 10 W per square meter of maximum demand. This contrasts with 100 W per square meter of a conventional house. That is, the consumption is ten times less in a passive house.
• Air tightness. They do not exceed 0.6 air changes per hour at 50 pascals of pressure.
• Thermal comfort. In this type of houses, the temperature does not exceed 25 degrees Celsius plus 10% of the hours of the year.

What benefits do passive houses provide

We have seen that the conditions of this type of houses allow living in them comfortably and healthily, as they have all the necessary resources to achieve high levels of quality of life.

Next, we explain in more detail the main advantages of passive houses.

Efficiency and sustainability

They are very efficient buildings from the energy point of view. This means lower consumption, which translates into less spending on light and gas bills. On the other hand, they can benefit from all the aid and subsidies aimed at promoting clean and renewable energy. In addition, they are environmentally friendly buildings, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

Low cost

The cost of building one of these houses is quite affordable. Not only does it mean a great savings in consumption, but the actual masonry, plumbing, and electrical work are comparable and often lower than those of conventional houses.

However, it is important to assemble teams of professionals who have experience and specific knowledge about insulation, airtight windows, heat recovery units, etc.

Comfort

Thanks to their stable temperature and good humidity and air quality conditions, these houses provide well-being and optimal living standards.

Undoubtedly, living in passive houses is a future option. They are properties with very clear principles: to achieve significant energy savings, respect the environment where they are located as much as possible, and promote sustainable development. If you want to know more about aspects related to this type of houses, we recommend this article on natural ventilation to improve air quality.