As these are the first Passivhaus homes that we have had built, we want to make sure that our tenants are enjoying the benefits that these homes offer: lower energy bills and a more even temperature throughout the home.
To do this, we need to check that our tenants understand and are following the advice provided here.
As part of the sign-up process when moving into a Passivhaus home, our tenants will be required to sign an agreement to:
- Manage their home according to the guidelines shown here
- Allow enhanced visits from us, and take part in our surveys, so that we can understand whether Passivhaus is providing the expected benefits, and whether there are any drawbacks – we may also want to see bills from energy providers
- Allow inspections so we can check that the home is being maintained as required.
The main reason for these additional tenancy conditions is to ensure that our tenants are getting the most out of their Passivhaus home, and are seeing a real benefit from reduced energy costs.
Passivhaus guidelines
Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) unit and ducting
The Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) unit is situated in the airing cupboard.
- The MVHR unit must not be tampered with as this may affect the performance of the building
- Never switch off the MVHR unit - this must run continuously
- Special care should be taken to avoid damage to the flexible ducting used for the intake and exhaust ducts on the MVHR unit.
MVHR vents and grills
Vents and grills for the operation of the MVHR system are situated both inside and outside the home.
These are balanced and must not be altered or tampered with as this will affect the air flow to the home and the performance of the building.
Windows
Triple-glazed windows are used throughout the home and you may open the windows whenever you want. However, a Passivhaus is continuously supplied with fresh air via the ventilation system, which does a far better job of constantly bringing fresh air in than simply opening windows. This has advantages: unlike just opening the windows, fine filters in the ventilation system keep dirt and pollen out - a blessing for those who suffer from allergies and respiratory problems.
Indoor air quality is always excellent, even when you are away and/or windows are never opened. Of course, as with all buildings, if windows are left open for longer periods with extreme outdoor temperatures, the inside air temperature will be affected and energy consumption for heating/cooling will increase.
Doors
A Passivhaus home's external doors are heavily insulated with triple glazing. Please take care with the air-tight seals around the door frames.
Internal doors have gaps at the top and bottom to help the ventilation air circulate throughout the home. Do not cover these at any time.
Passivhaus FAQs
Passivhaus is a special way of building houses that keeps them very comfortable and healthy, while using very little energy to heat or cool them.
Thick insulation and a special system that brings fresh air into the house and reuses heat sets Passivhaus apart from regular houses.
Benefits
- Uses up to 80% less energy for heating – no need for full heating systems
- Healthier homes – fresh, clean air reduces issues like asthma and hay fever
- More comfortable indoors
- No draughts and stays cool in summer
- Even temperatures throughout the house
- Very quiet – good soundproofing between homes
- Less dust – the air system removes dust
- Up to 100% less carbon emissions – moving towards zero carbon homes
- Lower energy bills
The Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery system (MVHR) in your home takes old, stale air from places like the kitchen and bathroom and uses it to warm up fresh air coming in. This fresh, heated air is then sent to your bedrooms, sitting room, and other rooms with an MVHR vent.
The old air does not mix with the new air. The MVHR system also filters out dust, pollen, and smoke, making the air very clean and reducing allergens. It is cheap to run and will save you money.
All homes need fresh air to stay healthy. Without it, they can become damp and unpleasant. This dampness can cause mould, which can harm your home and your health. Polluted air is also bad for your health.
Many homes get fresh air through small vents in the windows and use fans to remove stale air. The problem with this system is that it lets warm air out and lets fresh air, which may contain pollen, dust, and other pollutants, in. This can make your home colder and harder to heat during winter.
MVHR does not need window vents or noisy fans. It helps keep your home warm and reduces the entry of pollutants.
No. The machines are very quiet and will not cause any noise disturbance when they are placed in a cupboard or plant room.
The MVHR system collects warm air from all rooms and spreads it throughout the house. The air is cleaned and then sent back into the home.
The MVHR system helps to keep the air in your home fresh by removing bad smells, excess moisture, and humidity. It ensures that stale air and fresh air never mix, so bad smells won't come back into the house. There's also a boost function that increases ventilation for about 20 minutes, which can help get rid of cooking smells or bathroom condensation.
Because the house is designed to be very airtight and energy-efficient, you cannot put a letterbox or pet door in the front or back door.
There is an external letterbox installed for mail.
Do not try to add a letterbox to the front door as it will affect the building's efficiency.
Yes, but only use hanging methods that don't require nails, so the walls stay insulated and airtight.
Yes, clothes will dry very well indoors on an airer as the moisture is removed by the MVHR system.
A Passivhaus building doesn't need a conventional heating system. It uses heat generated by solar power and from inside the building.
You can adjust the temperature with a thermostat on the main MVHR control panel. The building is made to keep a steady temperature, usually around 20°C.
A Passivhaus building is designed to keep the indoor temperature at 20°C all year round.