![]() #Cold weather wall insulation freeAnother essential principle is “ thermal bridge free design”: the insulation is applied without any “weak spots” around the whole building so as to eliminate cold corners as well as excessive heat losses. Good insulation and airtight construction have proved to be extremely effective in Passive Houses. #Cold weather wall insulation windowsEffective sunshades for the windows and sufficient ventilation are also essential to ensure a maximum level of comfort during hot periods. In warmer climates or during summer months, good insulation also provides protection against heat. This leads to a very high level of comfort and reliable prevention of building damage due to moisture build up. The heat losses during cold periods are thus negligibly small, and the temperature of the interior surfaces is nearly the same as the air temperature, irrespective of the type of heating used. These values are not only benchmarks for all construction methods but also the most cost-effective values at today's energy prices. U-values (thermal transmittance) of external walls, floor slabs and roof areas of Passive Houses range from 0.10 to 0.15 W/(m²K) (for Central European climate these values may be slightly higher or lower depending on the climate). ![]() The level of insulation in Passive Houses Financial support such as low-interest loans, as currently available in a number of countries, reduces the initial investment for improved thermal insulation yet, even without such incentives, the investment will pay off in the long term, as shown by a careful analysis. ![]() At the same time it will help improve thermal comfort and prevent structural damage (see further information about thermal insulation). Therefore, improving thermal insulation is the most effective way to save energy. Heat losses through external walls and roofs account for more than 70% of the total heat losses in existing buildings. A high level of insulation has always proven to be effective to learn more please go to the following page: Thermal protection works. This principle is taken very seriously in Passive Houses – because quality insulation is a very affordable way of saving energy.Īs a matter of fact, it is thermal insulation and not heat storage which is important (see insulation or storage). “If you do it, do it right!” - Don’t save on the insulation when it comes to thermal protection measures. → An appropriate level of insulation can also be applied to existing buildings at any given point of time.Īn important principle has been derived from experience with new low-energy constructions: → Good thermal protection can be achieved for all construction methods and has already been successfully implemented in solid construction, timber construction, prefabricated building elements, formwork element technology, steel construction and all types of mixed constructions. Therefore, it makes sense to restrict the heat flow in any building irrespective of the climate – and this is where thermal protection comes in. The inverse applies for hot climates (or during hot periods) with excessive heat entering the building through its envelope. As a result, heat is lost through the envelope and, unless this heat is replaced, the inside of the building cools down adjusting to the outdoor temperature. Its main purpose is to provide for a comfortable indoor climate – irrespective of the outdoor climate which is determined by the weather.ĭuring cold periods (typically from the middle of October to the end of April in the winter cold climates) the temperature inside the building envelope is usually higher than it is outside. The building envelope consists of all the building elements which separate the inside from the outside. In low-energy buildings in climates with a heating demand the entire building envelope has to be well insulated. ![]()
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