What are the health benefits of a Passive House?
When you think of a Passive House, energy efficiency might be the first thing that comes to mind. However, the health benefits of living in a Passive House are equally impressive and can significantly improve your quality of life. In this blog post we'll explore how Passive House design can contribute to better health and wellbeing for you and the ones you love.
Health benefits of Passive House
Improved indoor air quality
One of the standout features of a Passive House is its superior indoor air quality. Thanks to the airtightness and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems, Passive Houses provide a constant supply of fresh, filtered air.
This system removes pollutants, allergens, and odours, ensuring the air inside your home is clean and healthy. For individuals with respiratory issues, such as asthma or allergies, this can be a game-changer, reducing symptoms and improving overall respiratory health.
And even if you don’t have respiratory issues, who wouldn’t want to breathe in air that’s fresh and clean?
Consistent indoor temperatures
Passive Houses maintain a stable indoor temperature throughout the year with minor variations, eliminating cold drafts and hot/cold spots. This consistency is not only comfortable but also beneficial for our health.
Fluctuating temperatures can exacerbate conditions like arthritis and respiratory illnesses.
Did you know cold temperatures are responsible for 6.5% of deaths in Australia but only 3.7% of deaths in Sweden?
Although we can’t exclusively attribute the difference to poor building conditions, it does make you wonder how this can be possible when Australian cold temperatures aren’t anywhere as extreme as Sweden’s.
By keeping the indoor climate stable, Passive Houses help mitigate these issues, providing a more comfortable and healthier living environment.
Reduced noise levels
The high-performance windows, insulation and airtight construction of Passive Houses also provide excellent soundproofing.
This means that external noise, such as traffic or yappy dogs, is significantly reduced. Naturally, a quieter home environment can lead to better sleep quality, lower stress levels, and improved mental wellbeing. Imagine experiencing the quiet of countryside living, regardless of where you live!
Enhanced cognitive function
Good indoor air quality and comfortable temperatures are crucial for cognitive function and mental wellbeing. Studies have shown that exposure to pollutants and increased levels of carbon dioxide can impair cognitive abilities and increase stress levels.
In a Passive House, the absence of pollutants plus fresh air and a stable indoor climate can enhance concentration, decision-making, and productivity. This is especially important for those who work or study from home.
Better sleep quality
Consistent indoor temperatures and reduced noise levels contribute to better sleep quality. Quality sleep is essential for overall health, affecting mood, cognitive function, and physical wellbeing. Properly insulated walls and double or triple glaze windows and doors in a Passive House block out external noise, creating a peaceful environment conducive to restful sleep. And with continuous ventilation, you’re avoiding that sticky and clammy feeling on your skin you get from high carbon dioxide levels.
Resilience to extreme weather
Passive House homes are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, providing a secure and comfortable living environment.
This resilience ensures that even during heatwaves or cold snaps, the indoor climate remains stable, protecting the health of everyone inside.
Sources:
Wallner P, Tappler P, Munoz U, Damberger B, Wanka A, Kundi M, Hutter HP. Health and Wellbeing of Occupants in Highly Energy Efficient Buildings: A Field Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2017 Mar 19;14(3):314. doi: 10.3390/ijerph14030314. PMID: 28335491; PMCID: PMC5369150.
Passive House Accelerator - Passive House benefits
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We’re a passionate bunch who are tired of seeing homeowners around Australia settle for subpar living conditions. We combine our love for building, building science, and building relationships to create healthy, comfortable, and energy efficient living experiences for people. We’d love to get to know you!
