Should You Open Windows in a Passivhaus?

Here at ecoHaus, we pride ourselves on our wonderful range of bespoke architectural glazing. Featuring a variety of builds, ranging from traditional to modern, our knowledgeable team loves to work with homeowners on their dream spaces. We look to the future when it comes to design, knowing the importance of greener living- which is why we work towards improved thermal efficiency in every home. One of the most energy efficient designs on the current market is that of the Passivhaus, which works to harness the natural energy that surrounds us each day. 

Passivhaus, also known as “Passive House”, is a rigorous, voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building. By using passive design measures such as increasing insulation, reducing thermal bridging and utilising triple glazing, the Passivhaus standard works to reduce the heating and cooling requirements of your property. This results in ultra-efficient buildings, maintaining a comfortable interior climate without the need for conventional heating and cooling systems.

Passivhaus takes advantage of natural solar heat and efficient insulation to keep buildings warmer without using additional energy. By reducing the use of heaters, air conditioners and fans, Passivhaus has significant environmental benefits- including reduced greenhouse gas emissions. As the airtightness of a building increases, so does the amount of carbon emissions saved. Due to the improved insulation, Passivhaus buildings can decrease the amount of energy loss in your home, and can contribute to a much smaller carbon footprint.

However- should you open windows in your Passivhaus? Given the intense work that’s put in to maintain a stable temperature inside your home, it can be difficult to know whether you should keep your windows open or closed. In this article, we aim to discuss why it’s perfectly okay to open the windows of your Passivhaus. 

Opening Your Windows

The passive house movement doesn’t necessarily require that you never open any windows, but many passive house owners choose to do so in order to take advantage of the many energy-saving benefits associated with proper window management.

So what are the pros and cons of opening windows in a passive house? Let’s take a closer look. 

One of the biggest advantages of opening windows in a passive house is the energy-saving benefits. Passivhaus designs are intended to maintain interior thermal comfort using minimal energy consumption, and windows offer an effective way to ventilate while heating and cooling the space more efficiently. Opening windows can also help when it comes to reducing the amount of unwanted moisture in the air, providing a more comfortable living environment. 

On the other hand, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. Opening windows can lead to a decrease in indoor air quality if pollutants, such as pollen and other allergens, enter the home. Additionally, if the climate outside is too hot or too cold, opening windows will not necessarily result in an efficient cooling or heating system. 

So, to get to the point- can you open windows in a Passivhaus? Yes! But it’s important you consider whether it’s a good move for your property. Windows are a great way to naturally cool your home, and a great way to let air circulate- but they might allow pollutants and unwanted noise into your property, and your house will take a while to warm through after windows are opened. 

Other Reasons You Might Open Your Windows

You may want to open your windows in a Passivhaus for a variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons to open your windows is to clean them- opening your windows means you can reach all the spots you would normally struggle to reach. Opening your windows makes the cleaning process much easier. You might want to do this on a day that it’s nice and warm outside, to ensure you protect your property against heat loss. 

You might also want to open your windows while you’re cleaning your home. Harsh chemicals and toxins often exist in cleaning products, that are best to use when there’s adequate ventilation. Always open your windows to allow these fumes to escape safely. 

Looking for Windows for your Passivhaus?

Look no further than ecoHaus. We offer a bespoke range of architectural glazing that is sure to fit the needs of any home. Contact us via phone on 0800 612 6519, or fill out our online form. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible. 

If you need advice, then our knowledgeable product specialists can help. Visit one of our showrooms in England, Wales or Scotland – our Find a Showroom tool will help you locate the nearest ecoHaus location. We are happy to talk you through our selection of doors and windows, and provide support for your home improvement project.

We have worked on various Passivhaus certified buildings including The Tree House & Crossways.