As a passive house consultant, I am often asked can you open windows in a Passive House?
Yes, it is possible to open windows in a passive house. Passive houses are designed to be highly energy efficient, but they are not intended to be completely sealed and airtight. Instead, passive houses rely on a combination of insulation, airtight construction, and passive solar design to minimise the need for heating and cooling, while still allowing for natural ventilation.
Windows are an important element of passive house design, as they provide natural light and can be opened to allow for natural ventilation. In order to minimize heat loss and gain, passive house windows are typically highly insulated and have low levels of solar heat gain.
It is generally recommended to open windows in a passive house for ventilation when the outdoor air is cooler than the indoor air, and to close the windows when the outdoor air is warmer than the indoor air. This can help to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reduce the need for heating and cooling.
Overall, the ability to open windows in a passive house is an important feature that can help to provide a comfortable indoor environment while minimising energy use.