A Passive House is so much more than just a collection of innovations to the housing market— it’s a revolution in the way houses are created and viewed altogether. The entire certified Passive House movement works to create a comfortable home with an optimal ventilation system, energy efficiency, insulation, and a small carbon footprint.
To achieve these goals, building a Passive House takes work and planning, but it can be a much better investment than a conventional building.
But how much does it cost to have a Passive House? Le’s go over some of the most important questions that people have about Passive House design and build costs.
Is It More Expensive To Build A Passive House?
Because of the specialty materials and processes required with Passive House construction, it is more expensive to build than a non-Passive House.
Things like renewable heating and cooling, insulation without air leakage, and systems that lower electrical use and keep energy bills down all cost more in passive design. Not to mention the price of extras that you can add to a Passive Home, like solar panels or large windows for light-filled spaces!
Is It Worth It To Build A Passive House?
Though this can often be a matter of personal opinion, a Passive House is a good investment for many. These houses not only use better building materials for a long-lasting structure, but the Passive House building design itself works to better inhabitants’ lives.
From excellent air quality through a superior ventilation system to cost-effective changes to your heating energy and bills, a Passive House can change multiple parts of your life for the better.
Are Passive Houses Affordable?
While the initial construction cost of building a Passive House can be daunting, the long-term savings reveal that energy-efficient homes such as these reduce costs overtime and offset the upfront price.
Plus, with enhanced efficiency for running costs, a Passive House can produce up to 90% reductions in your annual spending for heating and cooling systems. That alone makes the idea of a Passive House more enticing!
Are Passive Houses Healthy?
Yes, living in a Passive House is a healthier home choice! Between better ventilation, quieter mechanical systems, and high-quality components throughout the home, passive design is meant to foster a healthy and happy existence.
Other health benefits from living in a Passive Home include less white noise, better warmth in winter months with thermal bridges, constant fresh air, and intuitive temperature regulation with double glazing or even triple-glazed windows.
Do Passive Houses Save Money?
Due to its self-sufficient design, a Passive House is more efficient than its counterparts. And part of the entire Passive House planning package is the better building materials that make it last longer and require fewer repairs.
This is particularly true if you install a good roofing system for better-than-adequate ventilation and help with heating considerations, such as RapidRidge dry, fixed roofing.
Not only will your heating and energy efficiency benefit, but without the mortar to degrade under shingles, a dry, fixed roof will last longer with no maintenance costs.
How Long Does It Take For A Passive House To Pay For Itself?
The answer to this question depends on your location, energy usage, family size, and other factors. But in general, a certified Passive House that uses airtight building envelope insulation methods to save as much on bills as possible can pay for itself and show a return on your investment around 10 or 12 years.
Is Passive House Net Zero?
Because of the renewed push towards Zero-Energy (or Net Zero) homes that use environmentally friendly building systems and renewable energy sources, Passive Homes are also being revisited.
And due to the Passive House construction details being so environmentally sound and energy-efficient for its square metre size, it’s one of the best options to start your journey towards Net Zero housing.
Is Passive House The Future?
In terms of current housing trends, it seems that building a Passive House is indeed the way of the very near future.
And with lower heating and cooling bills, better living conditions, and happier inhabitants, why shouldn’t it be?
With more Passive House designers all over the world creating these livable masterpieces, building and living in such a building is a great option for all, from a single-family home to multi-floor Passive Homes!