No Mechanical Heating. No Problem
Validated performance of passive strategies during the coldest, sunniest days
The winter solstice – or December solstice – occurs tomorrow, Friday, December 22nd, at 03:27 a.m. in mainland Portugal.
These past few days have been excellent for verifying the performance of a #PassiveHouse currently undergoing certification during the heating season. Very cold weather with high daily temperature swings — but sunny days.
The top green line on the graph shows indoor temperature variation over three full days. Temperatures remain between 21°C and 24°C.
The lower blue line shows outdoor temperatures ranging from 8.5°C to 16°C.
The two middle lines correspond to the extract and exhaust air temperatures within the heat recovery ventilation system.
South-facing orientation allows winter solar rays to pass under the shading elements, which were designed to block only summer sun — enabling free solar gains. High levels of thermal insulation preserve indoor temperatures, while airtightness avoids uncontrolled losses and ensures the mechanical ventilation with heat recovery maintains stable temperatures and appropriate humidity levels throughout the house.
It is absolutely possible to live in Portugal in a home that is comfortable, energy-efficient, and sustainable.
Passive House is a construction concept that defines a high-performance building standard that is energy efficient, healthy, comfortable, affordable, and sustainable.
Note: Data collected from the mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery over three days this week.
