ABSTRACT
In a low carbon dwelling the over-riding issue is the control of the internal climate and air quality to minimize the use of energy for heating or cooling and promote health. Non-energy efficient homes rely on natural air infiltration to provide ventilation, but this can increase the amount of energy used to heat them. As insulation standards improve, ventilation heat losses increase proportionately as a percentage of total heat loss. In well-insulated dwellings, these account for around a third of the total heat loss. Conversely, in hot periods, we invest in energy-guzzling fans and air conditioners. Adequate ventilation also removes internal pollutants such as allergens, NOX (nitrogen oxide), VOCs and carbon monoxide and controls humidity so the air inside is clean and neither too dry nor too damp.
