Question 1

What is a Low Energy Requirement passive solar home?

Accepted Answer

There are 3 major components to the "Low Energy Requirement Home" system:
1. A six-sided performance R38 insulation envelope. It consists of 2 separate layers of 2" thick Thermax (a foil covered urethane) with joints staggered and foil taped. This results in a structure that needs less than one-seventh the energy of the typical new house.
2. The long house wall orientated south with more glass south (not a huge amount) and less glass in the north wall.
3. The excess winter sunny day input (which could result in over heating) justifies an air-integrated heavy mass storage system. A fan moves air from the higher house areas, down an airshaft through high capacity MERV 8 filters, and through an extensive grid of air pipes located in mass storage consisting of 12" of concrete under the lowest floor.

Question 2

How to site my passive solar house?

Accepted Answer

You will need to determine south (check your shadow at noon-1pm local time- to determine solar south) and place the structure at least 100' from your south property line so you can clear an arc from the trees that would shade the house.

Question 3

Why don't you follow the common design parameters of direct gain; shades and shutters, south over hangs, air-lock entries, etc.?

Accepted Answer

Our superior six-sided performance R38 insulation envelope combined with modern windows negate that thinking- it is simple physics. You simply live in the house - passive solar works. We have "amended" the old traditional rules in our designs and eliminated some of the "new" trends that aren't necessary.

Question 4

What is "R" value?

Accepted Answer

R stands for "resistance" to energy flow - it doesn't relate to hot or cold or direction. Crudely, 1" of wood equals 1R. The desired R value would be the one with the lowest cost per performance R (not claim)- Polyisocyanurate (PIR)  is essentially a modified version of Urethane, offering improved thermal stability, flame resistance, chemical resistance, and dimensional stability. Which in our opinion is a clear winner for insulating our homes.

Question 5

Aren't your homes too tight?

Accepted Answer

A key component of our energy efficiency is our sealed envelope which is many times tighter than a typical home and will complete a blower door test at 0.2 air changes at 50 pascals. We have no interior combustion- no gas appliances allowed, airtight wood stoves are vented outside and a fan moves all interior house air 3 times an hour through high capacity MERV 8 filters. Most importantly, we are totally sealed from moisture with no dampness and not needing any humidifiers or dehumidifiers.

Question 6

Are these homes proven?

Accepted Answer

Over 400 families and 1000 people occupy Low Energy Requirement Homes in 9 US States and Canada, some for more than 50 years. There are satisfied customers everywhere, which is our strongest attribute. They report an unparalleled level of human comfort- you are never cold. Families have fewer colds, sore throats, etc. as the interior relative humidity stays at 40-45% all winter.

Question 7

Do you need backup heat or cooling?

Accepted Answer

You don't need a furnace to supply the small amount of heat needed as backup. Often an electric coil can be added, or a zone is taken from your domestic hot water supply to supply heat to a coil (like your car radiator) in the air shaft, heating the air going to the mass, then the house. Also a high efficiency air-source heat pump can be used, providing cooling too, first to the mass, if the climate demands. We have the ability to store "heat or cool" using off-peak rates. You never feel any difference with interior temperatures only varying 3-5 F in 24 hours. Ground Source Heat Pumps / Geothermal are another viable choice as they easily provide heat, hot water and air-condition.

Question 8

What other attributes are there?

Accepted Answer

• Houses can be left without heat in the winter and will never freeze.
 • There is no maintenance (1 hr./year) to the solar powered air system.
 • The sun never sent one of our houses a bill.
 • All featured house plans have been lived in and refined. They incorporate:
    • open daylighted spaces-cathedral ceilings-roof windows
    • wheelchair access at main floor
    • 3' doorways wherever possible
    • wider hallways
    • deeper closets
    • easy stairs
    • minimum 12'x12' bedrooms
    • concentration on design of entry, half bath/laundry, pantry and kitchen where 80% of activity occurs

Question 9

What if we already have our land and house plans?

Accepted Answer

If you have your land and house plans:
 • Site visit for advise on house placement and orientation (up to 100 mile)
 • Suggest minor changes to floor plans for best solar utilization
 • Advice on the best choices of many ways to achieve the greatest energy efficiency at you site.
 • List of recommended materials:
 • ground membrane choices*
 • special materials" foil tape, caulk, nails, etc.*
 • insulation choices
 • window and door types and brands
 • airshafts and filtering systems
 • heating and cooling systems- integrated heavy mass info
misc. items specific to you case
 • You will receive a written report with specific advice including lists of materials, rules to follow and general advise

* Available by mail order with specific advise