Our house was completed at the end of 2005. At that time, the regulations regarding thermal insulation were certainly not as strict as they are today, yet I still find the insulation to be, in my opinion, completely excessive.
A few weeks ago, when the mornings were still pleasantly cool, I tried ventilating the ground floor by cross-ventilation to lower the temperature to 20°C (68°F). After closing all the windows, it took less than an hour for the temperature to rise back up to 24.4°C (76°F). It goes without saying that
- all the heating systems were turned off
- such temperatures are not healthy over the long term.
The insulation craze is especially noticeable in the attic, where temperatures of 30°C (86°F) under similar outdoor conditions are common.
After careful consideration, I recently had an inverter air conditioning unit installed in the attic (I work exclusively from home), which has definitely greatly improved the living comfort.
However, to what extent this is compatible with the fundamentally good idea of reducing energy costs—especially considering the expected rise in peak temperatures due to climate change—is something I still wonder about...
Are there other ways to lower the basic indoor temperature to a healthy level (21-22°C / 70-72°F)?
P.S.: There are plenty of search results when looking up “insulation madness”... it makes you wonder if someone suspects something.
A few weeks ago, when the mornings were still pleasantly cool, I tried ventilating the ground floor by cross-ventilation to lower the temperature to 20°C (68°F). After closing all the windows, it took less than an hour for the temperature to rise back up to 24.4°C (76°F). It goes without saying that
- all the heating systems were turned off
- such temperatures are not healthy over the long term.
The insulation craze is especially noticeable in the attic, where temperatures of 30°C (86°F) under similar outdoor conditions are common.
After careful consideration, I recently had an inverter air conditioning unit installed in the attic (I work exclusively from home), which has definitely greatly improved the living comfort.
However, to what extent this is compatible with the fundamentally good idea of reducing energy costs—especially considering the expected rise in peak temperatures due to climate change—is something I still wonder about...
Are there other ways to lower the basic indoor temperature to a healthy level (21-22°C / 70-72°F)?
P.S.: There are plenty of search results when looking up “insulation madness”... it makes you wonder if someone suspects something.
The reason why the temperature recovers quickly despite ventilation is due to the thermal mass of the building. When the walls, screed, and concrete are at 24°C (75°F), you can ventilate as much as you want.
Of course, insulation also plays a role here, but in both directions. Once it’s properly warm inside, it’s not easy to cool down. On the other hand, it takes longer for high indoor temperatures to develop in summer, as insulation also has a delaying effect in this respect.
In addition to cooling measures, the main focus should be on keeping heat out. Keep windows and doors closed and use external shading (such as shutters or blinds).
Of course, insulation also plays a role here, but in both directions. Once it’s properly warm inside, it’s not easy to cool down. On the other hand, it takes longer for high indoor temperatures to develop in summer, as insulation also has a delaying effect in this respect.
In addition to cooling measures, the main focus should be on keeping heat out. Keep windows and doors closed and use external shading (such as shutters or blinds).
Bookstar schrieb:
I don’t understand. The better a house is insulated, the cooler it is in summer as well. How do you come to a different (incorrect) conclusion?Theoretically, yes, but in practice, so many heat sources affect the indoor climate during summer that it inevitably becomes warm.Passive house. (Extensive "insulation craze")
Ground floor 22°C (72°F) on weekdays, 24°C (75°F) on weekends (lots of visitors, sometimes up to 10 people, open terrace door)
Upper floor 23°C (73°F)
During the day, shading is used when the sun shines directly on the windows. The ventilation system is controlled by outdoor temperature and switches on and off automatically. However, I ventilate at night in the traditional way with open windows. My parents live a few houses away in an uninsulated 1980s house, which feels much warmer and stuffier.
Ground floor 22°C (72°F) on weekdays, 24°C (75°F) on weekends (lots of visitors, sometimes up to 10 people, open terrace door)
Upper floor 23°C (73°F)
During the day, shading is used when the sun shines directly on the windows. The ventilation system is controlled by outdoor temperature and switches on and off automatically. However, I ventilate at night in the traditional way with open windows. My parents live a few houses away in an uninsulated 1980s house, which feels much warmer and stuffier.
Similar topics