The Health Benefits of Living in a Passive House: A Sustainable Approach to Well-being

The Passive House standard represents an innovative and ecologically responsible approach to architecture and construction. Passive House principles focus on energy efficiency and comfort for the occupants of your home, through a well-insulated and tightly-sealed building envelope, while introducing fresh air via a heat recovery ventilation system.

In this article, we will explore some of the many health benefits of living in a passive house, emphasizing how passive house principles can contribute to overall well-being.

Exceptional indoor air quality

One of the top health benefits of living in a passive house is the outstanding indoor air quality. The mechanical ventilation system used in a passive house filters and circulates fresh outdoor air throughout your home, removing stale air and ensuring a constant supply of clean, oxygen-rich air to breathe. The heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system pre-warms the incoming air by exchanging heat with the outgoing air. Even during harsh winter months, your family will breathe in fresh air that is both clean and comfortably warm.

The constant supply of fresh air helps eliminate common indoor air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dust, and allergens. Because passive houses are airtight, outdoor pollutants like pollen, allergens, and urban smog are effectively removed from the incoming airstream, contributing to a healthier indoor environment. Humidity is also controlled by the ventilation system, preventing the growth of mould and mildew, which can be detrimental to respiratory health.

Stable thermal comfort

As conventional heating and air systems struggle to keep up as outdoor temperatures drop in the winter, indoor temperatures can fluctuate, resulting in cold spots and dehumidified air. Combustion furnaces and fireplaces just contribute to air problems. Dehumidified air filled with pollen, dust, mould and mildew creates the perfect environment for chronic sinus and throat conditions.

In a passive house the airtight building envelope, super-insulation, triple-glazed windows and ventilation system work together to prevent drafts and temperature fluctuations, preventing cold spots, chills and hypothermia in the winter and heatstroke during the summer. Consistent indoor temperatures also promote better sleep, concentration, and overall comfort, ultimately enhancing your quality of life.

Reduced noise pollution

The airtight construction, superior insulation, and triple-glazed windows of a passive house significantly reduce external noise infiltration. Living in a peaceful and quiet indoor environment promotes relaxation and reduces stress, which can lead to improved mental health and overall well-being.

In urban areas, the sound of the city and traffic can be a pervasive problem, so living in a passive house can be your sanctuary of tranquillity. Blocking out the noise can have a substantial impact on stress and sleep quality, benefiting both physical and mental health.

Allergy and asthma management

The ventilation and filtration system in passive houses helps to remove airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, making it easier for people with allergies or respiratory conditions to breathe comfortably. The controlled humidity inhibits mould and mildew growth and reduces triggers for asthma attacks and allergies.

Air tightness is the key to stopping the infiltration of outdoor pollutants. A passive house’s airtightness is checked with a pressure test to qualify for certification. The allowable air change cannot exceed 0.6 times a room’s volume per hour and the pressure differential is limited to 50 Pascals.

Improved sleep quality

Sleep is a crucial component of good health, and the thermal comfort and noise reduction in passive houses contribute to improved sleep quality. When indoor temperatures remain stable, there’s less likelihood of waking up due to discomfort, allowing for a deeper and more restful slumber. Reduced noise also means fewer sleep disturbances, contributing to a more consistent sleep pattern. Enjoying a great night’s sleep has a positive effect on mood, cognitive function, and overall health. Many passive house owners report sleeping better, due partially to the reduced noise and stable temperatures, and also the improved carbon dioxide levels at night.

Economic well-being and reduced stress

The energy efficiency of a passive house can have a profound effect on economic well-being, and while it’s not a direct health benefit, reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling, while significantly lowering your utility bills, can have a positive effect on stress. You will be able to invest the cost savings in other areas of life, such as healthier food, fitness activities, or leisure, all of which can have direct health benefits.

With escalating energy costs, passive houses represent a future-proof solution for your family. They offer economic resilience by dramatically reducing your energy consumption, thereby mitigating the impact of energy price increases.

Mental health benefits

The enhanced thermal comfort, reduced noise pollution, and abundant natural light in passive houses can contribute to a positive psychological outlook. According to the Mental Health Foundation, “our relationship with nature — how much we notice, think about and appreciate our natural surroundings — is critical in supporting good mental health and preventing distress.” The connection to nature through large, well-insulated windows can provide a sense of tranquillity and relaxation.

Positive environmental impact

Having a positive impact on the planet does not have a direct benefit to passive house homeowners, but consciously reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions does contribute to a healthier planet, which we’re a part of.

Real-life problem-solving is often used to treat depression, among other conditions. It’s therapeutic to know we’re part of the solution; not the problem. This problem-solving can-do attitude can help us view things in an optimistic light, embracing self-efficacy.

The takeaway

Living in a passive house offers numerous health benefits that include physical, mental, and even economic well-being. These buildings promote superior indoor air quality, thermal comfort, reduced noise pollution, and energy efficiency, all of which contribute to a healthier and more comfortable living environment. The passive house concept stands as a model of sustainable and healthy living, demonstrating to our communities that we can all take steps to protect both our planet and ourselves.