1. Can I open the windows in a Passive House? 

Yes! This is the most common myth. You can open your windows whenever you like. However, you’ll find that you don’t need to open them for fresh air. The Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) provides a constant stream of filtered, outdoor air 24/7. Most Passive House owners find they only open windows when the weather is perfect, rather than out of a need to “air out” the house. 

2. Does it cost more to build? 

Cost depends on many factors. A Passive House will have higher-quality windows, more robust insulation, proper air sealing details and controlled ventilation. However, because the heating and cooling systems are tiny compared to standard homes, you save money on mechanical equipment. When you factor in the 90 percent reduction in utility bills, most homeowners see a return on investment very quickly.

3. Is a Passive House too airtight? Will it get stuffy?

Actually, Passive Houses have better air quality than standard homes. In a “leaky” house, air enters through dusty attics or damp crawlspaces. In a Passive House, the air is pulled in through a central filter that removes pollen, dust and smoke, then distributed evenly. It feels remarkably fresh, never stale or stuffy. 

4. If the power goes out, does the ventilation stop working?

 If the grid goes down, the fans in the HRV will stop, just like a standard furnace would. However, because the house is so well-insulated, it will stay warm for a very long time. For safety, you can simply crack a window for fresh air. Many Passive House owners install a small solar battery backup (like a Tesla Powerwall) because the house requires so little energy to run; a small battery can keep the ventilation and lights going for days.

5. Do Passive Houses look “weird” or modern? 

Not at all. Passive House is a performance standard, not a design style. A Passive House can look like a traditional farmhouse, a colonial, a Craftsman or a modern glass cube. The “magic” is hidden inside the walls and in the quality of the glass. 

6. Can I retrofit my existing old home to Passive House standards? 

Yes, but it is challenging. The Passive House Institute has the EnerPHit standard. It involves adding insulation to the exterior of the house (like a wrap) and carefully air sealing the walls, basement and attic. It’s more complex than building new due to the complexity of creating a continuous air and thermal boundary, but it can transform a drafty old house into a world-class, comfortable home. 

7. Is it just for cold climates? 

No. Passive House is equally effective in hot climates. In places like Florida or Arizona, the superinsulation and airtightness keep the scorching heat and the humidity out, and the Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) helps manage the indoor humidity, allowing the interior to be cool and dry with very little air conditioning. 

8. Will I hear my neighbors or the street traffic? 

One of the most loved “accidental” benefits of Passive House is the silence. Triple-pane windows and thick, airtight walls are world-class sound insulators. If you live near a train track or a busy intersection, a Passive House will be significantly quieter than a standard home. 

9. What is the difference between “Passive House” and “Net Zero”?

 Passive House focuses on reducing the need for energy through smart design and attention to building science principles. Net Zero means the house produces as much energy as it uses (usually through solar panels). The best approach is “Passive House first, then Net Zero.” If you make the house highly efficient first, you only need a few solar panels to reach Net Zero.

10. Is it hard to find a builder who can do this? 

It requires a shift in mindset. You need a builder who understands building science and pays attention to detail. Many builders are now becoming Certified Passive House Tradespersons.

What are ‘Net Zero Energy’ buildings?

Zero energy buildings use a combination of energy efficiency and renewable energy to produce as much energy as they use over the course of a year.  By creating their own renewable energy, zero energy buildings lower operating and maintenance costs, help the environment, and increase resiliency during power outages.

Zero energy buildings offer a variety of benefits, including:

• Reduced energy costs
• Increased comfort for occupants
• Positive environmental impact
• Reliable and affordable operations
• Improved energy security

In addition, many completed projects have proven that zero energy buildings can be designed within a typical construction budget using conventional materials, equipment, and tradespeople.

Private commercial property owners have a growing interest in developing zero energy buildings to meet their corporate goals, and in response to regulatory mandates, federal government agencies and many state and local governments are beginning to move toward zero energy building targets.

Resource: https://zeroenergy.org/about