Home should always be a place we feel safe and comfortable. A big part of this is ensuring that it is the right temperature. However, that causes concerns for some because of high fuel costs and the impact on the environment. We could save this if we build each home without a heating system. But, is that possible? We want to take a look at it here, then if you want to discuss it with an architect in London, you can rely on us.
Do you need one?
Most people would say you definitely need a heating system in the home for those cold winter days. Surprisingly though, it is completely possible to build a property without one. In fact, there are many buildings all around the world that don’t have them. This includes homes built to Passivhaus standards.
The most impressive thing is building a home without a heating system can save a huge percentage of annual energy costs. This is fantastic for the owners and the environment. It is especially good in locations where supplies are limited, including rural areas where there are no gas mains.
How to do it?
The key to achieving it is to ensure the fabric of the building is right. There are two crucial factors here; thermal efficiency and airtightness. If you use materials and choose a design that maximises both, you may not need a heating system. Instead the property will effectively retain heat from residents, lights, and appliances. It will also stop the cold from leeching in. That means the home will be an ambient temperature all year long. You can look at ways to achieve this with the top architect in London.
With thermal efficiency, you must ensure you minimise how much heat is lost from the building. The crucial things to look at are the floors, walls, roof, and windows and doors. You should choose materials that retain heat. Plus, you should get a high level of insulation.
Airtightness aims to ensure you don’t have many cold draughts getting into the building or leave ways for heat to escape. These issues primarily happen because of gaps around doors and windows as well as vents. While you can’t completely seal a property, you can ensure you design it to maximise airtightness.
There is also a wide array of different tech you can use. For example, a mechanical ventilation heat recovery system can take in moist air, extract the moisture, and use the energy to warm fresh air entering the property. This can tackle condensation and mould while also helping to keep the property warm.
Other tech you can use includes things like ground source heat pumps, solar panels and thermal tubes. Combining different systems can save a huge amount of energy and keep the building warm.
Speak to an architect in London
While it can be a bold decision not to have a heating system, the benefits are clear. You would save on heating costs and the environmental impact of the building. Plus, you would have more usable interior spaces because there would be no radiators taking up wall space. In addition, you would have lower maintenance costs with no boiler to service and no risk of leaking tubes.
If you like the idea of designing a home like this, you should talk to the experts. We are the best place to find a creative architect in London. You can rely on us to help you create a comfortable, energy efficient home.