AN ACTIVE HOUSE OFFERS AN OPTIMAL THERMAL ENVIRONMENT
A pleasant thermal environment is essential for a comfortable home. Adequate thermal comfort, both in summer and winter, enhances the mood, increases performance and, in some cases (e.g. in houses for the elderly), prevents and alleviates diseases.
Active Houses should minimise overheating in summer and optimise indoor temperatures in winter without unnecessary energy use. Where possible, use simple, energy-efficient and easily maintained solutions.
There are no requirements for maximum temperature in the winter (heating period) and minimum temperature in the summer (cooling period), as these are related to the behaviour of the users of the building. This is a deviation from EN16798-1. However, in well-insulated buildings, there is a potential risk of overheating in winter, in case floor heating is unable to provide cooling and solar irradiation on a bright day can cause an uncomfortable build-up of heat. Care should be taken in the design stage to prevent the risk of overheating.