A Disastrous Case Study: How Replacing Windows Alone Can Lead to Mold

Example of mold - photo by Damiano Chiarini.

In our previous articles, we have cautioned that an energy retrofit should be approached with an integrated, whole-building approach, and by a professional with experience in calculating and simulating thermal envelopes. The photos below show what happened to one family’s home when they decided to do an independent partial energy retrofit, without consulting a qualified professional. In this case, they decided to replace the old windows of their house with newer, high performance windows, hoping that they would be able to reduce their energy consumption.

BIM Energy Analysis with Archicad 17

Archicad 17

As in its previous version, Archicad 17 comes with a built-in energy evaluation tool, that allows designers to develop the building energy concept from the preliminary design phase. The line that divides architectural design and energy simulation seems to be getting thinner and thinner. On one hand, this Graphisoft approach is no doubt cutting edge. However, some large doubts remain:

Passive house: new construction or renovation?

passivhaus_section_en

In our blog, we are dedicating a large number of articles to deep energy retrofits, on one hand, and Passive Houses on the other. However, these two topics are not necessarily distinct from one another: here, we explain why.

What is a ‘thermal bridge’?

ponte-termico-risolto-isoterme

In our articles, as we write about Passive Houses, thermal comfort and energy efficiency, we often assign great importance to the term ‘thermal bridge’.

We’ll try to explain here what all the fuss is about.

Energy effiency retrofit: external insulation or new doors and windows?

Via Goti - Emu Architetti  Nov 9, 2010 12-003

The future of the construction industry in Italy is in the energy efficiency improvement of our existing building stock.

We are often asked whether you should invest in external insulation or in new windows for the highest return of investment, as far as comfort and energy savings. The short answer is neither or both. Allow us to explain…

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