Browse Forums Heating, Cooling & Insulation 1 Jul 09, 2010 7:24 pm We are building a passive solar house ( 8*) in the Victorian Mallee. Out temperature ranges from -4 to 48. We usually get at least a week over 40 every summer. We know we will need air conditioning & heating ( a lot less of course) but we are having trouble with where to go to get good advice. Everyone wants to sell us the biggest possible unit. Any suggestions? Re: Passive solar house - 2Jul 10, 2010 8:46 pm Hey, I think I worked out the answer to my own question. Just in case any one else was wondering. There is a government website http://www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/pubs/fs62.pdf that has heaps of good info. And best of all they aren't trying to sell stuff. Re: Passive solar house - 3Jul 11, 2010 12:28 am Build a house with good insulation, thermal mass, ventilation, living areas in the north with more windows on the north with correct shading. Next have a living area that can be closed off from the rest of the house. A split system should take care of this area. So, rather than trying to heat or cool the whole house, just condition a small area. Bedrooms may also need air conditioning, depending on how well you can sleep when it's too hot or too cold. Demolition August 2009, Construction Started September 2009, Completed December 2010 Re: Passive solar house - 4Jul 20, 2010 9:51 pm Have you looked at Sola-Mate? We're in the Victorian bush and I think it's the answer to our prayers, still need a little backup heating and cooling but it makes total sense. Have a look : http://www.sola-mate.com/index.php Good luck! 0 2181 I looked into it a few years ago and my conclusion was to just build a carport that will support panels and get a system installed separately. The company I looked at had… 1 5431 Hi, This is my first post. We are planning to buy new home via House and Land (H&L) Package around Boxhill/Gables/Marsden Park in Syndey. Googled reviews for most of… 0 10476 |