Cooling a house without forced air.

gregco
I'm working on an expensive custom home that will be built in a high-end neighborhood located in a northwestern state -- meaning there really are only 2-3 warm months (at most) per year. The client intends to use a hydronic radiant in-floor heating system to warm the house during cold weather. But, now he's wanting to add a forced air system to support air conditioning in warmer weather. Our client expects to live in this house with his family -- he's reasonably confortable with the passive cooling solutions we've proposed, thinking he and his family would be fine during the warmer months. But, he's increasingly concerned that not having a forced air system will negatively affect his resale value should he decide to sell this house down the road. Anybody else encounted this issue before? Any good alternatives to a forced-air cooling system?

Read More

Answers (2)

pauly • 2014

you already had an air handler system for circulation yes? natural venting, what is the orientation you can cause this effect with a passive solar method if you plan ahead.

Bobby, Architect • 2014

Antisthenes -- I'm trying to avoid installing either an air-handler or duct work. Currently relying on optimizing orientation, providing deep overhangs, fenestration screening, lots of natural ventilation, whole house fans, etc. Client's not sure that's going to be enough to protect resale value.

Top