How to Live In a Passive House

A Passive House is built to keep you comfortable all year while using very little energy. The good news? Your home does most of the work. With a few simple habits, you’ll enjoy fresh air, stable temperatures, and lower running costs — without the fuss.

Keep the Fresh Air Flowing

Every Passive House has a ventilation system that quietly supplies clean air and recovers warmth from outgoing air.

• Leave it running — it’s designed to stay on.
  
  
• Keep filters clean or replaced when needed.
  
  
• Don’t worry about “saving power” by turning it off; it’s already highly efficient.
  
  

Use the Sun to Your Advantage

Your home is designed to welcome the winter sun and block unwanted summer heat. A few simple actions make the most of it:

• Winter: Open curtains during the day to let sunlight warm the space.
  
  
• Summer: Use shading like blinds, awnings, or trees to keep heat out.
  
  
• Evenings in summer: Open windows to let in cool air, then close them in the morning to keep it inside.
  
  

Windows and Doors — Open with Purpose

High-performance windows and doors are excellent at keeping comfort in.

• In winter, keep them mostly closed and let the ventilation do the work.
  
  
• In summer, open them at the right times to cool the house naturally.
  
  
• Avoid leaving them wide open all day — it reduces efficiency.
  
  

Heating and Everyday Habits

Living in a Passive House may feel different at first, but it quickly becomes second nature.

• Heating: You’ll need far less than in a standard home. On the coldest days, a small top-up may help, but experiment carefully — it’s easy to overheat.
  
  
• Moisture: Drying clothes indoors is fine if ventilation is running — it helps manage humidity.
  
  
• Airflow: Keep vents clear so air can circulate as designed.
  
  

Simple Care Goes a Long Way

Your home is built to last, but a little care keeps it performing at its best:

• Change or clean ventilation filters regularly.
  
  
• Check seals on windows and doors each year.
  
  
• Look after shading and planting so they work seasonally as intended.
  
  

In Summary

A Passive House is simple to live in. Keep the ventilation running, work with the sun, and open windows with purpose — the rest is taken care of by the design. The result is a home that stays comfortable, healthy, and efficient, every day of the year.

Want to Learn More?

If you’d like to explore building or living in a Passive House — or just want tips to get the best from your home — our team at Formance are here to help.