How will we keep our A-rated house cool in coming summers?
Homeowners are struggling with overheating in modern, airtight A-rated homes due to excessive solar gain through glass. Experts suggest that better design, specifically the use of solar-neutral glass and proper ventilation, is necessary to address this issue.
Why it matters
As energy-efficient building standards become mandatory, addressing unintended consequences like summer overheating is critical for sustainable housing design.
IN THE BIG Reno Clinic series, Houses to Restore QS Shay Lally provides answers and solutions to the big (and little, but important) questions you may have about making the most of your home.
Send your question for Shay to reno@thejournal.ie
After the summer we’ve just had, we’re trying to figure out ways to keep our A-rated home cool during the warmer months. Please advise.
After this summer, a lot of homeowners are asking the same thing. So let’s look at what’s actually causing it, how good design prevents it, and what you can do before next summer.
Short answer: it’s not really an A-rating problem — it’s a glass and ventilation problem. The heat you’re feeling is solar gain: too much heat coming through the glass, with nowhere to go once it’s in.
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