@coldclimate I've been reading plenty on this topic for a good few years now but non of my notes are quite organised.

Firstly, I'd recommend this book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0993077234 even if you know most of it, I feel like it cements things, but if you don't it gives you the words and generally how the different measures work together.

There are many retrofit co-op which have already been referenced, but I'm still not aware of any which operate in the north east.

You mention #PassiveHouse, their lesser standard #EnerPHit is a good term for searching, then there's #AECB which have more attainable standards while still taking a holistic approach.

This whole podcast is a treasure trove but this episode in particular: https://www.houseplanninghelp.com/hph383-a-beginners-guide-to-creating-a-comfortable-home/

Understand the current building fabric, the materials used, and the effects of using non-"breathable" materials on buildings which are. I'm generally for woodfibre or similar first, and then PIR (or similar) when others aren't so suitable. Trades seem to opt for PIR for everything.

I like the guides on this site: https://www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com/post/best-practice-approach-insulating-suspended-timber-floors (it will look strangely familiar to the wall I'm working on)

Insulation is one big part, it has to be continuous, but air tightness (not just "draught proofing") as such an impact on both comfort and heat retention. Ventilation is another, can't seal up without letting that moisture escape, for that I'm looking into #MVHR, also helps keep down CO2 levels.

And finally, have a plan, with deep(er)-retrofit, everything relates to something else so the sequence is critical.

Amazon.co.uk

Once I eventually get this thing installed I'd not have paid full price for any of it. Got these for less than half price. Same for the ceiling terminals, the foam duct, unit itself.

#mvhr

Ain’t gonna be an architect but I do have an #mvhr plan. Boxing in ducts in the corner of front/rear and party walls seem to be my easiest option.

#retrofit

I do like the Energy dashboard in Home Assistant. I have a dedicated sub-meter on the electrical feed to a Paul Novus MVHR unit, and the hour-by-hour view under 'Individual devices detail usage'' shows the impact of sub-zero outdoor temperatures on the MVHR energy usage, due to it automatically switching on the electrical pre-heater to avoid freezing the condensation in the heat exchanger. The normal energy usage for the fans is about 30W but that rises to over 75W.

#MVHR #HomeAssistant

Half a day with an #Aranet4 #CO2 Monitor, this is from my living room.

4pm: Opened window (2200ppm)
5pm: Closed window (600ppm)
8pm: Partner finished work (1500ppm)
10:30: Re-opened window (2700ppm)

As of 23:13 we're down to 1300

Max occupancy was 2 adults and 2 dogs.

Maybe I really need to get an #MVHR?

Major problem with #mvhr is fan electricity consumption.

PAX has one very efficient model, but you may need more than one unit. But it may also be more easy to install multiple than one.

Not sure how many #MVHR (or #passivehouse) nerds there are on here but I'm hopefully (finally) getting my roof done soon. At some point in the future I'd like to install an MVHR unit in the loft (1-2 years). Would it be silly to install the roof supply/exhaust terminals at the same time as the new roof? Like £200-300 for them vs the £1000+ for scaffolding to install down the line.

#retrofit #aecb

Today’s the 1st day since start of ❄️ that the #MVHR bypass has opened (cos the house was already above 21° due to the plentiful ☀️). So cool how in most weather from now till next winter it’ll just modulate how open the bypass is and effortlessly keep the 🏠 between 20 and 22°.
New filter day. White ones are replacements. Darkest is outdoor air filter. 4 months of highland winter air. Change your filters regularly people! Also dusted extract terminals to keep everything running silently. #MVHR #Passivhaus
For clarity this isn’t a problem unique to #Passivhaus or #MVHR houses in this climate. Indeed it’ll be worse in a less well ventilated house, especially if it is colder. A friend measured his conventional house at a relative humidity of 80%!