1

HOUSE AS A SYSTEMSteps to Healthier Homes

2

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

IDENTIFY three important housing systems that contribute to a comfortable living space.

Page 3.1

3

Page 3.1WHAT’S A HOUSE?

4

Page 3.2

HOMES SHELTER US FROM: Animals and

insectsWind

Sun

Rain (sleet, snow)

Cold or hot air

Dust

5

Phoenix

San Francisco

Seattle

Anchorage

Honolulu

Billings Saint Paul

WichitaHouston

Cleveland

Boston

Denver DC

Atlanta

Miami

Tulsa

MarquetteBangor

Saint John

Salt Lake

Nashville

Los Angeles

New Orleans

Saint Louis

6

MOST OF US ARE COMFORTABLE:Air temperature: 65° F(active) – 80° F (bathing)

Air relative humidity: 30% – 70%

Air motion: 20 – 40 feet per minute

Surrounding surface temperatures: within 10 – 15° F of room air

Page 3.2

7

WE HAVE SYSTEMS TO:Add heatRemove heatVentilateMaybe add or remove humidity

Page 3.3

8

HEATING SYSTEMS Fuel – gas, oil, wood, electric Distribution

Hot water, steam, warm air, space heaters Radiators, baseboard, ducts Radiant floors and ceilings

Chimneys, sealed combustion, fan powered Temperature Controls

Page 3.3

9

Furnace

Hot water heater

Cooling coil

Intake for furnace

Heat recovery ventilator

10

Heat Exchangers

Page 3.6

11

COOLING SYSTEMSFuel – electricWindows, fans and shadesDistribution

Central airThrough the wallDuct-less splits

DehumidificationAir conditioners/part-loadDehumidifiers

Control – thermostat, humidity

Page 3.6

12

Page 3.7

13

Page 3.7

14

INTERNAL AND SOLAR GAINS:

Heat from peopleHeat from appliancesSolar through windowsAverage US house

23% of heating is done by these gains 59% of cooling is caused by these gains

Good when cold out; bad when hot outPage 3.8

15

OTHER FACTORSWater

drinking, cooking, washing, toilets

Cooking and storing foodVentilating fans

LightingComputers, stereos, hair dryers, razors

Page 3.8

16

17

18

19

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

IDENTIFY three important housing systems that contribute to a comfortable living space.

Page 3.8