The Cold Climate Housing Program
What is it? What does it do?
The Cold Climate Housing Program (CCH) is a part of the Department of
Bioproducts and Biosytems Engineering in the College of Food, Agricultural and
Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota. The CCH is an
information and education program that promotes the idea of the "house as a
system." This means that the building structure (known as the envelope), the
mechanical systems in the house, and the occupants are interactive and work
simultaneously. A change in one part of the system will always affect the
others. By recognizing and respecting this system approach we can enhance the
performance of our houses.
The CCH has written Ten Key Components that are the backbone
for the systems approach in Minnesota homes. Adhering to these components will
assure that a house is efficient, healthy, and durable. A newly constructed cold
climate house should have:
- Thermal insulation over the entire building envelope, including the
foundation. This is usually a combination of materials. It should be installed
to minimize gaps and cracks.
- A continuous air barrier on the warm side of the building envelope. This
barrier is essential to hold in the warmed (or cooled) air and prevent moist air
from entering the structural cavities where it can condense on building
materials such as the outside sheathing.
- A vapor retarder on the warm side of the building. This is to keep the
insulation and structural cavities dry.
- A continuous weather barrier on the exterior of the building. This is needed
to prevent water and wind from blowing into the wall cavity where it can cause
mold and mildew problems, and reduce the effectiveness of the thermal
insulation.
- Energy-efficient, condensation resistant windows. These windows should
include a newer technology called "warm edge technology." It helps keep the
edges of the window warm to reduce condensation.
- Effective ground moisture/soil gas control. Many of the moisture problems in
today's homes result from moisture coming through the basement walls and floor.
There are several ways this can be controlled with good waterproofing and a
drainage system.
- Low-toxicity materials, finishes, and furnishings. Choosing materials and
furnishings carefully can help avoid indoor air quality problems and make the
home healthier.
- Safe, efficient heating and cooling systems. Direct-vent and sealed
combustion equipment will greatly lower the risk of pollutants such as carbon
monoxide from getting into the house when the furnace and hot water heater are
in use.
- Mechanical ventilation. A carefully planned and installed ventilation system
is critical to assure good indoor air quality. There are many options available
to remove stale air and bring in fresher outdoor air.
- Efficient and safe appliances and lighting. Appliances and lighting are
important parts of the system. They should be carefully chosen to complement the
rest of the system.
These components are readily available in the market today. While some of the
newer equipment, products, and installation techniques have been expensive, they
are rapidly becoming affordable. By choosing them, buyers will have a healthier
and more durable house, and the energy savings will quickly cover any additional
costs.
Read about The House That Promises Built at the 2000
Minnesota State Fair.
Pat's article
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