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.
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