Thermal performance in a dry temperate climate

This note was reviewed in October 2018 and has been retained for legacy.

In 2003 a demonstration home was constructed by a local authority in Perth to raise public awareness of practical ways to reduce the energy needs for heating and cooling. The house was sold in 2006 to a couple, who conscientiously try to manage indoor temperatures through passive means. The house was thermally monitored in summer and winter and computer simulated using AccuRate 1.1.4.1, a thermal simulation program. The results of both the simulation and monitoring indicate that in Perth, passive solar design that achieves an AccuRate star rating of around 7 stars can generally enable indoor temperatures to be maintained within comfort conditions if the house is effectively ‘driven’.