We can change a lot in the home but we cannot change the climate. When making the pivotal decision on a location we need to consider the macro climate and how it impacts our potential future home. The climate prescribes the materials, insulation, HVAC system and moisture control we need in place for a comfortable experience in the home.
The different climates have their pros and cons. Below are the specifics to take into account.
1. Tropical Climate
Pros and Cons: Pro is the comfort of this warm and steady climate. Con is that the high humidity is harsh on materials such as wood, metals, leather.
Requirements: • Heating – no • Cooling – yes • Humidifying – no • Dehumidifying – yes • Ventilation – yes
Heating is rarely, if ever required in a tropical climate. Cooling is becoming a necessity as temperatures rise. Dehumidification is critical. One of the downsides of tropical climate in the home is the high humidity, leading to mold issues and rusting of metals. Ventilation is very important and, in the home, natural ventilation should be emphasized.
2. Arid Climate
Pros and Cons: Pro is the comfortable low humidity. Con is the extreme temperature swings being taxing on the people and buildings.
Requirements: • Heating – yes • Cooling – yes • Humidifying – yes • Dehumidifying – no • Ventilation – yes
Thermal mass works great in arid climates as a way of addressing the temperature extremes. Cooling is essential in the hot days of the arid climate. Heating is needed, as the large temperature swings in the night necessitate it. Humidifying the dry air is a requirement in the home to improve the thermal comfort. Ventilation is important in the design of the home to allow an unobstructed airflow.
3. Temperate and Continental Climate
Pros and Cons: Pro is that temperature changes are gradual and easier to adopt to. Con is having to plan for all seasons.
Requirements: • Heating – yes • Cooling – yes • Humidifying – yes • Dehumidifying – yes • Ventilation – yes
Both climates have four seasons with less temperature swings in the temperate and more extreme in the continental areas. Heating is needed in fall and winter. Cooling becomes a must in continental climates in the summer. Some temperate areas don’t require it. Dehumidification is needed in temperate climates, which are closer to a body of water with more precipitation and humidity. Humidifying may be used in continental zones, which are inland with less participation and low humidity. Ventilation should be utilized and most of the year could be natural ventilation. During the hottest and humid days of the summer, mechanical ventilation may be needed.
4. Polar Climate
Pros and Cons: Pro is no need for cooling or humidifying. Con is freezing cold temperatures corrode metals, crack wood and require high-performance glazing.
Requirements: • Heating – yes • Cooling – no • Humidifying – no • Dehumidifying – yes • Ventilation – yes
Heating is a must in the harsh polar conditions. Cooling is not needed, neither is humidifying. Proper moisture control is necessary, as buildings are tightly sealed and insulated. Dehumidification is a part of the equation. Ventilation is required in the tightly sealed climate-controlled buildings. Mechanical ventilation is most commonly utilized to introduce fresh air.
The main takeaway is that the climate plays a significant role in the selection of appropriate materials and systems for a comfortable experience in the home.
Learn more about “How to achieve better Health and Well-being in the Home?” in this guide: https://www.holistichomesarchitecture.com/guide-how-to-achieve-better-health-and-well-being-in-the-home.html
Drop me a line to select the perfect Location for your Home! Ana Ana Koleva Miller, RA, NCARB, Fitwel Amb.