4 Ways Passive House Construction Keeps You Cozy in Unpredictable Spring Weather
Spring has officially sprung in Kansas City! But while winter may be behind us, unpredictable conditions aren’t. The temperature can soar into the 80s one day and tumble the next. Sunshine, sleet, and sudden storms can all appear in the same week.
Here’s a few ways Passive House design and build principles help keep your home consistently comfortable - no matter what spring throws your way.
CONTINUOUS INSULATION
Insulation plays a year-round role in creating a comfortable home, not just during cold spells. We wrap all six sides of a home with continuous insulation, eliminating breaks in the thermal layer that often cause drafts or uneven temperatures.
This approach helps the home resist heat gain on warm days and retain warmth when it cools off again. It also reduces thermal bridges, which are areas where heat can easily transfer in or out through thermally conductive materials. The result is a more stable indoor environment, with fewer hot or cold spots and lower energy demand overall.
AIR BARRIER
Homes leak air, even if they appear airtight. The 2021 IECC sets a maximum of 3.0 air changes per hour (ACH50), but Kala homes aim for less than 1.0.
That means less conditioned air slipping out and fewer drafts sneaking in, even when spring winds pick up or a sudden chill sets in. A well-executed air barrier keeps every room equally comfortable and helps maintain ideal humidity and temperature, no matter the weather swings outside.
MECHANICAL VENTILATION + HEAT PUMP
When the thermostat climbs into the 70s, many homes kick their A/C into overdrive. In a Passive House, fresh air is delivered year-round through a quiet, efficient energy recovery ventilator (ERV) that filters and circulates air while using minimal energy.
Should temperatures take a dip, there’s no need to fire up a roaring furnace. A Passive House uses an efficient air or ground-source heat pump that can both heat and cool the home, all while drawing far less power than traditional systems. It’s clean, quiet, appropriately sized, and designed to handle the ups and downs of a Midwest spring.
PREMIUM WINDOWS & DOORS
Kansas City’s spring winds can be wild, and seasonal allergies only make things worse. In most homes, air sneaks in through poorly sealed windows and doors - something you notice the moment you feel a draft or spot condensation on the glass.
In contrast, Passive House windows and doors are part of the thermal control strategy. With multi-point locking hardware, insulated frames, and high-performance glazing, they’re designed to close tightly and block unwanted air movement. That means no more avoiding your favorite chair by the window, no matter what’s happening outside.
