And of course a correct orientation in order to maximize the solar heat gains. As being in the North Hemisphere this means avoid the north orientations, especially for rooms oriented to spend a lot of time living in them. (bedrooms, living rooms).
2.1.4 ASHRAE guidelines
ASHRAE “Cold-Climate Buildings Design Guide” provides information on how to design durable and comfortable buildings in this climate:
- The colder the climate, the more important it is for critical equipment to be sheltered – you can’t expect service personnel to properly repair HVAC equipment in a winter blizzard.
- In extreme climates, windblown snow takes on a consistency similar to sand and requires special design techniques to keep it from getting into HVAC intakes.
- A building envelope must address all modes of heat loss to be truly efficient; ignoring any mode of loss may lead to excessive thermal transfer.
- Design out cold bridges in both building fabric and engineering penetrations.
- Avoid or minimize any external service pipe runs.
- Provide safe access to roof mechanical plants in all weathers – frozen roof surfaces can be a hazard.
- Locate air inlets and exhausts in locations that avoid snow drift and blockage.