Zero Energy HVAC
Self Sufficient HVAC
No Fuel Required
No Operating Costs
Off Grid Independence
Less Toxic Waste
No CO2 Generation
Clean Emissions
No Wars Required
Fewer Hassles!
Summer Cooled - Winter Heated

(Promoting Previously Proven Research)

How?  Simple Answer: Through really well insulated whole house lots. Comfortable HVAC temperatures can settle in over time, by natural draft power and a vent network, according to climate. In the image below, the insulation sections are dissected for inspection of the very basic components and sustaining geothermal conditions. Wool texture should schematically represents bundling whole house and lot together, "house with land insulation". Vent fixtures and controls are added according to customized requirements and given local conditions. The "green movement" is slow to recognize and exploit this innovative resource. (Also known as Passive Annualized Heat Storage with a newer variations illustrated below).

Even while ancient and prehistoric people began developing geothermal structures,  adequate insulation was not specifically tried for discrete dwellings, until more recently. (Unless they used organic matter which has long ago composted. A research house was built in Montana and has remained essentially and comfortably,winter heated, summer air conditioned  for nearly several decades (As it was proven and paid for by a US government research grant.  For details, see this link). No fuel or energy was used for HVAC of any kind, in all those years.  The basic principles needs more investigation with more customizing. Systems could evolve to benefit many existing or planned house sites, although the novelty scares people away.

Hot, unchanging climates are much more challenged for this form of "natural air conditioning". Nevertheless, why not experiment with temperate climates affecting most of the USA including much of the southern USA? Insulation is in fact expensive, but why not also experiment with alternative insulation materials? Next is a summary of developing free-HVAC styles.

To compare, first appears a basic house with insulation close to the living space. (Purple lines schematically represent insulation). Heat or air conditioning needs to be continually added with consequent, continuing costs. The free HVAC modes below avoid paying continual operating costs.

Next above is the basic PAHS which is best achieved by supporting a massive amount if soil above the living space. Often disliked for the cost of supporting the massive amount of weight above the living space. (Also disliked for the cave dwelling feeling of this approach. However, a large mass above the living space ensures convenient temperature stabilization.)

Next above is the Basic AGS (Annualized Geo Solar) style where partial floor insulation allows higher temperature solar heat to stored close to the living space, while not overheating during summers. Slow temperature conduction naturally stabilizes ambient temperature levels.

Thoughts on generally annualized solar storage for more typical houses, (new or rehab).

Next above is my concept of simply driving the solar heat further downward into the ground which is beneath the living space. Thereby, summer heat collection will reach the living space averaged out for comfort, both in summer and winter. This arrangement requires more operating power to drive the heat down and also a means to drill below the house, to a sufficient depth.

My domed, eyelid greenhouse design, which further studies free HVAC designs, may be seen on this separate page.

The power of natural-drafts and naturally-automated thermostatic controls are believed possible with each of the above styles. The exact temperature ranges possible needs further study. Some reports are to be found but free HVAC has been little documented due to national energy policies based on heavy oil consumption.

Self Heating House Blogs.... My focus has been primarily on house heating for cool climates.  Nevertheless there are potential modifications to benefit applications in much warmer climates.

Ancient Roman luxury implemented some features of annualized heat storage. A name was provided: "Heliocaminus". This is a reduced photo of the Villa Adriana, near Rome.

One might hear that houses should always have abundant windows. Moderating the amount of window space is one key to reducing both initial and long term costs. Translucent "windows" specially adapted to insulate, while providing natural illumination is a potential future solution, to enhance light potentials.  Unfortunately, translucent materials have a short life span. Nevertheless, this author has explored life in a greenhouse or conservatory.

Ten Year Winters? -- Mini Ice Ages ? -- Can artificial or natural causes drastically change climates? --  In all fairness, heating-back-up should be considered along with a very local fuel supply. I have started my blogs on masonry heater concepts which I have explored over many years.

Another, related application could be storing or 'annualizing' cold winter temperatures in a 'dry' spot of ground, well insulated by similar methods. Include automated or manual means to freeze it during "cold snaps".  Seal the 'cold-in' after the 'cold-snap'. This could be as simple as opening and closing an access door. There may be examples out on the web somewhere.

Innovators may focus on specifically preferred aspects.  My interest is very broad. I offer customized computerized modeling which may assist people who wish to communicate these cost saving concepts to their engineers or builders. I also offer customized assistance from earth work to concrete work. Hire me to contract on customized jobs, large or small. Below are other related web pages which i wrote in years past to promote the general "free HVAC" idea.

Bo Atkinson, a fifth generation Atkinson in The USA, still building with earth and stone.

Note: These pages are placed in the public domain and are furnished "as is". The author assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of the concepts in this series. All authorities should be satisfied first, as might be required, by relevant laws, before any building proceeds.

Bo's Portfolio WIth Text Captions

PAHS / AGS / Self Heating / Self-Powered-HVAC .... Buy an existing, pre excavated house site in Maine!