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LaHouse is a display of high-performance building practices to create more sustainable, resilient and healthy homes in the gulf region. The research-based facility is located on LSU's Baton Rouge campus and displays home-building techniques and solutions for Louisiana's unique climate. LaHouse is open weekdays from 10 am to 4:30 p.m. for self-guided tours or can be toured completely virtually.
Experience the Lahouse via virtual tour
“Build tight, vent right” is a building principle that relies on intentional ventilation to keep a home at comfortable temperatures. Ventilation is necessary for a home to remove stale air, but unintentional ventilation can lead to uncomfortable temperatures in the home and create more work for your HVAC system.
Any gap or crack in your home lets in outdoor air that raises energy bills and creates a uncomfortable environment. Good air tightness and intentional ventilation maintains a perfect balance of outdoor air and treated air to keep fresh and comfortable air in the home.
The air duct located on the back porch brings in fresh air without needing to cut into the roof which often causes leaks.
The air handler absorbs old air through the return just like normal. Then, it exchanges it for fresh outdoor air before filtering it and heating or cooling it.
Control dampers regulate airflow for an HVAC system’s intake exhaust or mixed air applications. It has an anti-microbial agent prohibiting bacteria and mold growth within the HVAC system.
Proper HVAC and vent layout for an efficient system.
The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture
