Abstract: The system is composed of an aggregate mass through which air can be blown, film sheeting enveloping the mass, and apparatus for directing a flow of air from the interior of a home or other building structure through the aggregate mass and back into the interior. The slab or floor of the home rests on and is supported in part by the enveloped mass. The aggregate mass is a relatively poor conductor of heat and thus heat transfer occurs mainly between the air flowing through the mass and the slab or floor above the mass, and between the air flowing through the mass and the ground below the mass. Preferably, the air from the interior of the building structure is blown into the aggregate mass at an interior location thereof, collected around the perimeter of the enveloped aggregate mass and transferred to the interior of the building structure at peripheral locations in its interior space above but in proximity to the slab or floor. Apparatus for recovering waste heat within the home is also described.

Abstract: A network of adjacent aggregate containing mesh bags provides structural support to the slab or floor of a building. The network, encased in a sheath of plastic film, also functions as a path for air to be directed by a blower. The openings within the network are filled with gravel, sand or earth packs. At the perimeter of the network an air return system leads to the interior of the building. Thus, the blower can circulate air from the building interior through the network and air return system and back into the interior. Air circulating in the network can undergo heat exchange through the plastic film at the interfaces of the slab, the packs, and the underlying ground. Peripheral ground insulation minimizes lateral heat transfer. Preferably the aggregate containing mesh bags have indexing means to indicate their respective heights from above as they rest on a supportive planar surface.