A method and apparatus are provided for heating and cooling buildings, particularly chickenhouses, wherein low grade heat is obtained from below the frost line and, by heat exchange means, the low grade heat is used to heat or cool air which is then ducted into the building. This conditioned air circulates within the building and exits through horizontal vents extending substantially continuously around the periphery of the building near the floor thereof, which vents connect the inside of the building to vertical open wall channels within the walls of the building. The wall channels are connected at the top of the walls to similar channels in the roof of the building and into which the air passes. Exhaust means connected to the roof channels allow the air to exit to the atmosphere. The system provides an energy efficient and economic means for heating in winter and cooling in summer by utilizing the low grade heat of the earth obtained from below the frost line which, in the United States, ranges from about 45.degree. F. to 65.degree. F., depending on latitude.
A modular panel system for constructing buildings. Panels are made from column structures which form fit so that they slide together to create the panel. Panels are specially constructed so that they serve as air conduits, through which air, both to and from the living space of the modular panel home passes. For use in cool weather, cool air is drawn from the living space into the wall panels of this invention, transferred to a solar panel air system where it is heated. The heated air is then transferred from the solar panel system into other wall panels of this invention and through these wall panels and into a specially designed heat collection floor panel. The heat collection floor panel receives the solar panel heated air which in turn heats a storage material in the floor panel and then is expelled into the living space for heating thereof. Once in the living space the air is cooled down and is drawn back into return wall panels. Cool air may be passed through the storage material and into the home in warm weather. Also incorporated into the present invention in combination with the heat collecting floor panels are tie-down straps which are anchored in concrete pads and which aid in providing a modular panel system which is highly wind/storm resistant.
