With the creation of storage masses within the highly insulated building envelope, which are optimally responsible as activated masses for the temperature control of the house, it is quite possible to use the performance of a compact furnace sensibly in the passive house as well. With an activated base plate and classic heating screeds on the upper floor, a normal-sized single-family house has a mass of well over 40 tons, which can absorb heat and store it temporarily before it gets too warm in the house. There are various systems of stoves and fireplaces that can avoid overheating a room. E.g. water-operated appliances, appliances with supplied storage mass, temperature-controlled appliances such as pellet stoves or gas appliances.

The heating support of the stove or chimney can save a noticeable amount of electricity for the heat pump. The same applies, of course, to extreme cold and power outages.

Low-energy and passive houses, which are designed to avoid energy losses and reduce heating energy requirements, depend on good airtightness. A fireplace needs oxygen to burn and removes it from the room air. However, if the building prevents the supply of fresh air because of its airtightness, this can become a problem. A separate, external air supply for the stove is required here. Manufacturers of high-quality stoves even offer the technical prerequisites for this at no extra charge. One speaks then of room air independent fire-place stoves, which do not influence the ventilation of the dwelling by their external air supply. Here the professional consultation and installation play the largest role, in order to avoid problems going there.