A well-designed home can be so energy efficient that it requires little or no mechanical heating and cooling. The pinnacle of this type of energy-efficient construction is the Passive House, which also utilizes renewable energy like rooftop solar arrays. But even less ambitious designs can cut your energy bills and reduce the environmental impact of your buildings. The key is to use passive strategies for both large and small buildings, such as orienting windows to the south, incorporating thermal mass and daytime lighting, and using natural ventilation.
The main goal of a passive solar design is to make a building self-sufficient in terms of heat and light. These structures can run without consuming any fossil fuels, and they will operate just as efficiently in the winter as they do in summer. They also provide a connection to the outdoors, which can be beneficial for psychological health. Read more https://www.happygoluckyhomebuyer.com/sell-your-house-fast-in-fortville-in/
In a passive solar building, sunlight enters through windows and is captured by absorbers on the ground or in walls, which then store the heat in the form of infrared radiation. The absorbed heat is then released as the sun goes down, which keeps buildings warm at night and cool during the day. This system of passive solar design is a fundamental component in energy-efficient architecture and green building, and it works everywhere on earth.
There are a few basic principles that are important for a passive solar home or building:
The long axis of the building should be oriented toward the east-west direction, and all windows should face within 30 degrees of true south. Rooms where people spend a lot of time, such as bedrooms and kitchens, should be placed on the southern side of the building, while rooms like bathrooms, closets, and storage spaces should be located on the northern side.
To maximize solar gain, all windows should be properly sized to fit the building site and climate. This means that they should not be too large, and the frames should be carefully insulated to prevent overheating or condensation. It is also important that
the windows have adequate shading, which can be done with a variety of techniques, including overhangs, window shades, and awnings.
Isolated-gain passive solar systems can be incorporated into new and existing homes and include greenhouses, solariums, and sunrooms. These additions to a structure offer a source of auxiliary heating, a place for growing plants, and an enjoyable living space, at a low cost per unit of area.
A good deal of heat loss is due to poor air insulation in a building, so the best solution is to add more attics and roofs that are insulated and well ventilated. Also, the use of vapor barriers to seal crawl spaces and basements can help a building stay warm and dry.
Distribution mechanisms for the solar heat are a crucial part of any passive solar design, and they can be as simple as fans or blowers to circulate air around the building. Other options for distribution are solar water heaters, radiant floor systems, and the use of phase change materials in floors and walls.