Put the sun to work with direct-gain passive heating
The sun provides heat in several ways
Sunlight passing through windows can heat the interior directly, captured and stored, as in a Trombe wall, or used to heat an isolated space, such as a sunroom. Direct-gain passive heatingSpace heating that does not require electricity or fuel consumption. The most common type of passive heating system is passive solar heating — that is, heating which depends on solar gain through windows, thermal mass, and insulation. Unlike an active solar heating system, a passive system has no pumps or blowers. is best suited for homes that have modest temperature swings, and where some glare is acceptable. Strategies to reduce heat loss should be considered first. Providing the appropriate amount of thermal massHeavy, high-heat-capacity material that can absorb and store a significant amount of heat; used in passive solar heating to keep the house warm at night.
is key.
Green points
NGBSNational Green Building Standard Based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and passed through ANSI. This standard can be applied to both new homes, remodeling projects, and additions. /ICC-700: 5 points for using a sun-tempered design (704.3.1.1).
Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia
Profiled in our Product Guide
