Even if your home isn't a new construction built with a passive solar design, you can still use strategies to utilize the solar energy coming into your home. First, you need to understand what passive solar is and what it entails. Second, you can discover different methods to boost your home's passive solar ability to prevent HVAC overload during the year.
If you plan to build a newly constructed home, consult with your builder. How you angle your home on your lot, for example, can make a big difference, as well as building material choices, such as brick versus siding or exterior paint and roofing colors.
What Is Passive Solar?
Passive solar refers to a building's design for collecting, storing, and distributing solar energy. The design includes the windows, walls, and floor. Solar energy is used to heat a home during the winter and rejects the heat from solar energy during the summer. A home with passive solar heat gains heat from the sun shining through windows facing the south and stores it as heat or thermal mass.
A home designed for passive solar heating and cooling can reduce energy loads by utilizing energy-efficient strategies and lowering HVAC costs. The basic elements of a passive solar home include:
- Large south-facing windows
- Roof overhang
- Thermal mass flooring
- Trombe wall
- Thermostatic Fan
- Distribution mechanisms
- Control strategies
Improve Your Home's Passive Solar Ability
Not every home is ideal for passive solar design, especially because it's a relatively new term for residential homes. If you don't have the extra money to install new windows, thermal flooring, a trombe wall, or a thermostatic fan, don't worry! There are still a few ways you can benefit from the passive solar potential of your home. Here are some passive solar design techniques to boost your solar benefits:
Seal Air Leaks
Any heating or cooling your HVAC system supplies can escape through air leaks in your ductwork. The solar heat coming through the windows you already have can be used to reduce the amount of heat your furnace needs to supply to your home if leaks are sealed properly. As your house absorbs heat energy from the sun, it will naturally heat up your home. Keep this natural passive solar heat inside by sealing air leaks so your furnace won't have to work as hard.
Duct Cleaning
When ducts aren't cleaned regularly, they become clogged and will cause an HVAC overload. Overworked equipment will experience more breakdowns and malfunctions. Reduce HVAC overload by keeping ducts clear of dirt, dust, and other debris.
Curtains and Blinds
During the warmer months, reduce air conditioning costs by closing blinds and curtains on windows facing the sun. Your air conditioning unit will run less often if the indoor temperature doesn't spike during the hottest time of the day. Open curtains and blinds during colder weather to take advantage of direct sunlight exposure to absorb heat. Close curtains and blinds once the sun has gone down to "trap" the warmth inside.
Preventative Maintenance
Investing in a preventative maintenance plan keeps your air conditioning and heating system operating smoothly throughout the year. You won't have to worry about an HVAC overload, malfunction, or failure when your equipment is cleaned and inspected regularly.
Landscaping
Passive solar design isn't just about the layout and features of your house; your yard can play a big part as well. You can plant trees, shrubs, and other plant life 3 feet from your outdoor unit to provide shade and keep your outdoor unit from overheating. Additionally, planting deciduous trees on the south side of your home can provide shade during the summer while letting the sunshine in throughout the winter. To shield your home from wind and colder temperatures, choose conifers or evergreens for the north and west sides of your home. Consult with a landscaper or your local nursery for trees native to your area and your goal.
Contact Estes Services for Quality HVAC Services
Boost your air conditioning energy efficiency by utilizing your home's passive solar design capabilities. If you have more questions about passive solar design systems, talk to one of our experienced heating and cooling technicians. It's also a good idea to schedule preventive maintenance with an Estes Services professional. We specialize in heating and cooling maintenance, repair, and installation for any residential home. Call us today!
