Using solar passive design to reduce energy costs & benefit the environment
Everyone is keen to do the most they can for the environment and also to reduce their energy costs. When building your home it is essential to utilise the free resources of sun and wind to help keep your home at a consistent and comfortable temperature all year round. In addition to looking after the environment, building a home to utilise the free resources of sun and wind can also reduce ongoing power costs.
Ultimately, the aim is to minimise winter heat loss and maximise winter heat gain whilst also ensuring that summer heat is minimised and not exacerbated.
Passive solar design is relatively inexpensive when designed into a new home or addition. It can be achieved with many different building and construction types. It is appropriate for all climates where winter heating is required.
Some of the many important things to consider to achieve a successful passive solar design are:
Attention to correct orientation during design
Appropriate glazing and door selections
Insulation and sealing
Landscaping design
Minimising air infiltration
Planning carefully around typical seasonal winds
Wall design mass and insulation
Window treatments
Heat extraction systems for the ceiling and house
Shading solutions
In floor heating systems
Passive solar design resources
Here are some resources to help with your passive solar design decisions:
http://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/passive-solar-heating
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive_solar_building_design
