How your house relates to the sun

Ideally situated homes use very little energy to heat or cool. Take advantage of natural solar movement and use natural ventilation to either insulate or cool your home. How is your house situated?

South Facing: This is the preferable orientation for windows with a roof eave or awning. The low winter sun naturally heats your home, while the high summer sun can be blocked by roof overhangs or deciduous (leaf dropping) trees.

West Facing: This side of your house needs lots of attention. In the summertime, the long days can literally bake you exterior finish, which can result in peeling or cracking paint. Your home can also overheat if your windows are not protected with shades, awnings, or plants. In the winter, most of the rain from winter storms come from the west. It's importatnt to maintain this side of your home as water can lead to mold, mildew, dry rot, and insects, which can become costly if left unaddressed.

North Facing: This is the cool side of your home. Windows on this side provide great reflected light which reduces glare in the eyes, or on your computer and TV screens.

East Facing: This is the morning side of your house. It doesn't overheat like the west side can, but it does get low-angled sunlight, which can cause glare.