3 Things to Know About Passive Solar Heat

Posted by: Ken Mariotti

Soaring costs for heating and cooling our homes, energy efficiency becomes a priority. Homes are becoming better insulated and sealed allowing the heating and cooling systems to operate at peak efficiencies, reducing usage and costs. The next leap in efficient home design and maintenance is maximizing passive solar heating and natural ventilation. Windows play an invaluable role in the performance of our houses and today’s window options can provide a custom energy efficient solution for your unique house. 

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As a child, before air conditioning was built into most homes, I remember summertime when my mother would open all the windows at night or the very early morning to cool off the house. Then, about 10:00 am she’d close them and pull the drapes to keep the house cool the entire day. Granted the house was dark and stuffy, but compared to the 100º temperatures outside it was a haven.

Today we hear about home energy assessments to measure airtightness, or dual pane low-e windows to manage solar heat, or low U factors to measure performance, but do we really know what these mean for our own home?

Most people don’t know how to remodel or design a new home applying energy efficient principles. While there are multiple things that go into making a house energy efficient, there are three basic principles when selecting your windows: the orientation, the glass, and ventilation.

Window Orientation

If you are remodeling your home or designing a new one the sizes and locations of windows should be based on the cardinal directions of the house – north, south, east, and west.

North/south oriented windows are the best option for visual and thermal comfort and accommodate larger glass openings without over heating, compared to east/west facing windows.

• North-facing windows admit even, natural light with little glare and almost no unwanted summer heat gain

• South-facing windows provide the most winter sunlight but little direct sun during the summer

East/West facing windows receive direct daylight at certain times of the day, which is often preferred for breakfast rooms or sunrooms and should be equipped with shading options.

• East-facing windows provide morning sun, but sunlight entering at low angles often leads to blinds down and lights on and offers little heating in the winter

• West-facing windows allow the afternoon and summer evening light to lengthen the day, may require blinds to cut the glare and invites little heat in winter

Glass

Robert G McArthur Studios

Selecting the right glass depends on the location of your windows and the geographical region of your home. Low-e has become a universal term for energy efficient coating applied to the window glass. Actually, advances in glass coatings and new regional energy codes, Low-e options can be customized to your home’s requirements. Whether you need high light and low heat or greater protection from fading – there’s a Low-e for your requirement. Next week’s blog will explain your glass options in detail.

Ventilation

When remodeling or designing a new home select window styles and window locations that optimize ventilation for added comfort and efficiency.

Fresh air circulation makes a huge difference in your well being while indoors. Educate your self on the many options including skylights with automatic sensors for opening and closing or awning transom windows above interior doors to circulate fresh air throughout your home.

With so many options available to customize window energy performance throughout your home it can be confusing. Remember this, select the right type of window style for the window location and specify the finish and size of the glass. If you do these things, you can improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home.

When you’re planning a remodel don’t get caught in the trap of assigning less importance to these aspects of your home. Instead, know that there are unlimited possibilities for managing the light and climate in your home and build these options into your plans.

Sunrooms Bring the Outdoors Inside to Your Chicago Home

Sunrooms are amazing additions to homes, giving homeowners a taste of the outdoors without the bugs, rain, and other harsh elements. Sunrooms are also called patio rooms, solariums, or enclosures. These rooms are made with glass and screen and are built on a wood or concrete foundation.
 

A sunroom can offer a good place for relaxation. We all know that enjoying the morning sunshine is what every homeowner wants. It enhances your mood and helps vent stress and frustration. The free natural sunlight and heat from the sun will replace the artificial heating needed to keep the house warm during the cold seasons. A sunroom offers a perfect place to enjoy the natural sunlight without the risk of being exposed to adverse elements, such as UV-rays.
 

Before thinking of adding a sunroom to your current home, or new home, you should note that energy efficiency is the single most important aspect to consider. Select materials that will improve your home’s energy efficiency. In case you are renovating an existing house, the first thing you want to consider improving your home’s energy efficiency - and a sunroom can be one of the solutions.
 

When you are planning to install a sunroom, you will want to make sure that it is designed to match your home’s style and look. Choose a sunroom color and plan that complements your home and that will serve many purposes, as well. Sunrooms can offer an extra space, or in other words, they can be used to add space to your home. You can enjoy being indoors, but still enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Depending on how you made your decision, you can enjoy using your sunroom during three seasons, or four seasons (all year round).  Also, this helps to increase the value of your home. People want to purchase properties with sunrooms because they love them. And they are always ready to pay an additional fee for a home that features one. 
 

It is vitally important to understand how the different materials used to make sunrooms work. For example, vinyl sunrooms are typically less expensive than wood sunrooms, and they need little maintenance. Vinyl is strong, durable, and more energy efficient than aluminum. If you want a well-insulated sunroom, choose either a double or triple pane glass window for the new room.
 

When shopping for a sunroom, focus on getting the best materials you can afford.  You may want to seek advice from building contractors or visit a sunroom sales area to learn more about them so that you can make an informed decision.

Building a Three or Four Season Sunroom in Chicago

A sunroom is a small addition to your home that allows you to enjoy the outdoors without actually being outside. This addition offers you the ability to enjoy nature in the comfort of your home. Since they have large glass windows, sunrooms are loved by many homeowners for the amount of daylight they allow in. With a sunroom installed in your home, you can enjoy the morning sunlight without being exposed to the harmful elements of the outdoors, such as insects, UV-rays, winds, pests and pollen.

 

The two most popular types of sunrooms include a 4-season sunroom and 3-season sunroom. The 4 season rooms are basically designed to cater for all seasons. You can use them all year round. Four season sunrooms are usually constructed with energy efficient glass, have efficient HVAC systems and higher quality insulation.
 

Because a three season sunroom lacks many important features, it’s obvious that it can get extremely hot during the summer seasons or very cold during the winter months. That’s why many homeowners prefer four season sunrooms over three seasons ones.
 

The large windows or glass walls that these sunrooms allow for a sufficient amount of daylight to enter inside. This helps to make the room bright and attractive. As said before, the large transparent windows of sunrooms also allow you to enjoy the surrounding landscape and other things on your property.
 

Unlike bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens, which have their own specific roles within the home, sunrooms are quite versatile. While some homeowners may use their sunrooms as an entertainment room for hosting guests, others may use them as a place for reading. Others may use them as a dining room, and still yet, others may use them as a living room.
 

Four season and three season sunrooms are also good when it comes to energy efficiency. However, you will need to invest in 4 season sunroom if you want to save significant money on heating and cooling costs.
 

While the choice of four seasons or three season room is based on your preference, taste, and budget, choosing the right type is of utmost importance. Both are great when it comes to enjoying the surrounding scenery. You can enjoy the morning sun without having to worry about heat, UV-rays, mosquitoes, and other harmful factors.

Benefits of Installing a Sunroom in Chicago

Sunrooms, also known as conservatories, patio enclosures, and garden rooms are additions that can enhance your Chicago home. When you install a sunroom to your existing house, it’s like adding an extra room to relax in to relieve stress. These rooms make a perfect place to enjoy the outdoors, read your morning newspaper, and eat breakfast.
 

For years, sunrooms have been visually pleasing and useful in residential homes, commercial properties, and industrial complexes. The benefits of installing sunrooms in your home are vast. In addition to benefits already mentioned above, here are some other advantages of sunrooms.

Extra Living Space
 

Another major advantage of a sunroom is the fact that it offers extra living space for your house. Unlike a screened porch or deck which can only be used some during specific times of the year, you can use your sunroom throughout the year. A sunroom can serve as a playroom, dining room, reading room, or family room. It is also the best place to spend time with your guests since it offers beautiful and expansive views of the outside world.
 

Outdoor View
 

A sunroom provides a great place to enjoy the weather outside, watch birds singing, or just to look at the beautiful flowers in your garden. The space can provide a complete view of your backyard without having to deal with harsh outdoor elements, such as allergens and pesky bugs. Even UV-Rays and chilly weather isn’t an issue. Moreover, your kids can enjoy plenty of sunlight while playing in the sunroom. Thus, they won’t have to go outside to play in bad weather.
 

Increase the Value of Your Home
 

Real estate properties with conservatories have been proven to sell for more money and faster than homes without sunrooms. Buyers are always attracted to properties with a sunroom addition. However, in order for your home to add real value, the sunroom must include features like heating and cooling systems. And since sunrooms are made of glass, buyers would want to know which type of glass was used to make the addition. Single-pane glass windows will most likely turn off buyers as they lack insulation. A good sunroom addition will ensure the place is warmed in the winter and cooled in the summer.
 

 

Add a Sunroom to Boost the Value of Your Home in Chicago

A small room installed in your existing home that is enclosed in glass is what is referred to as a sunroom. The floor is usually made of concrete where brick or tile materials are laid. It is specially-designed to offer you the real feeling of being outdoors, but all from the comfort of being in your own home. Sunrooms can also be set up with air conditioning systems, meaning you don’t have to bear the extreme heat of the summer. Again, in the winter you can stay warm and comfortable in your sunroom with a heater, as well.
 

Sunrooms can also be used to entertain guests, relax after a long day, or for anything else you can imagine. Most homeowners use them to do crafts or hobbies. The brilliance and calmness of the room can create a fantastic environment where you can relieve your daily stresses. In fact, some studies indicate that people feel better in sunny environments - such as in a sunroom.
 

Based on how much sunlight you want to come into your sunroom, you can decide to have it installed facing west, north, east, or south. For example, you will want to make it face east in case you are planning to use it as a breakfast room as you’ll be able to enjoy the morning sunlight during certain seasons of the year. A sunroom can also serve as a dining space to accommodate family and guests. When your kitchen becomes congested, it can be wonderful for everyone to take their meal in the sunroom where there’s enough space and fresh air for everyone.
 

Another essential point you don’t want to miss when installing your sunroom are the building codes in your area. It is important to make certain your sunroom’s foundation complies with the local building codes. In extremely colder areas, the foundation needs to be deeper than the freezing line. This will ensure the foundation won’t expand or contract as the ground freezes and then thaws. Building your sunroom on a level ground is highly recommended, and will also have to meet the terms of your local building codes.
 

Most homeowners prefer sunrooms with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) walls. Although you can opt for aluminum or wood options, PVC is arguably the best material since it is strong and needs less maintenance. Another advantage to using vinyl is that it’s less expensive and is long lasting – most vinyl sunrooms last up to 30 years.
 

Tips for Keeping a Beautiful Sunroom or Patio

A sunroom, also known as an enclosed porch or three-season porch, is an extra room installed in your home to allow you to enjoy the outdoors without having to be outside. Most sunrooms are installed near the back of the home, usually right off the dining room or kitchen, and they are always fun to decorate.
 

Sunrooms are one of the best ways to enlarge your living space and get the most out of the relaxation and beauty of the outdoors. However, in order to maximize the functionality of your sunroom, you need to avoid some of the common mistakes which many people make during choosing, purchasing or installing them. These blunders will not only cost you a great deal of money and time, but will also make your additional room less enjoyable.
 

However, you can easily avoid these mistakes. Here, we will go through some of the common mistakes homeowners commit, and also help you to avoid them. Moreover, you will get to know much more about sunrooms.
 

Failure to Consider Weather
 

A porch is an outdoor living room, hence it is very important to consider your local weather pattern before installation. If your home is built in an area which experiences extremely cold winters, you will need to have an insulated sunroom. This will allow you to enjoy the space as much as you like all throughout the year. Similarly, a sunroom needs to have operational windows during hot summer months. Some homeowners prefer installing AC units here to make the space more comfortable and inviting.
 

Bad Furnishings
 

You will want your sunroom to have nice decorations since it will be an important part of your home. Nevertheless, do not make the worst mistake of using the wrong floor coverings or furniture. A porch is typically enclosed, but the better part of it is covered by large windows which allow sunlight to penetrate inside on a daily basis. In as much as you enjoy daily sunlight at the comfort of your sunroom, that heat can fade your furniture, carpets and other important items.
 

Home Design
 

Paying a lot of attention to the design of your home is extremely vital when installing a sunroom. Sadly, many homeowners have made this grave mistake and have ended up wasting a lot of money. Regardless of your taste and preference, the only way to take full advantage of your sunroom is to make sure it fits the decor of your house. Avoid this mistake and consider the design, lines, architecture and style of your house before choosing a design.

Inadequate Space
 

A typical sunroom needs to measure at least 10 square feet. This offers adequate space for standard sized furniture and other items. If you plan on sharing your patio with many people or to entertain a group of friends and you have a big home, then consider getting a bigger size.