This article is part 4 of Sunspaces.Glazing
Glazing is clear or translucent materials that allow sunlight to penetrate and warm the room. Glass is the most common glazing material, and many sunspace developers choose glass for its durability, clarity, and appearance. But plastic glitter may be cheaper, stronger, lighter and easier to work with, making [...]
This article is part 3 of Sunspaces.Passive solar systems structures are conceptually simple but sunspace designers and builders must pay close attention to details to ensure maximum performance and reliability of the structures.
Computer software is now available to help design and establish criteria for specific projects such as passive solar sunspaces. This software [...]
This article is part 2 of Sunspaces.Sunspaces serve three main functions: they are a source of auxiliary heat, they provide space to grow plants and have fun living areas. The design considerations for these features are very different, and although it is possible to build a sunspace that will serve all three functions, some [...]
This article is part 1 of Sunspaces.Everyone living in a home with a sunroom or sunspace will tell you that it is the most comfortable room in the house. Many times the homeowner only regret is that sunspace is no more. Although aesthetics often drive the decision to add a sunspace or involve in [...]
This article is part 7 of Landscaping for Energy Efficiency.Many suburban and urban land need loosening before you plant. If the soil is compressed until it an area of at least five times the diameter of the root ball. Plant your new trees and shrubs in a cool or cloudy days to reduce the [...]
This article is part 6 of Landscaping for Energy Efficiency.Trees and shrubs come in all shapes and sizes. How you select your trees and shrubs and how to plant them will directly affect your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
Trees and shrubs have a life span of many years and may become more attractive and [...]
This article is part 5 of Landscaping for Energy Efficiency.Before you start landscaping, you must first develop a plan. The components of your plan could include deciduous trees and plants, coniferous forests of trees and plants, soil Berm, walls, fences, sheds and garages. This section will help you create a landscape plan before you [...]
This article is part 4 of Landscaping for Energy Efficiency.A well-informed and well-designed home admits low-angle winter sun, rejects overhead summer sun, and minimizes the cooling effect of winter winds. If you are building a home, pay attention to its orientation.
In the northern hemisphere, it is usually best to bring home long axis in [...]
This article is part 3 of Landscaping for Energy Efficiency.The United States can be divided into four approximate climatic regions: temperate, hot-arid, hot-wet and cool. The average energy to keep the landscape strategies you use should depend on the region you live. These landscaping strategies by region are listed in order below.
Carefully positioned trees [...]
This article is part 2 of Landscaping for Energy Efficiency.Widespread tree planting and climate-appropriate landscaping offer substantial environmental benefits. Trees and vegetation control erosion, protect water supplies, provide food, create habitat for wildlife, and clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) estimates that urban America has [...]
