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 a new home design sunspaces may also provide additional space and a healthy environment for plants and humans. Indeed, a well-designed sunspace can provide up to 60% of a home’s winter heating requirements.
In a basic design, sunlight passes through glass or other glazing and warm sunspace. The windows are either vertical (typically windows is installed) or sloped at an angle. To moderate temperature swings, massive materials (such as masonry or water) can be used to store solar thermal energy and absorb heat. At night or during extended periods of cloudy weather, this “thermal mass” releases the heat it holds in order to heat the interior of sunspace. Ceiling, walls, foundation and window insulation sunspace minimize heat loss at night and in cold weather. Climate control features include operable windows, vents and fans to keep sunspace from overheating and to circulate the hot air to other parts of the house.
Few home improvements offer the aesthetic appeal and practical paybacks that a carefully designed and constructed sunspace can. Although you may be tempted to tackle the endeavor on your own, it is money well spent to consult with a solar engineer, architect, or contractor. They will provide feedback, as well as a computer analysis of your design. Remember: It is much less expensive to make changes on paper than to alter a sunspace once it is built. And after your sunspace is finished, you can enjoy it for years to come.
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