This Old House, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Review-Chapter Five

Let the Sun Shine In

In the 18^th and 19^th centuries, builders made use of the sun, prevailing winds, and local terrain when creating long lasting homes. They knew how to respond to the environmental elements when it came to designing the floor plan, windows, doors, stairwells, and transoms. Using the impact of natural elements allowed nature to cool and heat areas of the home. Homes were built with thick walls and chimneys that controlled indoor temperatures.

Then came the advent of fuels, electricity, and building materials other than wood. These factors allowed builders to strip away trees, and install miles of electric wiring and plumbing features, with oversized HVAC systems.

In this chapter of “This Old House, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning,” the authors are suggesting that the use of the sun and other natural elements can make a home more energy efficient and comfortable. It is suggested that builders and installers of features understand how to take into consideration the entire location.

The writers discuss the use of “super windows,” sun rooms, skylights, and solar energy.