Need to cut down your heating costs? Installing energy-efficient windows is one way of doing that, but they can only do so much. To maximize the potential energy savings, you need to incorporate a bit of passive solar heat design into your home.
How Passive Solar Design Works
Passive solar design takes advantage of the heat from the sun. Houses that incorporate the design absorb heat during the day and then slowly release it at night. A system of fans and blowers then help distribute stored heat evenly throughout your house. However, you don’t need to make any significant renovations to take advantage of passive heating – all you need to do is to take note of where you place your windows.
Install Windows on the South Side of Your House
The south side of your house receives the most sunlight so energy-efficient windows should be installed on that side. We recommend installing a window with a high U-factor or excellent insulative capabilities to ensure that heat released stays inside your home. In spring and summer, the windows should be shaded to keep your interior from becoming too hot.
Check if Your Home Has Enough Insulation
It would also be a good idea to have a contractor inspect your house to see if it has enough home insulation. Passive solar heating won’t help you reduce your power bill if heat keeps leaking out of the gaps in the insulation.
Make sure the contractor you hire is qualified for the job. Less experienced contractors are more likely to make installation errors and miss crucial warning signs that might end up costing you in the long run.
WMGB Home Improvement, a contractor with more than three decades’ worth of experience and an A-plus rating from the Better Business Bureau, offers a wide variety of premium energy-efficient windows, including egress windows, as well as professional insulation services. For inquiries, you can give us a call at (616) 328-6625, or fill out our form here. We serve homeowners in Grand Rapids and Lansing, MI, as well as the surrounding communities.
