| As a concept, passive solar heating utilizes the | | | | sufficient air is heated, the convection port of the |
| rays of the sun to control the temperature of | | | | house at the upper side of the sun room is |
| the house: warmth during the cold days and | | | | opened to bring the heated air into the house, |
| coolness during hot ones. As opposed to active | | | | while allowing new air to come into the sun room |
| solar heating which requires fans, air conditioners | | | | via vents near the floor. |
| and similar machines to control house | | | | When cooling instead of heating is desired, the sun |
| temperature, passive solar heating uses only | | | | room is closed to the rays by drawing in insulated |
| features built into the house design. In cooling the | | | | blinds right below the roof. By drawing in the blind, |
| house rooms can be taxing on air conditioners, so | | | | a channel is created between the blinds and the |
| that the passive solar design can ease the | | | | roof where the heated can pass on its way |
| electricity load somewhat. On the other hand, in | | | | outside, through a flap at the highest part of the |
| heating the house is not always needed even in | | | | roof. In this way the interior of the sun room is |
| winter. | | | | not heated, and instead is filled with cool air |
| In principle, passive solar heating is achieved by | | | | coming from below and vented also into the |
| allowing the sun to heat a certain space inside or | | | | house. The system results in less expense on |
| outside the house proper, and then making this | | | | electricity used in operating the air conditioner or |
| heated air enter to warm the house interior. This | | | | the radiator. |
| is generally performed via ventilation openings | | | | Passive solar heating is best designed into the |
| which can be manipulated to close or open | | | | house construction, although it can also be as |
| depending on the needs, allowing in air via the | | | | explained above an addition if space permits. |
| convection process. To cool the house, the sun is | | | | Except for space and expense advantages or |
| prevented from heating the room and any heated | | | | limitations, one form is as good as the other. It |
| air is vented outside to allow cooler air to move | | | | simply depends on the residents and the |
| in. | | | | configurations of the yard space and the house |
| Most times, the space where the air is heated | | | | itself, and designs can be made to take them into |
| before drawing it inside the house is called the sun | | | | the considerations. What is important is that the |
| room. It consists of an enclosed space with stone | | | | concept is utilized for the benefit of the people |
| or concrete floor, metal wall frame painted black | | | | and Mother Nature via less use of fossil fuel in |
| or dark colors, and glass roof and sides. The dark | | | | generating and consuming electricity and other |
| color, floor and glass are all designed to let in the | | | | non-renewable energy sources. Why not try it? It |
| rays and absorb the heat they bring. When | | | | can be of surprisingly great help. |