Energy Efficient House Checklist


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  • Using the sun's energy to warm buildings is described as using passive solar energy.
  • When architects are designing a building, to make maximum use of passive solar energy and create a building that is naturally warm in winter and cool in summer, they need to consider:
    • the building's orientation
    • particulars of the site, like the prevailing wind
    • the placement, size, construction and treatment of windows
    • the use of insulation.
  • In winter passive solar design and construction means that we:
    • use a window design that lets as much solar heat into the building as is practical
    • use building materials that absorb the winter heat and release the heat after the sun goes down
    • use insulating material that helps retain the heat of the sun (and the heat from other heat energy sources such as a heater).
  • In summer, passive solar design and construction may mean that we:
    • use trees, shade structures, the positioning or windows or window treatments to reduce the amount of summer solar energy that enters buildings or parts of buildings.
    • The sun has a different trajectory or path across the sky in the summer than in the winter.

Winter path of the sun

Summer path of the sun

  • Buildings should be designed and constructed to make sure they receive maximum winter sun. A building that is built on an east-west axis and has windows facing the north will collect maximum summer and winter solar energy. This means that:
    • main living rooms should face north
    • rooms that require early morning sun or later afternoon coolness should be on the east
    • heat loss will be greatest from south-facing windows, so most homes are built with few windows on the south side
    • rooms that do not need to be warm like bathrooms, laundries and garages should face the cooler south.
  • Windows facing north will absorb maximum heat energy. Some windows that face north may need to be shaded by deciduous trees or shade structures to help some stop rooms from overheating in summer.
    • Special glass or window tints can be used that to reduce absorption of UV radiation and heat in these rooms.
  • West-facing windows can cause overheating in the late afternoon and may need to be shaded.
    • east-facing windows help to warm a room up in the morning.
  • Curtains can be used to retain heat in a room in winter and to prevent overheating in summer.