In most areas of the United States, the sun can be used to heat your home through south facing windows. The number of south facing windows and the proper location of the windows is mostly based on the orientation or latitude of where the house is located. Read more about Passive Solar Design for Homes. Some type of window treatment such as insulated curtains, draperies, cellular blinds, or interior shutters should be closed at night during cold weather to limit the amount of heat loss through the windows. A thermal mass is often used to store excess heat that can be used on cloudy days and at night. Thermal mass is commonly brick, stone, tile, and concrete, and can be located on floors or walls. It is important for the sun to shine directly on the thermal mass during most of the daylight hours to maximize gain. In the summer, it is helpful to shade south facing windows with deciduous trees, roof overhangs, window treatments, or trellises to help keep the house from overheating.

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