Increase Energy Efficiency by Controlling Solar Gain

With all the publicity surrounding higher gas prices, another effect of escalating oil costs—higher home energy bills—has been all but eclipsed. According to the federal Energy Information Administration, natural gas prices are expected to jump 38% this winter, or an average of $281 per household. But, if there is a silver lining, it’s that people are seeking ways to cut costs by making their homes more energy efficient.

One relatively simple technique is to control exposure to direct sunlight, or solar gain—which, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, can cut the cost of heating and cooling a home by up to 50%.

Among the options:

Install low-emissivity windows – Low-e windows control both solar gain and loss. They also protect artwork and furnishings from fading by reflecting ultraviolet rays.

Minimize skylights – Skylights cause excess heat during summer and heat loss during winter. Clerestory windows, which are placed high on vertical walls, are a more effective way to capitalize on natural light and provide ventilation.

Use overhangs and exterior shading – Roof overhangs provide shade, lowering cooling costs during summer and reducing the need for building maintenance. Exterior wall and window shading, such as trees and covered porches, are also effective.

Install a radiant barrier – Radiant barriers prevent summer heat gain and winter heat loss, but they’re especially useful in warm climates where the heat absorbed by a dark roof can increase cooling costs dramatically. A properly installed radiant barrier can reduce heat transfer by as much as 95%.

These are all affordable and relatively simple techniques that can add significant value—for consumers, who increasingly want homes that are energy efficient and otherwise good for the environment, and for design and construction professionals, who want to maximize their appeal to this growing segment of the market.