How does building orientation affect energy efficiency?
The orientation of a home can increase or decrease the energy efficiency of a home. The best way to orient a home is north-south, with adequate overhangs on the south facing windows to prevent the sun’s rays from penetrating the house during the summer months. Low-E glass on all the windows also prevents undue overheating of the home. However, a north-south orientation will allow for solar warming in the winter months when the sun is lower on the horizon and solar heating of the home is preferable. Homes that are oriented east-west do not promote energy efficiency since solar warming cannot take place in the winter and unwanted heat will enter the home through the west facing windows during the summer.
