Before getting comfy meant adjusting the thermostat, homes were designed to catch a breeze or, in colder climes, to block one. See how traditional building elements can make your home more efficient today
The way older houses, like this American Foursquare, were positioned on a lot allowed them to tap "passive solar" heat and light long before the term was coined. South-facing houses get maximum sun exposure, reducing energy demands. Nestled at the bottom of a ridge or behind a screen of trees, they are protected from wind.
Monthly advice on how to make your home eco-friendly, including energy and water saving tips, healthy home products, green remodeling, and more, plus special offers.
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