As a homeowner, it's important to consider the different orientations of your house in order to keep your family comfortable and safe. Depending on which direction your home faces, you may need to take certain precautions to mitigate issues like heat gain, cold drafts, and exposure to the elements.
Let's look at each of the four cardinal directions - north, south, east, and west - and discuss how they can impact your home and what you can do to address those effects.
North-facing homes
If your home faces north, you may notice that it receives less sunlight throughout the day than homes facing other directions. While this can help keep your home cooler in the summer months, it can also make the interior feel colder and darker in the winter.
To combat this, try using light, warm-colored paint and decor to brighten up the space. You may also want to invest in thicker curtains or blinds to insulate against any cold drafts coming through windows or doors. Additionally, consider planting evergreen trees or shrubs on the north side of your home to provide additional insulation and wind protection.
South-facing homes
South-facing homes are generally considered the most desirable because they receive the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day. This can help keep your home warm and cheery in the winter, but it can also make it uncomfortably hot in the summer months.
To address this, you can install light-colored window coverings or solar shades to block out some of the sun's heat. You might also want to consider installing ceiling fans or whole-house fans to keep air moving and prevent stagnant, hot air from building up. If you have a backyard or patio, use umbrellas, awnings, or a pergola to provide shade and help keep your outdoor space comfortable.
East-facing homes
If your home faces east, you can expect to receive plenty of morning sunshine but less direct sunlight in the afternoon and evening. This can make your home feel warmer and brighter in the morning, but cooler and darker later in the day.
To make the most of your morning light, consider adding large windows or skylights on the east-facing side of your home. You can also add a porch or sunroom to provide a comfortable outdoor space to enjoy your morning coffee or breakfast. In the afternoon and evening, make sure to use warm-colored lights and cozy textiles like throw blankets and curtains to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
West-facing homes
West-facing homes receive strong sunlight in the afternoon and evening, which can make them feel uncomfortably warm and bright during those times. This can also cause fading and other damage to furniture and decor over time.
To combat this, install awnings or pergolas on the west side of your home to provide shade and protect your outdoor furniture. You can also use thicker, light-blocking curtains or shades on west-facing windows to keep the heat out. Finally, consider planting deciduous trees or adding trellises with vines to provide additional shade and wind protection.
Overall, understanding the orientation of your home and how it affects your family's comfort and safety is key to creating a happy and healthy living environment. By making a few simple adjustments like adding shade structures, insulating windows, and using warm colors and textiles, you can create a cozy, inviting home that works for your family all year round.