nadinemarie's Profile

Choosing not to buy a dryer was an easy way to guarantee I use less energy in my daily life. If I had one, I would definitely use it, at least part of the time. I've been hanging my laundry (inside and out, depending on the season) for over 2 years, both in Arizona and in Portland, Oregon. Obviously in the winter, it takes longer, but it's not burdensome. The only problem I've had was very recently: I had a set of sheets out on the line in my backyard, and they were stolen! All I could think was that maybe a homeless person needed them. I may be a bit more careful and watchful from now on, but it hasn't deterred me.

Simply put, passive heating comes from the sun. And as far as I know, THE resource remains Ed Mazria's Passive Solar Energy Book. http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000VNM20C

Somewhat technical, but there are really just a few key things to consider when designing a passive solar house.

1. Orientation to the sun (southern exposure is key)
2. Insulation
3. Windows to let the light in when you want it (winter) and shade when you don't (summer)
4. Mass inside your house to absorb the light and act as a heat sink (good options are: concrete, tile, stone floors)

Isn't it funny how these old/ancient ideas seem so new and have to be relearned? Some of the first and best examples of passive solar design were in Iran way, way back.

Oui! Sign me up!