BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Wrong - this building provides no overhangs, minimal window shading, and clear window glass resulting in high solar heat gain.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

This wall and window assembly has excessive framing around the windows, which can lead to heat gain in how climate zones.

Publication Date

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 12:00

Right – this commercial building employs good techniques to resist solar heat gain: awnings and pergolas over windows, recessed windows and entryways, deep tinting on glass, and shade plants.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Right – Strategically placed trees provide shade to the south-facing windows of this building.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Calculate projection factor (PF) by dividing overhang (A) by length of window (B).

Publication Date

Fri, 01/01/2021 - 12:00

Right - Covered porches protect the south-facing windows and doors of this building from solar heat gain.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Right – the building on the right employs light-colored walls, deep tinting, and deeply recessed windows to minimize solar heat gain

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Right – thermal mass walls, small windows, and recessed porch and trees on the south side of this southwest home help to minimize solar heat gain.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Wrong – This multi family building appears to be done in traditional southwest architecture but the lack of useful overhangs, dark colored walls, and lack of tinting on windows will result in significant solar heat gain.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Right- Landscaping shades the entry on the south west corner of this hot dry climate building.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Right – deeply inset entryways and overhangs provide shade to reduce solar heat entry to this building.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Right – Deep overhangs, pergolas, and covered entryways minimize heat gain in this commercial building in the hot-dry climate.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Wrong – The south side of this building in Arizona has very little architectural or landscape shading to block solar heat gain.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

This hot climate zone home uses high quality batt insulation to insulate truss-joist headers.

Publication Date

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 12:00

Designing Energy Efficient New Homes for a Warm Climate

Author(s)

EXtension Home Energy - Cooperative Extension

Organization(s)

EXtension Home Energy - Cooperative Extension

Publication Date

July, 2019

Article from The Home Energy Community of Practice on designing energy efficient homes in hot climate zones, including home orientation, window location, and roof design considerations.

Residential Heating and Cooling Loads Component Analysis

Author(s)

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Organization(s)

LBNL

Publication Date

November, 1999

Report describing a study using parametric computer simulations of 112 single-family and 63 multi-family residential building prototypes to quantify the contributions of building components such as roofs, walls, windows, infiltration, outside air, lighting, equipment, and people to the aggregate...

Air Sealing and Insulating Walls to Reduce Heat Gain

Information guide listing Building America Solution Center guides that describe ways to air-seal and insulate a new or existing home's walls to resist heat gain.

High-Thermal-Mass Construction

Guide describing materials and methods for incorporating thermal mass into the construction of a home for temperature regulation, energy savings, and resistance to extreme heat and cold.