There are two primary natural sources of thermal heating here on Earth. One comes from deep below us (the planet's molten core) and the other sits high above us, providing such rewarding novelties as daylight, plants and all creatures that survive from them (humanity included). In modern times, both of these energy sources are used extensively to thermally heat our homes. But for we surface dwellers, our primary source is the sun because of its abundance and of course, the fact that we don't have to go digging for it.
Geothermal is being used more and more to heat and cool homes, but pumps are required to move air through pipes underground. Solar thermal energy is much easier to use passively (without electric components) because the design of the home can be manipulated to harness solar heat in the winter.
Other practical steps involved in passive thermal heating include: adding insulation to keep heated air inside (or out), installing walls and floors with thermal mass (concrete, tile, etc.) to retain collected heat and more. There are also three ways to passively collect heat: direct gain, indirect gain and isolated gain, each differentiated by its proximity or connection to the main living space.
Below, these and other methods of passive thermal heating are explained in more detail. Understanding your home for all its passive thermal heating potential will change the way you look at it and maybe even your approach to remodeling.
Direct gain solar systems utilize vessels such as insulated, glazed windows for conducting energy. A direct gain system is also the simplest of solar systems in form in that heat collection, storage, and distribution all function within the same space.… Read more »