AS someone always interested in renewables and solar, i tried a little experiment. Having an opportunity to purchase 6 large(3x8)Ft brand new thermopane windows for $60 each at an overstock auction, I closed in my south facing front porch (24Ft x 6Ft). I also installed a ceramic tile floor with cement board under.
TO my amazement this room would go up to 110Deg and more in the dead of winter even with outside temps around 10-20 Degrees.
However if i open my front door to my living room the area would remain in the 80s as warm air cycled into my home and cool air replaced it.
THe end result was on sunny winter days my home heat(oil at the time) would not kick on all day and well into the night until the sun porch cooled down.
After a years time i was able to conserve a full tank of oil (250Gal) over the winter,at a cost savings of about $$600-$700
In summer the sun is overhead and the porch gets very little sun,so overheating is not a problem.
My next home ill probably build a much larger sun room on the south facing side as we have Lemon,orange and banana trees wintering indoors here in central Pa.
TO my amazement this room would go up to 110Deg and more in the dead of winter even with outside temps around 10-20 Degrees.
However if i open my front door to my living room the area would remain in the 80s as warm air cycled into my home and cool air replaced it.
THe end result was on sunny winter days my home heat(oil at the time) would not kick on all day and well into the night until the sun porch cooled down.
After a years time i was able to conserve a full tank of oil (250Gal) over the winter,at a cost savings of about $$600-$700
In summer the sun is overhead and the porch gets very little sun,so overheating is not a problem.
My next home ill probably build a much larger sun room on the south facing side as we have Lemon,orange and banana trees wintering indoors here in central Pa.