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Chapter 10PASSIVE SOLAR HEATINGAND NATURAL COOLINGPerhaps the oldest, simplest, and mosteffective heating system, passive solar,directly converts sunlight into heat. Theheat is most frequently stored in a thickfloor or similarly effective storagemedium. This is the most direct form ofsolar energy usage. Passive solar combinesto also provide natural cooling so as not tooverheat.Creating a passive solar home starts byselecting the right site that should includeaccess to plenty of sunlight to the south, awind break to the north, and effectiveinsulation for the home. The passive solareffect works naturally since the sun ismuch lower in the sky in the winter, andso high in the summer. This combines toincrease heat storage in the winter whenneed and reduce heating in the summer.By combining passive solar with naturalcooling techniques the home can achieve anatural balance that eliminates the needfor a fossil fuel based furnace or airconditioner. This leads to substantial cost131> Drawing courtesy of Martin Liefhebber, architect. Web: www.martinliefhebber.com