A Brief Introduction To Daylight Control
The effects of uncontrolled sunlight can impact the interior of a building and the people that work and live in it tremendously. When%LINK3& efforts are employed, the design of a building is made to control the sun and utilize its energy for the %benefit of the residents.
The use of sun control in architectural designs in not new. For hundred of years buildings in arid and hot climates have been built to harness and control the energy of the sun. Many designers and architects are finding that some of the methods used by ancient people are still effective when used in building designs today.
There are several steps that can be taken to reduce the costs of energy through efficient building design. One way is to change the layout of windows in a home. When windows face the sun, they are absorbing heat. Even dual pane windows absorb a tremendous amount of heat when they are facing the sun. Reducing or changing the style of window that is used on those sides of a home will reduce energy costs.
Many architects are designing spaces using solar energy to control the sun. By installing solar panels in new buildings, the power of the sun is being used effectively. The costs of energy are reduced substantially when solar energy is used in lieu of gas and electricity.
Reducing the amount of electricity in unoccupied rooms is also a way to control energy costs. Lighting that is controlled by sensors removes the need to shut off lights in unoccupied rooms. Using sunlight effectively in rooms that are normally not occupied in the evening further reduces the need for direct lighting in a room.
Architects that work in hot, arid locations often spend extra time researching the sun and its effect on buildings and space. In many cases, they create designs that provide extra protection to the interior of a building. Using materials that repel heat and light, while keeping interiors cool is one of the major focuses of their endeavors.
Proper insulation is an important part of maintaining proper temperature in a space. When outside temperatures increase, a space that has been designed to expel hot air prior to its entry into a living space is very valuable. Most designers include an exhaust fan in the attic that has an automatic temperature control. When the temperature begins to rise, the fan is activated and hot air is expelled from the space.
Tinted dual pane windows are also incorporated often when building in heat. Many of these windows are designed with heat resistant tints that repel the sunlight. In addition, the dual pane glass absorbs any heat that occurs during the day. Heat resistant exterior blinds are also used to add further insulation to the window and maintain temperatures.
Some buildings are also designed to have independent cooling systems as part of their sun control system. When a room is not in use, the air conditioning does not function in that room. When an individual enters the room, a motion sensor that is attached to the main control unit activates the cooling system. sun controls takes many aspects of design and architecture to a more advanced level than for regular designs.




