By Steve Graham, Networx If you have large, south-facing
windows, you may already be using solar power in your house. If
the windows turn a room into a sauna in the summer and a fridge
in the winter, some touchups can lower winter heating bills and
minimize summer heat. Passive solar design, also known as
climatic design, effectively uses abundant solar power without
panels or other mechanical systems. Passive solar principles
should be applied to new, energy-efficient construction. Simple
retrofits can also boost the passive solar capacity of any home,
with windows, walls or dedicated passive solar rooms. Also
consider dark, heat-absorbing floors (particularly stone,
concrete, or other masonry) to make any passive solar design
more efficient.