What is the difference between north facing and south facing windows?
South Facing window will ensure you get more sunlight and heat. A North Facing window will avoid sunlight and be cooler. Depending on if you live in a hot and humid place like in India a north facing window will keep you cool and if you live in cold places more sunlight may be desirable and facing the south will do that.
Are north facing windows good for plants?
North facing windows also provide the most consistent levels of light throughout the day, so if you're looking to grow begonias, or a foliage plant this could be the best spot for them. The rooms that these windows belong to also tend to be the coldest. Without any sunlight this natural heat source is nonexistent.
What is the direction of the window?
Also, when the direction is mentioned, it's in regard to what direction one is facing when looking out of the window. If you are looking north out of the window, it's a north window.
Why do houses in India have north-facing windows?
But in the northern hemisphere, in India East facing houses are considered good as they face the good morning sunlight in the early hours (people love to enjoy the morning Sun ) and the sun moves towards the South as the sunlight becomes more harsh. Why do north-facing windows not get any direct sunlight? Good question.
How can you tell if a window is north facing?
Also, when the direction is mentioned, it's in regard to what direction one is facing when looking out of the window. If you are looking north out of the window, it's a north window.
Does a north facing window get sun?
Windows facing north sadly never get direct sunlight, and because of this aren't good candidates for plants like succulents and cacti. With that being said, don't worry. Just because north windows don't get a whole lot of light doesn't mean there aren't plants that will do well near one.
What is a north Face window?
North-facing windows tend to not have much direct sunlight at all, and therefore will be a more darker but even-lit room. North facing windows are perfect for people that don't like too much direct sunlight. South/North-facing windows will have more of a cooler-toned light.
Is a north facing window low light?
The relatively small amount of light (no direct sunlight) a north-facing window receives is perfect for keeping these low light plants a deep, luxuriant shade of green throughout the winter months and year round.
Why are north facing windows good?
North-facing windows receive twice the winter sun than east and west facing windows, allowing light and warmth into the home. They can be easily shaded from the high summer sun to help keep the house cool. Ideally, the glazing area should be between 10-25% of the floor area of the room.
Why north facing house is so popular?
For houses, in general an orientation capturing sunlight from the north is the most desirable because it will deliver radiant heat into the house. Essentially this will act as passive solar heating in winter, but in summer it is easy to shade the northern facades of the house to stop the heat from penetrating.
Which direction gets most sunlight?
southAs the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, the south side of any house will see the most hours of sunlight during the day – especially in the Northern Hemisphere – so a south-facing garden takes advantage of this.
How can I tell which direction my house faces?
Stand at the entrance door of your home, facing outside. Use a compass to check the direction that you are facing. That is the direction that your house faces. Once the 0°/360° mark on the compass and the north of the needle are aligned, determine the direction directly in front of you.
Which facing window gets the most light?
South-facing windows provide the most light: direct sunlight within 2 to 3 feet of the window; bright, indirect sunlight up to 5 feet from the window; and semi-shade up to 8 feet away from the window. East and west-facing windows provide some direct light up to 3 feet and indirect light up to 5 feet away.
Are north or south-facing windows better?
That information is so important because the rule of windows is this: South-facing windows receive the most light and are the hottest. North-facing windows receive the least light and are the weakest and coolest. East-facing windows receive light in the morning and are weak and cool.
Why are south-facing windows better?
Based on the movements of the sun, passive solar buildings typically have windows on the southern facing side of the property to better absorb the sun's heat energy and more easily warm the space in the Winter.
How do you make a north facing window light up?
2:579:15Window lighting for plants: NORTH, SOUTH, WEST or EAST? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo in berlin north facing windows will get the least amount of light but still you can use theseMoreSo in berlin north facing windows will get the least amount of light but still you can use these windows for plants that will tolerate the least amount of light.
Will a north facing balcony get sun?
The orientation of a balcony is the most vital factor. If it faces north, it will never get direct sunlight, and will be a much less desirable place to sit out on. If it faces east, it will be lovely in the morning, and if it faces west, you will get all the evening sun.
Why does north Facing get less sun?
Literally the opposite of a southern exposure, a north-facing slope or wall is a cold weather microclimate. The exterior wall of a house facing due north receives no direct sun at all in winter, but full sun in summer. In spring and fall, the sun exposure slowly shifts from between the two extremes.
How do I get more light in my north facing house?
Make the most of natural light Remove any obstructions that could block the light – clutter and pot plants on the window sill, net curtains and heavy window dressings should all go. Instead, go for a simple blind or floaty voile curtains to enhance the feeling of light and space.
Which direction gets most sunlight?
southAs the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, the south side of any house will see the most hours of sunlight during the day – especially in the Northern Hemisphere – so a south-facing garden takes advantage of this.
Which is better for hot or cold areas: South facing or North facing?
South-Facing Homes. If a north-facing home is optimal for hot areas, a south-facing home is perfect for (you guessed it) cold regions. Not only does this placement best absorb sunlight throughout the day, but it also enables natural lighting to play a useful role in the overall mood of a home.
Which direction should a home face?
While south/north-facing homes tend to be the best at maximizing energy efficiency in a particular kind of climate, some people may opt for a home that faces east or west for aesthetic purposes and lifestyle habits.
What are the pros and cons of South Facing?
Pros of South-Facing. Efficiently absorbs solar heat, reducing the energy requirements of a central heating system during the winter. Captures more natural light, reduces lighting expenses and provides a home with a more uplifting character. Driveway requires less snow-shoveling thanks to receiving direct sunlight.
Why is it better to have a south facing house?
Pros of South-Facing. In hot regions, a south-facing home is the king of energy-efficiency. Cooling systems require less power. The house casts a shade over the front yard, making going outside to get the mail or socialize with neighbors less of an oppressive endeavor.
Is the sun polar opposite to the east or west?
With this being the case, the benefits and drawbacks for the west- and east-facing homes generally remain. However, the sun’s effects on lighting and energy efficiency for north and south-facing homes are (literal) the polar opposites.
Is the sun in the face warmer in the evening?
While opening the door to stare the sun in the face is a dividing attribute of east/west-facing homes, the sun’s light in the evening is generally warmer and less harsh.
Is south facing solar energy better than north facing?
Cons of South-Facing. Natural lighting exposure is poor, making these homes dependent on artificial sources; but this situation improves by having more north-facing windows . May be less efficient in using passive solar energy, but you can improve its efficiency by facing the solar panels towards the north.
What is the best plant for a north facing window?
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia (ZZ Plant) The ZZ plant is a succulent that grows extremely well in low-light conditions, making it one of the best north facing window plants you can choose. In fact, these hardy plants are often recommended for windowless rooms.
Can lucky bamboo be used in a window?
If you have a large north-facing window, this is a stunning decorative choice . Available in a variety of sizes, lucky bamboo can be made to suit any shady spot in your home. These plants can be shaped as they grow, pruned easily and are often arranged in very decorative displays.
The Best Types of Houseplants to Position Near Low-Light, North Facing Windows
If you work in a windowless office or have a home with only north-facing windows, you might think that you’re simply out of luck when it comes to growing houseplants. That, however, simply is not true! You can enjoy all the benefits and fun of growing houseplants. You just need houseplants that can thrive in low-light conditions.
Best Plants for North-Facing Windows – The Essentials
North-facing windows receive no direct sunlight. This makes them the perfect location for plants that cannot tolerate any bright, sunny conditions instead preferring indirect sunlight, low light, and partial shade. Most low-light-loving plants tend to be foliage plants like rex begonias, ferns, and ivy.
The Role of Light in Plant Health and Development
Plants derive their energy for growth and reproduction through a process called photosynthesis. This process uses chlorophyll (the green cells in plants’ leaves) to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose that plants use as energy.
Environmental Considerations for Growing Plants Near North-Facing Windows
Plants that thrive in north-facing windows receive low light and indirect light. Low light refers to a shorter duration of time that the plant spends in the light compared to a plant that requires medium or high light. Indirect light means that the Sun’s rays never directly shine on the plant’s leaves.
15 Best Houseplants That Thrive Near North-Facing Windows
Now, let’s dive into our pick of the 15 best houseplants to place near north-facing windows. These plants will all do well in prevailing low-light conditions.
Choosing a Plant for Your Low-Light Office or North-Facing Window
Remember when selecting a plant for your office or window, that light preference is not the only aspect of the environment you need to consider. For the healthiest houseplants, remember to choose ones that will also thrive in the temperature and humidity inside your home or office.
North Facing Window Plants FAQ
North-facing simply means the orientation is primarily due south at all times. As the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, north-facing aspects typically receive minimal exposure to natural light throughout the majority of the day.
Which window is best for begonias?
North facing windows also provide the most consistent levels of light throughout the day, so if you're looking to grow begonias, or a foliage plant this could be the best spot for them. The rooms that these windows belong to also tend to be the coldest. Without any sunlight this natural heat source is nonexistent.
Which aspect of the Sun gets the first weak rays of sunlight in the morning?
The Sun always rises in the East and therefore the East facing aspect gets the first weak rays of sunlight in the morning. Depending on the time of the year, direct sunlight has normally stopped shining through these windows by mid morning to midday.
What surface will reflect light around plants?
Reflective surfaces such as mirrors, or white objects near by, will bounce and reflect light around the plant more than if they weren't there. This is a great way to maximise the amount of light in a room, especially if it's low to start with.
What part of the day does the sun's light come through?
Therefore the strongest rays from the sun flow through South facing windows during this part of the day.
Do blinds change the light?
Blinds will change the dynamic of the light levels. If the window is heavily shielded, then the light dynamic will drastically change. The South facing window may become darker and cooler, meaning the location opens up to a greater variety of plants.
Do windows facing North get sunlight?
Windows which face North never get sunlight coming through them. If the window is facing North East, or North West you'll get some in the mornings / evenings especially during Summer. However even then for most of the day you'll have the typical North facing aspect.
Why is it important to protect windows from the sun?
The first step is to know how the sun moves through the sky and to orient the building and place the windows in it so as to minimize direct solar admission through your windows. In the northern hemisphere summer the sun ...
What is the purpose of exterior shades?
Some exterior shades serve a secondary window protection function. They can be lowered to fully cover the window and protect it from wind-blown debris or other consequences of adverse weather. Interior Window Shading Strategy. Interior shades can also be effective, in some situations.
Can interior shades be effective?
Interior shades can also be effective, in some situations. They need to be brightly reflecting toward the outside, so that solar radiation admitted through the glass is reflected by the shade back out through the window. Thus little of the sun's radiant heat can remain inside the building.
Can you shade a window before the sun hits it?
There are both interior and exterior shade options which can be used to protect windows not otherwise shaded from the sun. In general it is best to block the sun before it reaches the window. The variety of shading strategies shown below is effective at accomplishing that goal. Exterior Window Shading Strategy.
How to Find Your House Facing Direction
In general, the simplest way to find your house facing direction is to stand in your front doorway facing out, and work with a compass to determine which way you are facing while standing in this position. Feng shui practitioners use a special compass called a luo pan, but you can also use a standard compass or the compass app on your phone.
What a North-Facing House Means in Feng Shui
One of the tools that we work with in feng shui is called the bagua. The bagua is a mandala made up of eight areas radiating out from a center. If you have already done some research on feng shui, you may be familiar with each of the areas as it corresponds to a particular aspect of life, such as wealth, partnerships, or career.
How to Activate the Energy of a North-Facing Home
To activate the energy of your North-facing home, you can enhance the water or metal elements in your home’s North sector. The North direction is connected to the water element, so adding water here can be supportive. In the five elements cycle, each element also directly feeds and supports another, and the element that feeds water is metal.
