Which Backyard Sun Exposure Is Best For You
Summary
How Window Placement Plays A Role
Window placement plays a critical role in the amount of natural light a home will absorb throughout the day. Most windows are located at the back of the house, adjacent to the backyard. If a home faces south with no obstructions between the sun and the windowpane, it will likely receive ample natural light for most of the day. However, during summer, natural light can heat up a home and cause the air conditioning to work harder during the day. Alumawood patio covers or retractable awnings can provide shelter from the sun, and plantation shutters or electronic drop-down blackout shades can help combat the heat. However, creating shade will cause the home to be darker during the summer, as natural light will be blocked from entering.
How The Sun Works Its Way Around
In the morning the sunsets in the East. Throughout the day the sun is in the South. At the end of the day as the sun goes down it is in the West.
Location Of The Sun: In the summertime, the sun is in a higher position, which is why it stays bright longer, setting around 7:30 PM. In the wintertime, the sun is lower and gets dark around 4:30 PM.
Exposure Breakdown
South-facing homes always have light in the backyard during the day all year round. Large windows on the back end of a house allow natural light to pour in, creating a bright and beautiful home throughout the day.
North-facing homes, on the other hand, will be darker in most cases during the winter. A well-designed floor plan can incorporate windows around the home to provide a good balance of natural light throughout the day. This orientation can keep a home cool throughout the year and works well for many homeowners. It is also important to calculate summertime. During the summer, a North facing home will have much less light inserting itself into the home, this allows you the opportunity to leave window shades open all day during the hot summer months which in return will yield a brighter or even the brightest home during the summer months because your window shades get to stay open.
East-facing backyards provide a good balance, with direct sunlight in the morning and the sun still lighting up the backyard throughout most of the day. At the end of the day when the sun is at its hottest, the yard will be in the shade. This orientation is popular because it yields the best of both worlds.
West-facing backyards receive a lot of negative feedback from homeowners who live in the Coachella Valley during the summer. At the end of the day, the sun is at its hottest output, causing heat to pour through the windows. For snowbirds, a West-facing orientation can be a great option, providing a strong input of natural light at the end of the day. For full-time homeowners, a West-facing orientation may require some thought due to the heat at the end of the day. Oftentimes, depending on your location in Coachella Valley, full-timers will still choose a West Facing exposure because they want an epic view of the mountains.
Abby Miller
Real Estate Agent
760-238-6402
Thanks for taking the time to read this resource page. A big part of our job is educating home buyers and sellers so that our clients can make better decisions during their home transaction in Coachella Valley, California. The more you study for this home transaction, the easier it is for our team to help guide you through the process.
