20 - Friday, November 28, 1986 ~ North Shore News

Plan carefully before

From page 19

iliary heating is required to main-
tain comfortable temperatures.

Like all attached sun spaces,
sunrooms should be oriented
within 30 degrees of south for op-
timum performance. They should
have an opaque roof with an
overhang to reduce overheating in
the summer’ and heat loss in the
winter. Skylights can be added to

allow light into the back of the
sunroom.

Those sun spaces typically have
a large south wall of vertical,
double-glazed glass and opaque,
well] insulated east and west walls.
As well, sunroom floors and wall
surfaces should be made of heavy
energy-absorbing materials such as
tile, brick or masonry.

Today, many homeowners are

building additions that encompass
different aspects of the three sun
space options. When considering
such a project, take care not to
compromise the purpose and effi-
ciency of the design.

Generally, these mixed sun
spaces should not be viewed
primarily as a source of heat, bur
as expanded fiving areas in which
to enjoy the sun or to grow plants.

Suppliers offer everything from
custom-designed sunrooms to do-
it-yourself kits. Homeowners can
also build one of these additions
using common building materials.

However, no matter what
building technique is used, a few
basic concepts should be kept in
mind.

Before beginning construction,
check with local authorities for

Energy efficiency

iS a guaranteed
cure for those
chills you get with

your electricity or gas

bill, for those shivers you

feel when you hear about the cost
of heatirig oil, and for those coughing
fits you seem to develop every

time you see how much you pay

for hot water.

Energy efficiency, in fact,
cures almost every cold-related
ill you and your house

suffer from.

E Energy, Mines and
Resources Canada
Hon. Marcel Masse,
Minister

Energie, Mines et
Ressources Canada
L'Hon. Marce! Masse,
Ministre

Next time you are

building or renovating a

home, remember, even with
lower energy prices, energy
efficiency is an excellent investment.
Energy efficiency will improve the
comfort of your home, as well
as be financially rewarding.

So don't suffer needlessly

from the effects of the

common cold. Proper

home energy manage-

ment and good energy

aking sun space

building regulations and permits.

You should also plan carefully
before beginning work. Sun spaces
need a south-facing location free
from shade during the winter when
the sun is low on the horizon.

Windows should open at the
floor and ceiling levels and at the
two end walls to improve cross
ventilation and reduce overheating
in the summer.

habits will cure it
every time!