Using the sun’s energy to heat a home naturally and lower energy costs is becoming a goal for many home owners. Solar panels are growing in popularity, but the extensive initial cost can be quite substantial and is a turn off for many home owners trying to build or become more eco friendly on a budget.

A Trombe wall is another option for collecting the sun’s heat in a new home. A Trombe wall is built from stone, concrete, metal or other material that acts as a thermal mass that collects heat during the day and releases it slowly into the house.

Built on a south facing wall, modern Trombe walls have an insulated glazing, air space, and vents to more effectively capture heat and release it into the home rather than releasing it back to the outside environment. Trombe walls can also be built as an interior wall to further eliminate releasing heat to the ouside. Vents can be closed during the summer when the home doesn’t need to be heated by the Trombe wall, and an overhang can be designed so the summer sun doesn’t hit the Trombe wall to avoid overheating the home an increasing cooling costs.

Benefits of a Trombe Wall

Easy Construction – A Trombe wall can be created from very easy, inexpensive materials to work with such as concrete or masonry and glazed glass. There are no complicated parts or machinery needed.

No Maintenance - Since there are no parts to replace, there is virtually no maintenance or future repair costs unlike a traditional furnace or solar panels.

Comfortable Heat – Much like radiant floor heat, heat from a Trombe wall penetrates more evenly than traditional forced air, making the home feel more comfortable continuously.

Lower Energy Costs – A trombe wall can lower utility bills, or even eliminate the need for a furnace altogether.

Picture by Montana Green Power

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