What Is The Best Direction For A House To Face For Sunlight?

Michael Oconnor
by Michael Oconnor
Positioning a home to maximize sunlight is easier said than done. The sun may set in the west, but that isn’t always helpful when it comes to your home’s orientation. Follow along as we explore the factors that determine how you can maximize the sunlight in your home.

When searching for a new house to live in, one of the most important things to consider is which direction it’s facing. The direction of your home will determine many things like the amount of sunlight it receives as well as other weather considerations.

Southern-facing homes receive the most amount of sunlight throughout the entire day. Radiant heat from the sun is most prevalent in homes that face the south, making the interiors warmer. However, because of the constant sun exposure, southern-facing homes may need more exterior maintenance. Certain cultures and climates also inform how a house is oriented.

How Can I Tell What Direction My House Faces?

No matter where you are in the world, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. With this information, you can determine the direction your house faces. Simply pay attention to where the sun is based on the time of day.

Pros of a North Facing House

If your home is facing to the north, it will receive light throughout most of the day. A north-facing house generally has consistent, soft light due to not being in the direct line of the sun’s rays. This is a great direction for gardeners who want softer light for their plants.

North-facing homes tend to be cooler in the summer. Because these homes don’t receive constant sunlight, they retain less radiant heat from the sun.

North-facing houses also receive good sunlight in the winter. During the winter months, the sun is lower in the sky. If your home is facing north, it will still receive consistent sunlight even with the sun hanging lower.

Cons of a North Facing House

One of the issues with the north-facing house, however, is that winds tend to blow northeasterly. These strong northeastern winds can rattle and shake your north-facing home or let in moisture. If you live in an area that typically has high winds, the north may not be the best direction.

Additionally, in cold climates, north-facing homes may be more susceptible to icy driveways or walkways. The front of the house may not receive enough constant sunlight to thaw these areas.

Pros of a South Facing House

A south-facing house receives the most natural light overall. This is important because natural light boosts the immune system and promotes balanced sleep-wake cycles.

In the winter, south-facing homes warm more efficiently due to the radiant heat from constant sunlight. Snow and ice tend to melt most quickly in south-facing homes.

If your home has a backyard, facing towards the south gives you the best all-around light. Southern-facing homes have the best backyards for pools because they receive sunlight all day. The backyards of homes facing other directions will be shaded from the sun by the house itself.

Cons of a South Facing House

Radiant heat isn’t always a good thing. In the summer, southern-facing homes tend to be much hotter because of all the sun. As such, you can expect to run up a higher energy bill.

Over time, sun exposure damages siding, roofing, furniture, fabrics, and flooring. The south side of the house receives constant sun exposure and therefore requires more maintenance. This means that if your house faces south, the front receives the most damage.

Protecting Interiors from Sun Damage

It’s possible to prevent sun damage to the interior furnishings of a south-facing room with UV-blocking protection. Hang window films or UV-blocking curtains or shades. There are also options for UV-resistant fabric sprays as well as paints and varnishes.

Pros of an East Facing House

Houses facing east are unique in that they will receive sunlight mostly in the morning. Since the sun rises in the east, you will get direct sunlight between dawn and noon. If your bedrooms are in the back of the house, this is ideal since you won’t be disturbed by the early morning sun.

The back of east-facing houses won’t receive sunlight until the sun starts to set. This could be ideal in hot climates if you would like to enjoy a back deck or backyard in the morning. On hot days, you’ll be shaded from the early morning sun by the house.

Cons of an East Facing House

The downside of an east-facing house is that in the summer months you will be subjected to more direct sunlight. In this case, it is a good idea to invest in window coverings to help keep that direct sunlight out. They will also help insulate the house and keep cool air in.

Pros of a West Facing House

A house that faces west gets the most sunlight towards the dwindling hours of the day. If you enjoy a good sunset from your living room, a west-facing house might be ideal. West-facing houses are also perfect for people who like growing indoor plants.

If your bedrooms are in the back of a house that faces west, you’ll get early morning sun, which is great if you’re a morning person. Otherwise, invest in some blackout curtains.

Cons of a West Facing House

One of the downsides of a west-facing house is that it won’t receive as much sunlight in the winter. The sun tends to lay low in the wintertime, meaning there won’t be much opportunity for your home to be exposed to it directly.

Home Orientation in Different Cultures

In certain cultures, home orientation has a meaning. It could be the reason someone does or does not purchase the home.

Vastu Shastra

In the Indian culture, they use the ancient science of Vastu Shastra to enhance positive energy around a place or person. An east-west orientation is preferred because it mimics the sunrise and sunset pattern. According to Vastu, a northeast entrance is the most preferable direction.

A south-facing home is least preferred in this culture. Vastu dictates that a south-facing home causes anger, illness, and increased disputes among families.

Feng Shui

The Chinese culture practices feng shui to establish harmony and balance within a space. They prefer an east-facing home for the sunlight or a south-facing home to feel attuned with nature. Feng shui is so important that Chinese-Americans are willing to pay 16% more for a home with a good feng shui design.

Geographic Considerations

When building a house, the surrounding location matters as much as the location of the sun. Take a mountain, for example. The ideal house position is a south-facing entrance about halfway up the slope. In this position, you maximize the sunlight the house receives.

If you position the house too high on the slope, your risk exposure to strong gusts of wind. Alternatively, if positioned too low in the valley, the house is a risk for drainage problems. And let’s not forget that cold air hangs low.

Building a house in a forested area poses other problems. Here, it’s important to know your trees. Deciduous trees give great shade in the summer and lose their leaves in the winter for a built-in energy-efficiency plan! Coniferous trees keep their needles all year and are best on the western side of the home to block the strongest afternoon sun.

How Do I Increase Sunlight in My House?

Not everyone gets to choose the best direction for a house to be facing. Unless you are building your own home, you will have to deal with whatever direction a house is already facing. Luckily, there are many techniques to increase sunlight.

One of the best ways to increase sunlight is to add more mirrors to your interior. Mirrors tend to increase any natural light that comes into the house. They can also give the illusion of the house being bigger, which in turn, makes it feel brighter.

You can also do things to physically let more light in. Adding skylights or lighter window treatments can work wonders to brighten up a dark house. Even just a little bit more light coming in can make a huge difference.

How Do I Decrease Sunlight in My House?

If your home receives too much light, there are many options open to you. Blackout curtains are a common window treatment for homes that receive too much light. They can divert and absorb heat, making the house easier to be in.

If you do not want to completely darken the inside of your house, you can also shade the outside. By planting trees or other brush in your yard, you can not only utilize the direct sunlight you get but also shade the inside of the house. This has the added benefit of being eco-friendly.

You can also buy adjustable awnings that can shade the windows of your home. These awnings will allow the fresh, natural light to illuminate the house without heating it up. These are a great option since you can adjust them depending on the season or your needs.

Summary

South-facing homes receive the most natural light overall. They have the warmest interiors, but they tend to need the most exterior maintenance. Natural light aside, some climates and cultures prefer homes that face another direction.

Related Guides

Michael Oconnor
Michael Oconnor

I am a writer and editor from The Bay Area, CA. When I'm not typing, I enjoy hiking, woodworking and gardening. I love sharing tips and discovering new trends in home improvement.

More by Michael Oconnor

Next