How The Direction Your Home Faces Matters | Updated 2024
The direction your home faces matters
The direction your home faces matters. Before giving home orientation a second thought, many of us will argue over the “right” square footage, the size of the backyard, and even whether or not to paint over the brick when we go house shopping. Perhaps, though, that altered already. According to Realtor.com chief news editor Clare Trapasso, a home’s orientation can affect several aspects such as light penetration, energy costs for heating and cooling, and upkeep requirements. Whether or not it faces the sun is the true deciding factor in all of this, but there are other factors to take into account besides whether you enjoy your morning coffee on the porch with a side of direct sunshine. In this article, Trapasso discusses the variables that could influence your decision on the direction of your dream home.
South-facing homes are Highly Desirable
According to Trapasso, properties facing south are particularly sought-after since most homeowners want rooms with an abundance of natural light. “All-day natural light is generally brightest when exposed to the south, while light from the north is softer, more indirect, and frequently darker,” the expert says. Not only is natural light difficult to replicate, even with specialty light fixtures and bulbs, but it may also make a home more comfortable. While having a south-facing house can help you sell for a top price, Trapasso is quick to point out that a buyer’s preferences ultimately determine what a buyer is searching for. “Southern exposures are popular because buyers typically look for homes with more natural light,” she says. “But ultimately, it relies on the buyer and their priorities.”
Sun Damage Can Be a Concern
Of course, there are drawbacks to having a property that faces south as well as advantages. The risk of solar damage is one of the most prominent disadvantages. According to Trapasso, “Homes that face south may be more susceptible to sun exposure damage that affects exterior siding, roofing, as well as indoor furniture that can fade.” “Over time, this could get expensive.” However, that shouldn’t stop you from choosing a house with lots of natural light. According to Trapasso, things like window film with UV protection, curtains, and shades can all help shield possessions from sun damage.
The Influence of Home Direction on Heating and Cooling
It is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of home orientation about heating and cooling, depending on your climate. According to Trapasso, “homes facing north may cost less to cool, but may cost more to heat in the winter.” Due to the sun’s poor positioning, these houses are also more vulnerable to icicles, ice dams, and frozen roads and pathways. Naturally, this isn’t a problem in most of the South, but it might be seen as a plus since it will keep the house cooler in the summer. Homes facing south should expect warmer summers (and greater air conditioning expenditures) and colder winters (and less icy situations to contend with).
East/West Facing Homes Get the Best Sunrise and Sunset Views
According to Trapasso, having unrestricted views of the ocean, the city skyline, the mountains, or other attractions can significantly increase the value of your house, regardless of which direction it faces. Nonetheless, direction is important for identifying the greatest spots to watch the sunrise and sunset. According to Trapasso, “West-facing rooms may see the most magnificent sunsets, while East-facing rooms may have the best sunrise views.” Finding the right spot to check those views is crucial. Do you prefer to sit on the front porch? If that’s the case, keep it simple by looking west at sunset and east at sunrise. Make sure the back of your house is the main consideration in your directional preferences if you want to take it all in from the privacy of your backyard.
Sunlight in the Morning and Afternoon Is Important
It’s crucial to take into account which direction your most-used rooms face. A primary bedroom with Western-facing windows will keep the sunshine more subdued in the morning but will normally lighten up in the afternoon, according to Trapasso, if you’re a night owl and like a gradual wake-up. An Eastern-facing room can be ideal for you if you prefer to wake up naturally because it gets plenty of natural light in the morning. If you have any kind of ideal lighting wish for a room, you should keep the same things in mind. Instead of using the direction your home faces as the only consideration, utilize it as a compass to guide your situational demands for the areas that are most important to you.