Library · Comfort
Passive cooling before air conditioning: shade, mass, night air
External shading cuts solar gain by up to 80% — internal blinds by 25%. Combined with night ventilation and exposed mass it removes most cooling loads in dry climates.
By BFN Editorial DeskBFN Editorial Desk3 min
External shading −80% solar gain
External shading cuts solar gain by up to 80% — internal blinds by 25%. Combined with night ventilation and exposed mass it removes most cooling loads in dry climates.
Order of operations: stop the sun outside the glass, expose thermal mass inside, then flush it with night air. External shading cuts solar gain by up to 80% against 25% for internal blinds — the same glazing, a tenfold difference in comfort.
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