Featured Member:
Truckee Donner Public Utility District
Gold Members:
Advanced Green Builders
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Architectural Design for Hot & Humid Climate Zones
DOE Hot & Humid Climate Zones
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Hot and humid climates present several challenges for home building.
* The intense solar radiation in such climates imposes a large thermal load on houses that can increase cooling costs, affect comfort, and damage home furnishings. This section includes some of the best methods to minimize the impact of solar radiation on the building, its mechanical system, and its occupants.
* Moisture in the form of high humidity and high rainfall is another significant problem. Most of the hot and humid climate zone receives more than 40 inches of annual precipitation. Some areas get more than 60 inches of annual precipitation. The ambient air has significant levels of moisture most of the year. Because air-conditioning is installed in most new homes, cold surfaces are present where condensation can occur. Controlling the infiltration of this moisture-laden air into the building envelope and keeping moisture away from cold surfaces are major goals of design and construction in this climate zone.
DOE Hot & Humid Climate Zones |
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