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Keeping Kool at Twin Pines Lodge

By now we are certain that you have noticed that Twin Pines Lodge incorporates a rather unique structural design. The design is referred to as Passive Solar. Here are some seasonal tips for controlling temperature in the home to maximize comfort during your stay. Follow these guidelines when the outdoor temperature is extreme.

Summer Days When Hot
1. Turn on the air conditioner and set the temperature as desired.
2. Set the blinds as shown in Figure 1. This will allow light to pass but not radiant heat.
3. Be sure that the doors and windows are kept closed. This will keep the heat outdoors and the cool indoors.
4. Turn on the ceiling fans to the desired speed.
5. Use the floor fans as desired. It is suggested that one floor fan be used to push cool air from the air conditioner into the living space.
6. If it is still too warm, consider closing the main floor bathroom and bedroom doors.

Summer Nights
1. Generally, the temperature drops significantly during the night. Therefore, turn off the air conditioner.
2. Open windows and allow cool air to enter the house.
3. Upon waking, monitor the outside temperature and close the windows when it is no longer cooler outside than inside.
4. Continue by considering the suggestions under "Summer Days When Hot" if needed to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. This will depend on the anticipated daytime high temperature.

Winter Days When Extremely Cold
1. Keep the doors and windows closed.
2. Open the blinds or set them so that maximum sun shines through.

3. Set the furnace temperature as desired.
4. Turn on the ceiling fans to the desired speed.
5. Use the floor fans as needed.

Explanation of Passive Solar Design
Passive solar design was re-introduced during the energy crisis of the 1970s. Passive solar heating involves the use of a building's structure to capture and store the sun's radiant energy without using mechanical or electrical devices. The advantages of passive solar are many. However, operation requires a small degree of manual control to manage daily heat gain and nighttime heat loss. Note that heat gain can be significant even on cloudy days.

 


Figure 1. Window blind shutter setting.

 

 

                                                                                           Twin Pines Lodge      10 Centennial      Deadwood, South Dakota 57732      TwinPines@minimumimpact.com      602-621-3431