hi all. i live in western Colorado, in the desert part rather than the mountain part, and it’s HOT. and sunny. my house has a long west-facing wall full of large windows, and we’ve been keeping the blinds shut all day but it’s not helping. i’m thinking of installing awnings.

my questions are, a) have you done this or something similar, and if so what did you do, b) are there awnings available that are NOT just plastic? and c) any other hints, tips, or ideas would be welcome.

  • aaaaaceEnglish
    1·
    2 个月前

    How about putting retractable solar water heating panels over those windows?

    • tofu berserker@slrpnk.netOP
      3·
      2 个月前

      i might do something similar when we eventually replace everything in our house with electric stuff, but for now we have a gas-powered water heater. i am saving for a full solar installation on our roof, though, which would power everything. solar is the one energy-producer we have here in absolutely wild abundance.

      • aaaaaceEnglish
        1·
        2 个月前

        I met someone in GJ who excavated a pit, built a house in it, and walled it up on two sides so only exposed at two ends, the rest buried and banked.

        At the time it seemed elaborate, but he was way ahead if me.

        • tofu berserker@slrpnk.netOP
          2·
          2 个月前

          dang, approximately where in GJ? that’s where i’m located and i’d love to get some inspiration. i see some stuff like that in Fruita sometimes.

          • aaaaaceEnglish
            2·
            2 个月前

            Sorry, no idea, was a student 20 years ago. He gave me some photos, might still have them on a pack rat hard drive.