The Unexpected Function of These Strange Glass Boxes on Home Exteriors!
October 28, 2024
source: Imgur
If you’ve ever spotted glass boxes attached to the outside of a home, like the one in the image, you might wonder about their purpose. These “window boxes” are actually part of a clever passive solar heating system designed to make the most of sunlight and naturally warm the interior. In an era when energy efficiency was paramount, this kind of system offered a smart, low-tech way to keep homes warm, particularly during cooler months.
Here’s how it works: sunlight heats the air trapped inside the glass panel. As the air warms up, it rises and flows through vents into the house. Cooler, heavier indoor air is then pulled into the box, where it heats up in the sunlight, creating a continuous cycle of naturally warmed air.
These systems were especially popular in the 1970s and early 1980s, aligning with the energy-conscious movement of the time. They allowed homeowners to reduce their reliance on conventional heating methods, lowering energy costs. The vents could be closed to retain warmth inside the house when the system wasn’t needed, adding flexibility and convenience.
Today, while more advanced systems exist, these passive solar heating boxes remain an innovative reminder of eco-friendly solutions from the past, blending simplicity with functionality to harness the power of the sun.
Here’s how it works:
