Which Facing House Should Be Avoided: A Guide to Home Orientation

When you're on the hunt for your dream home, there are a million things to consider: the number of bedrooms, the school district, the proximity to work, and of course, the price. But have you ever thought about which direction your house is facing? It might seem like a minor detail, but the orientation of your home can significantly impact its energy efficiency, comfort, and even your overall well-being. For the average American homebuyer, understanding these nuances can save you money and headaches down the road.

While there's no single "worst" direction that applies to every single person and every single location, certain orientations come with common challenges. Let's dive into the most frequently discussed and potentially problematic facings and why you might want to think twice.

The North-Facing House: The Cold Truth

In the Northern Hemisphere, where the majority of the United States lies, a north-facing house is often the one that homebuyers are advised to approach with caution, and sometimes, to avoid altogether. The primary reason for this is sunlight, or rather, the lack of it.

Limited Sunlight Exposure: A north-facing home receives very little direct sunlight, especially during the winter months when the sun is lower in the sky. This means your home will likely be cooler throughout the year, requiring more artificial heating.
Higher Heating Costs: Consequently, you can expect higher energy bills for heating. In colder climates, this can be a significant ongoing expense.
Dimmer Interior: Natural light is a precious commodity. A north-facing home will naturally be dimmer, which might require you to use more artificial lighting, again increasing energy consumption.
Potential for Mold and Mildew: Reduced sunlight can also mean less warmth, which can contribute to dampness and an increased risk of mold and mildew growth in certain areas, particularly if ventilation isn't optimal.
Impact on Landscaping: If you're a keen gardener, a north-facing yard might present challenges for growing certain types of plants that require ample sunlight.

However, it's not all doom and gloom. There are some advantages to a north-facing home:

Cooler in Summer: In hot, sunny climates, the lack of direct sun can be a blessing, keeping your home cooler and reducing air conditioning costs.
Ideal for Art Studios: Artists often prefer north-facing light because it's consistent and diffused, without the harsh glare of direct sunlight.

When might a north-facing house be acceptable?

If you live in a very hot climate where keeping cool is the priority, a north-facing home could be a smart choice. Additionally, if you're someone who prefers a consistently cool environment or has specific needs for diffused lighting, it might still work for you. However, for most Americans, especially in temperate and colder regions, the heating costs and lack of natural light are significant drawbacks.

The West-Facing House: The Afternoon Inferno

While north-facing homes struggle with lack of sun, west-facing homes often grapple with too much, particularly in the afternoon. This can turn your home into a sauna during the warmer months.

Intense Afternoon Sun: The afternoon sun, especially during summer, beats down relentlessly on the west side of a house. This can drastically increase indoor temperatures.
Soaring Cooling Costs: As a result, your air conditioning system will work overtime, leading to significantly higher electricity bills.
Uncomfortable Living Spaces: Rooms that face west can become uncomfortably hot in the afternoon and evening, making them less usable during peak hours.
Fading Furniture and Flooring: Prolonged exposure to intense sunlight can cause furniture, carpets, and flooring to fade over time.
Glare and Heat Through Windows: West-facing windows can be a source of intense glare and heat gain, even with blinds or curtains.

The benefits of a west-facing orientation are limited, primarily revolving around:

Beautiful Sunset Views: If your west side overlooks a scenic vista, you might enjoy stunning sunset views.

When might a west-facing house be acceptable?

If you live in a cooler climate where the afternoon sun might provide some welcome warmth in the fall and winter, a west-facing house could be manageable. However, in most of the United States, especially in regions with hot summers, the cooling costs and discomfort associated with a west-facing orientation are substantial reasons to avoid it.

Other Orientations to Consider

While north and west are often highlighted, east and south also have their own characteristics:

The East-Facing House

East-facing homes are generally considered desirable. They receive pleasant morning sunlight, which can help warm the house and brighten your mornings. The afternoon sun, which is often the hottest part of the day, is largely avoided, leading to lower cooling costs.

Pros: Good morning light, less afternoon heat gain, generally good for energy efficiency.
Cons: Less direct sunlight in the afternoon for those who enjoy it.

The South-Facing House

South-facing homes are often considered the gold standard, especially in cooler climates. They receive ample sunlight throughout the day, particularly during the winter when the sun is lower. This passive solar heating can significantly reduce heating bills.

Pros: Excellent natural light, significant passive solar heating in winter, can reduce heating costs.
Cons: Can overheat in the summer if not properly shaded, requiring more cooling.

So, Which Facing House Should Be Avoided?

Based on the common challenges and energy efficiency considerations for the average American home, the house most frequently advised to be avoided is the north-facing house, especially in cooler and temperate climates, due to its limited sunlight, higher heating costs, and potential for dim interiors. Following closely behind, the west-facing house should also be approached with caution, particularly in warmer climates, due to the intense afternoon sun and resulting high cooling costs.

Ultimately, the best orientation for your home depends on your specific location, climate, and personal preferences. However, understanding these general principles can help you make a more informed decision when buying your next home.

FAQ Section

How does house facing affect my energy bills?

The direction your house faces influences how much natural sunlight it receives. South-facing homes in cooler climates benefit from winter sun, reducing heating needs. North-facing homes receive little sun, increasing heating costs. West-facing homes get intense afternoon sun, leading to higher cooling costs in warmer climates.

Why are north-facing houses sometimes considered less desirable?

In the Northern Hemisphere, north-facing houses receive minimal direct sunlight, especially in winter. This can lead to a colder home, requiring more artificial heating, and consequently, higher energy bills. They can also be dimmer, necessitating more artificial lighting.

Why should I be cautious about a west-facing house?

West-facing houses bear the brunt of the intense afternoon sun, particularly during the summer. This can significantly heat up your home, forcing your air conditioning system to work harder and increasing your electricity bills. The rooms facing west can also become uncomfortably hot.

Is there any benefit to a north-facing house?

Yes, in very hot climates, the lack of direct sunlight can be an advantage, keeping the house cooler and reducing air conditioning costs. Additionally, north-facing light is often favored by artists for its consistent, diffused quality.

What is generally considered the best house facing?

For most of the United States, a south-facing orientation is often considered ideal, especially in cooler climates. It allows for passive solar heating during the winter months, significantly reducing heating costs. East-facing homes are also highly regarded for their pleasant morning light and avoidance of the harshest afternoon sun.