Do you know what direction your home faces has major health, financial, efficiency, and even snow removal advantages? That’s right! Do you know what direction your home faces? In this blog, we will go over what direction is best for you and which on is best for Chicago!
Understanding Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui
Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui are popular practices in that they help people live in harmony with their environment. Although they are based on similar principles, they each have a favorable direction that the home should face.
Vastu Shastra
Vastu Shastra is an ancient practice that comes from India. It is similar to Feng Shui practice in China. Vastu means “dwelling” and Shastra means “science. While Feng Shui is more about the placement of objects in a space to create harmony, Vastu is the practice of designing and constructing buildings in alignment with natural forces.
The goal of Vastu is to create a balance between the five elements: water, fire, earth, air, and space. When these elements are in harmony, it is believed that they will bring health, wealth, and happiness to the home’s occupants.
Both practices help people live in harmony with their environment. The main difference is that Vastu Shastra is based on the five elements: water, fire, earth, air, and space. Each element has a favorable direction that the home should face.
Vastu Shastra believes the home entrance should face east or North East. This is because these are the directions where the sun rises. The sun is a source of energy, good luck, and fortune. Having your home face east or northeast allows you to take advantage of these things.
Feng Shui
On the other hand, Feng Shui believes that the main door should face South or South East. This is because this is the direction of the Wealth star. The South East is also where the sun rises. Having your home face this direction allows you to take advantage of good luck and fortune.
So, which one should you choose? If you are looking for a home that brings you good luck and fortune, you should choose a home facing South East, according to Feng Shui.
If you are looking for a home with good energy, you should choose a home facing east or northeast, according to Vastu Shastra.
Now that we’ve gone over the favorable directions of each practice, let’s talk about the disadvantages and advantages of each direction in Chicago.
Your home can face four main directions: North, East, South, and West. Each has its unique benefits.
North Facing Homes
Home buyers less desire North and South-facing homes, but they have their own advantages and disadvantages. North-facing homes don’t get a lot of sun so they can be quite dark and gloomy. The upside to a North facing home is that it’s usually cooler in the summer and has warm bedrooms in the winter, so it’s more energy-efficient if you have bedroom at the back of the house.
North-facing homes get the most sun in the summer and the least in winter. This is because the sun is in the northern sky during summer and in the southern sky during winter. North-facing homes are also more likely to have a great sunset view since the sun sets in the west.
Advantages:
- The northern hemisphere’s residents in warmer climates will experience the most positive effects.
- Helps you save on air-conditioning costs in the summer by reducing energy consumption.
- Clothes-drying in the backyard is most effective for north-, northeast-, and northwest-facing homes.
Disadvantages:
- Not a wise choice for colder climate zones in the northern hemisphere.
- The amount of natural lighting is less at the front of the house than it is at the back.
- The increased use of heaters during winter causes a higher consumption of energy.
South Facing Homes
South-facing homes get the most sun in winter and the least in summer. This is because the sun is in the southern sky during winter and in the northern sky during summer. South-facing homes are also more likely to have a view of the sunrise since the sun rises in the east. In the northern hemisphere, the sun rises in the southeast and sets in the southwest. Often south-facing homes are best for climates with harsh winters like Chicago.
South-facing homes also receive the majority of the sunlight during the winter months, so it is also most likely to help you melt the snow from your driveway and sidewalks in the winter. The opposite is true if your home faces North. A northern-facing home is more likely to create icicles and has frozen snow on the ground because it doesnt get as much sunlight, especially in the winter months.
Advantages:
- South-facing houses get the most sun in the winter, making them warmer than other houses.
- South-facing houses typically have a better view of the sunrise.
- Houses that face south are efficient at absorbing solar heat.
Disadvantages:
- In winter, south-facing houses can be too sunny and bright.
- In summer, south-facing houses can be too hot and stuffy.
East Facing Homes
East-facing homes get the most sun in the morning and the least in the afternoon. East-facing homes are also more likely to have a view of the sunrise since the sun rises in the east. East-facing homes typically have large windows that let in a lot of light.
East and West-facing homes are the most desired by home buyers. An East facing home gets a lot of morning sun in the front of the home, which is great for starting your day and can help you wake up more easily in the morning. If you are morning person and enjoy getting up with the sun, then an East-facing home may be perfect for you.
Advantages:
- East-facing houses get lots of sun in the morning, making them bright and cheerful.
- In the afternoon, east-facing homes get less sun, which can help you save on cooling costs.
- East-facing houses typically have a better view of the sunrise.
- East-facing windows are optimal for solar heating.
Disadvantages:
- In the afternoon, east-facing houses can be too shady and cool.
- In the morning east facing houses can be too hot and stuffy.
- Less energy efficient compared to North or South facing homes
West Facing Homes
West-facing homes get the most sun in the afternoon and the least sun in the morning. West-facing homes are also more likely to have a view of the sunset since the sun sets in the west.
Western-facing homes will have a warm backyard in the morning, and cooler West-facing homes will get the afternoon sun. Western-facing homes are great for relaxing in the evening and can help you sleep better at night. The downside to a West-facing home is that it can be quite cold in the morning, so you’ll want to ensure you have a good heating system.
Advantages:
- West-facing houses get lots of sun in the afternoon, making them warm and cozy.
- In the morning, west-facing homes get less sun, which can help you save on cooling costs.
- West-facing houses typically have the best view of the sunset.
Disadvantages:
- In the afternoon, west-facing houses can be too hot and bright.
- In the morning, west-facing houses can be too dark and dreary.
Regardless of your house’s direction, there are advantages and disadvantages. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each position, you can make a more informed decision about which is best for you and your family.
Which direction’s advantages appeal most to you? Let us know in the comments below!
If you need to buy or sell a house in the Chicagoland area, make sure to book a consultation to make sure you get the most from your home-buying or home-selling experience. Thank you very much for reading! We hope this helps. Please feel free to share with your family and friends.
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