PV Gap

Mildred Said:

why do people living in solar-heated homes often have large drums of water in their homes?

We Answered:

Just to confirm Bruce B's answer. Water changes temperatures much more slowly than air. A solar home will typically have windows aligned to best capture the sunlight and to allow the sunlight to hit the drums or pillars of water. The water absobs much of the heat, helping to cool the house on a hot day. Then when the air gets colder (at night, in winter) the water warms the house and reduces the need for another heat source.