Many families do this because they want to leave a smaller environmental footprint. Others prefer it because it allows them to live independently and be self-reliant.

Owners of energy-efficient yurts have long been among the off-the-grid community. It is easy to see why. Yurts are often set in areas far from traditional power sources, since yurt lovers tend to be nature lovers as well. They are wonderful structures for those looking to escape the cost of traditional power sources.

Solar Power Options

Solar power has become very popular with yurt owners. It is not location-specific in the same way that wind- and water-powered energy sources are, and it’s also the most economical alternative to traditional energy options.

Solar power offers different options, some of which are either fixed or portable. Fixed systems are generally more powerful, but they tend to cost more. Traditional homeowners of larger homes will often choose panels because they have the space for them. Owners of smaller homes will often fittingly choose smaller portable units. Many companies have wonderful solar kits, some of which are portable. The smaller ones can be purchased for around $300-$600.

It’s important to remember that solar powered energy is only as abundant as the sunlight is. Solar energy decreases on days when sunlight is less abundant and does not accumulate at all through the night. To have solar power you must have direct sunlight with no shadows. You can have partial power on overcast days, but shadows falling directly on a panel will reduce power significantly. The amount of power a panel or a kit produces depends on the number of modules and the number of daily hours of sunshine.

Solar panel modules work by charging batteries, so instead of plugging something into the wall, you are plugging into a battery that is pulling from the sun. It also involves a charge controller, batteries, a power inverter, and possibly a standby inverter. An engine generator is also usually part of the system as a backup. There are a handful of fuses and or circuit breakers, in addition to meters and a power center.

In terms of wiring, lighting, and outlets, yurt owners using solar powered sources have the same options as any other homeowner. Wiring can be brought up through the platform of the yurt, or it can be installed in any interior dividing walls within the yurt. As far as lighting goes, low voltage is always the best idea. And while yurt owners do have the option of almost any kind of lighting that would be used in a regular home, it is always best to check to make sure that the lighting is compatible with a power inverter.

Calculating Your Energy Needs

Before purchasing any solar equipment, you will need to calculate how much power you actually need. You can find online energy calculators that will help you figure out how much power your lights, appliances, and technology might require. It all depends on what you have and what your family’s needs are.

Running large appliances, for example, can be extremely costly using solar energy, so it’s important to take a close look at it. The experts always recommend that you minimize your system.

The cost of setting up the system will depend on what energy numbers in watts are needed. Most solar companies provide a calculator to figure out how many kilowatt hours you need to produce in order to have adequate power in your yurt home.

Learning About Solar Power

One of the best ways to explore solar power options is to contact one of the many companies who sell the panels or generators. Many companies even offer tiny house or yurt packages that make the purchasing process easy for new owners of energy-efficient yurts.

There are some very useful questions to ask when speaking with solar companies. For example, ask about the options of where to mount the solar panels or store the generators. You might also want to ask if they will provide a wiring diagram for your electrician. And, of course, you will want to ask if they offer technical support or assistance with installation or repairs.

The post Solar Power for Yurts: Benefits and Considerations first appeared on Pacific Yurts.

We’ve covered how to keep your yurt cool in the summer. Now, as chilly mornings and changing leaves signal winter’s approach, we’re turning our attention to having a cozy, warm yurt environment in the winter months. One of the lesser-known benefits of yurts is that they’re extremely energy-efficient, allowing yurt owners to keep the temperature perfect inside even when it plummets outside.

Let’s take a look at how you can successfully heat your yurt this winter.

6 Ways to Heat a Yurt This Winter

1. Opt for Custom Yurt Features for Winter Conditions

If you haven’t yet ordered your yurt, ensure you choose options for heating. When designing a custom yurt, incorporating yurt features that inherently keep your yurt warm is crucial to maintain a cozy and comfortable interior, especially in colder climates. The options you choose will vary depending on your yurt’s location, as different regions present unique temperature and weather challenges.If you already have a yurt, consider adding these amenities:

• Insulation. Our seven-layer reflective insulation was developed by NASA. We create an attractive interior finish by covering the insulation with ivory-colored fabric.
• Insulated Window Covers. We offer easy-on, easy-off insulated window covers for our fabric windows that are made of the same reflective insulation.
• Stove flashing. Our double metal flashing allows a stovepipe to exit through the side cover. It’s available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate most stoves.
• Fan Support. Allows the installation of a ceiling fan in the center of the yurt to increase air circulation and push heat down toward the living space.

2. Add Conventional, Radiant, or Solar Heating

Heating approaches that work in traditional buildings also work for yurts. Ducts for heat pumps and central heating systems may be installed beneath the yurt’s floor or ductless heat pumps may be used. Propane stoves, pellet stoves, and wood stoves will also work but should be vented through the wall rather than the roof, as this will make it easier to clean the chimney while also minimizing the chance of roof damage by venting embers. 

Electric heaters are also popular, assuming you’ve added an electrical system. Radiant heating, via below-floor or wall units, is a wonderful way to heat yurts as well. Finally, some use solar power to heat their yurts in appropriate conditions with modest heating requirements.

Whatever option you select, remember that it is always best to have two heating sources. For instance, if your heating system uses electricity, it’s smart to have a wood stove as well for times when the electrical grid is out or have a generator on hand.

3. Eliminate Heat Leaks with Improved Insulation

As in all structures, a tight building envelope will minimize heat loss. Installing foam weather-stripping to the underside of the top cover valance and between the side cover and platform will fill possible air gaps. Making sure the side cover is tight around the circumference and cinching the top cover valance cord will go a long way toward insulating your space and sealing air gaps. Finally, energetic yurt owners may wedge custom-cut foam boards between the rafters to further reduce heat loss. A winterized and insulated yurt is a leak-free yurt.

4. Place the Yurt with Winter Conditions in Mind

If you are still in the construction phase, be sure to consider how to place your yurt for cozy winter conditions, especially if your yurt will be surrounded by snow. Place the door so that it faces away from the area’s most prevalent winds – while Pacific Yurts hold strong in any weather condition, it’s never pleasant to be greeted with a bitter winter wind right when you walk out the door. Finally, seek a spot with some winter sunshine, as this can provide passive heating for your yurt. Deciduous trees can provide shade in summer but allow passive heating in winter.

5. Insulated Yurt Flooring

A properly insulated yurt can help you avoid losing heat through the floor. A good way to do this is to install rigid foam insulation between floor joists. Installing plywood skirting around the perimeter of the platform will also aid with insulation by stopping cold air from flowing beneath the floor. Fiberglass batting is not recommended because it is more attractive to rodents for nesting material.

6. Add a Ceiling Fan

Our fan support will allow you to equip your yurt with a ceiling fan, one of the most useful tools for controlling temperature year-round. How does this work? Remember that heat rises. As such, the air you heat will move upward toward the dome. A ceiling fan will push that heated air downward, keeping your family and friends warm while maximizing your energy efficiency.

Contact Us for Winter Yurt Options and Support

Yurts make wonderful structures for a variety of uses, and we are passionate about helping people achieve comfort in their yurt dwellings. As winter approaches, we understand the importance of staying warm and cozy. Contact us today to chat about yurt heating options, winter preparation, customization support, and more.

View our checklist for preparing your yurt for severe winds

The post How to Keep Your Yurt Warm in the Winter first appeared on Pacific Yurts.

Today, modern yurts are popping up across the world, and many are wondering how to keep yurts comfortable in all weather. Read on to learn more tips about cooling a yurt.

Circular Comfort: How Yurts Naturally Aid in Heating and Cooling

Yurts encourage heating and cooling, as their round shape naturally promotes circulation. Compared to square and rectangular buildings, round structures more effectively distribute light, heat, and cooled air. To be precise, a round building has 12% less exposed surface area when compared to a rectilinear structure with the same square footage. This helps with the overall energy efficiency of the structure.

Location, Location, Location
What they say about real estate also applies to yurt comfort. The location of your yurt will have the largest impact on its interior climate. If possible, aim for a shaded setting, which will keep your yurt cooler all summer long. If you have no choice but to place your yurt in a sunny, unprotected spot, expect more of a challenge keeping your yurt cool.

Cooling a Yurt: Features and Accessories

There are many ways to keep a yurt cool, as listed below. Adding just one of these features will help with cooling; for even more chill, select multiple yurt customizations.

• Add reflective insulation.
  Reflective insulation is especially helpful in hot, exposed areas. The NASA-developed reflective insulation helps block radiant heat that would otherwise enter through the fabric covers.
• Install an air conditioning unit.
  If you’re the “go big or go home” type, traditional AC may be the best option for your yurt. We manufacture a convenience panel that accepts a traditional air conditioner. Mini split systems are increasingly popular and don’t require modifications to the yurt.
• Select an operable dome skylight.
  An operable dome allows hot air to escape the yurt, pulling cool air in through windows, doors or floor vents. This creates natural convection cooling.
• Install ducts under the platform.
  If you prefer centralized, air-forced HVAC, you can install ducts under the platform and install registers on the floor.
• Increase circulation with a ceiling fan.
  When attached to the yurt’s center ring using our fan support, a ceiling fan will maximize the convective cooling process. A reversible fan can push warm air up in the summer or down in the colder months.

• Install platform vents.
  Add vents in the floor to bring cool air up from beneath the platform.
• Add a tinted dome or center ring insert with shade screen.
  A tinted dome will minimize passive solar heat entering your yurt through the dome. If you prefer to maximize winter passive heating through a non-tinted dome, select a screen shade insert for warmer months and a bug screen insert for cooler months.

• Opt for screens and window awning frames
  Screen doors or screen curtains will keep flying pests at bay while your door is open. Our window awning frames convert our fabric window flaps into awnings, allowing you to keep windows shaded and open. Both options help boost circulation and cooling.
• Get into good daily habits for cooling your yurt. Particularly in higher elevations, temperatures drop considerably when the sun goes down. Cool your yurt by opening windows at night and closing them up again as daytime temperatures rise. Pacific Yurts’ fabric windows include sewn-in screens as well as zippered window flaps.

Take a look at our infographic below and click here to download.

The post How to Keep Your Yurt Cool in the Summer first appeared on Pacific Yurts.