Final answer:
Passive heating and cooling techniques offer economic benefits by reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills. They are environmentally friendly, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and utilizing renewable energy sources. Examples include strategic window placement to capture solar radiation for heating and natural ventilation for cooling.
Step-by-step explanation:
Passive heating and cooling techniques offer several economic and environmental benefits. Firstly, these techniques can significantly reduce energy consumption in homes, leading to lower utility bills. For example, using strategic window placement to capture solar radiation can help warm the interior space, reducing the need for artificial heating. Additionally, passive cooling techniques like natural ventilation and shading can reduce the reliance on air conditioning, saving energy and money.
Furthermore, passive heating and cooling techniques are environmentally friendly. By minimizing the use of mechanical heating and cooling systems, these techniques reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production. They also promote sustainability by utilizing renewable energy sources like solar radiation and natural airflow. For instance, a well-insulated house with carefully designed window placement can harness the sun's energy during winter and stay cool naturally in summer, without relying heavily on external energy sources.