Final answer:
Jackie plans to use solar heating by optimizing window placement and materials to trap and store heat, potentially creating a zero-energy house.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jackie is planning to use solar heating techniques to trap heat in the house on sunny days to reduce reliance on a natural gas-burning furnace. By using double-paned windows and positioning them to face the right direction, Jackie can optimize the heat gain from the sun.
This involves strategic design decisions such as positioning south-facing windows in cooler climates to admit sunlight during the winter while using overhangs to prevent too much heat in the summer.
Additionally, incorporating thermal mass materials like stone or brick can absorb the sun's energy and release it slowly, maintaining warmth even after the sun sets. By combining these methods, Jackie can work towards creating a zero-energy house that utilizes solar energy for heating.