As you know, the problem with west-facing windows is that they can't be shaded by overhangs. But that doesn't mean they can't be shaded at all. Deciduous trees do the job for my west windows (in Pa.), with a later assist by the mountain due west of me. I have two levels of additional protection: My "nuclear winter shades" are roll-up patio numbers lined with foil faced bubble wrap, which pull down over cellular blinds. And the foundation is slab on grade, so that mass buffers such heat spikes as get through the leaves and window treatments. Mass is probably a good idea in Colo regardless of window orientation.
You'll need thermal shades to control heat loss in the winter anyway. If your budget allows, these curtains with a power option will put a remote in your hand.
http://www.windowquilt.com/index.htm
Of course, the mountains disappear when the curtains descend. A few other approaches. Add a retractable awning to a west facing deck to shade the windows as needed. Separate the radiant barrier and the thermal shades. http://solarfilmco.com/roller-shades.html Or put removable film on the outside of the windows in spring.
The energy code introduces a few hiccups. You may need low-e windows even though it's best for passive solar to put the radiant barrier in the window treatment. South -facing windows make sense even if west is best for view. The rub here is the energy code penalizes glazing without giving you credit for passive solar, awnings or thermal curtains. Colo may have an alternative permitting process, which may or may not involving hiring an energy designer.
Go here for other ideas builditsolar.com. The guy who runs the site lives in Colo and thus has much better advice than me. Could be at elevation, summer sun isn't a big deal. |