What air directions are most desirable in Israel?

The term “air directions”, or directions of exposure, refers to the directions to which the windows and balconies of an apartment face. In most high-density apartments, there is one main air direction, which is the direction to which the balcony or large window of the living room faces. The number of air directions is one of the important parameters that should be checked when buying an apartment; three or more air directions allow the natural passage of air in the home and air circulation, thus providing a pleasant feeling and reducing the need for the use of electrical air conditioning devices.

Which direction or directions the apartment faces, especially in the case of the main air direction, is an important factor. There is no most desirable direction, each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Like every other country in the Northern Hemisphere, in Israel, too, the Sun’s orbit passes from east to west in a southerly direction. In summer the sun is higher in the sky and its orbit is longer, and in winter the sun is lower, and its orbit is shorter. The difference between Israel and European countries and most of North America lies in the fact that it is warmer, and has a significantly higher number of sunny days, compared to a lower number of rainy days.

Northern air, less sun

Therefore, the direction of northern air, which in cold countries may be considered problematic since it lacks direct exposure to the sun, may actually give an advantage in a country like Israel because it makes the apartment cooler and more shaded. Thus, an apartment whose main air direction is north-facing will need less electrical air conditioning on hot summer days, but will also allow less daylight into the home.

Southern direction, more heat

A southern air direction, on the other hand, will allow heat to enter and make it easier to heat the house during the winter, but such days are not many in Israel. In summer, on the other hand, this exposure will heat the apartment and bring in plenty of sunlight – which is partially solvable using various types of shading devices. Owners of large courtyards and balconies facing this direction will have little shade but may save themselves a trip to the beach and can enjoy tanning in their private space.

East- and west-facing, the best of both worlds

Eastern air direction provides direct sunlight in the morning, but from noon onwards it is shaded and pleasant. Early risers have the ability to enjoy the sight of the sunrise. The direction of the western air is the mirror image of the east – shaded and pleasant in the morning and warm in the afternoon. Apartments with an open view towards the west enjoy another advantage, which is pleasant winds that come in the evening from the sea and cool the apartment.