In Boston, the orientation of residential properties does have some correlation with winter comfort, but it is far from being a decisive factor. Many American cities feature street layouts that don't strictly follow true north-south alignment, resulting in homes facing various directions.
Even south-facing homes may have diverse interior layouts—for instance, living rooms positioned on the southern side while bedrooms face north. Consequently, the impact of orientation on temperature variation within homes remains limited.
For most U.S. residents, standard heating and cooling systems adequately address seasonal comfort needs, making property orientation a secondary consideration in housing decisions. Central air conditioning and modern heating solutions effectively mitigate any minor thermal disadvantages caused by suboptimal positioning.
Experts suggest prioritizing functional needs and personal preferences over directional alignment when selecting a home. The key takeaway: While orientation may influence energy efficiency marginally, it shouldn't overshadow more critical factors like insulation quality, window efficiency, and HVAC system performance in cold weather climates.