Making your house naturally cooler

There has to be a balance between the need for fresh air and the need to prevent heat entering your home.
You can be the best judge of that.

Prevent warm air from coming in from outside.
You can actually measure the draft in a house and estimate the energy consumption that draft causes in heating and cooling costs.

Keep the house shut during the day to keep out both heat and humidity.

Open windows and vents to let cool air in at night.
Shut shades and awnings on East West facing windows
Trees can help prevent direct sunlight - prune lower branches to allow summer breezes to enter the house.
Deciduous trees loose leaves in winter and can be a good choice to allow sunlight when you need it.

All appliances end up heating your house

• turn off unnecessary lights (incandescent bulb emits up to 90% of its energy as heat) buy energy efficient bulbs
• choose when to put on the dishwasher or clothes dryer
• cooking a roast in an oven can considerably add to your homes heat

Climbing Plants

Improving the aesthetic value of what would be a brick wall and reducing the reflected heat. It looks cooler and feels cooler.

Using Awnings

Awnings are a great way to keep your house cool. You can choose from a variety of fabrics and systems that are automated.

This is an example of a folding arm awning that can be used over a patio or outdoor area.

Using Shade Sails

Catch the Breeze

Originally Posted 19 Feb 2010