When it comes to cooling your house, there are a number of options beyond air conditioning. | Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto/chrisgramly.
Although your first thought for cooling may be air conditioning, there are many alternatives that provide cooling with less energy use. A combination of proper insulation, energy-efficient windows and doors, daylighting, shading, and ventilation will usually keep homes cool with a minimum of energy use in all but the hottest climates. Although ventilation should be avoided in hot, humid climates, other approaches can significantly reduce the need to use air conditioning. Before choosing a cooling system, you may want to familiarize yourself with the principles of heating and cooling.
Ventilation for Cooling
Whether relying on natural ventilation or forcing air through your home with fans, ventilation is the most energy-efficient way to cool your house.
Fans for Cooling
Well-placed fans are sufficient to maintain comfort during the cooling season in many parts of the country.
Whole-House Fans
In many climates, you can use a whole-house fan to meet all or most of your home cooling needs.
Evaporative Cooling
For homes in dry climates, evaporative cooling or "swamp cooling" provides an experience like air conditioning, but with much lower energy use.
Air Conditioning
Air conditioner options include room air conditioners, ductless mini-split air conditioners, and central air conditioning. Most air conditioners operate at less than their maximum efficiency, presenting energy-saving opportunities. New air conditioning units are far more efficient than earlier models. Dehumidifying heat pipes can help an air conditioner remove humidity and more efficiently cool the air.
Radiant Cooling
Radiant cooling cools a floor or ceiling by absorbing the heat radiated from the rest of the room and can be appropriate in arid climates but problematic elsewhere.
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