Passive Cooling: 8 Methods to Save Money

As the temperatures rise this summer, many property owners are searching for cost-effective strategies to maintain a comfortable indoor environment. To accomplish this, passive cooling—which relies on non-mechanical means to lower indoor temperatures—is an excellent choice. For eight passive cooling strategies, consider the following:

• Make sure your house is oriented correctly. How hot your home gets in the summer depends in large part on its orientation. The long axis of your house should face north or south if at all possible. The amount of direct sunlight entering your home will be reduced.

• Make use of overhangs and awnings. Windows and doors can be kept cooler by installing awnings and overhangs to block the sun’s rays. Shade can be provided by trees and shrubs if you don’t have awnings or overhangs.

• Put in windows with two panes of glass. When compared to single-paned windows, double-paned windows are more energy-efficient and can help to keep your home cooler in the summer.

• Don’t let any air escape. Cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and other openings should be sealed to prevent warm air from escaping and entering the home.

• Take advantage of fan aid. If you use fans to circulate the air in your home, you can reduce the temperature there. Fans can be installed in the ceiling, placed in a box, or taken with you.

• At night, throw open the windows. During the night, the air temperature is typically lower than your indoor air temperature. To take advantage of the cool air, simply open your windows at night.

• Cool with evaporation. Evaporative cooling uses water evaporation to cool a building. The process relies on water evaporation to remove ambient heat. Evaporative coolers, swamp coolers, and even a damp towel hung in front of a fan can all be used to beat the heat.

• Create a forest by planting trees. Trees can provide welcome relief from the sun’s rays by casting a protective canopy over your house. The air quality in your home may also be enhanced by their presence.

If you follow these guidelines, you can reduce your energy consumption and costs associated with cooling your home passively.