Passive Cooling

There's more than one way to be cool.

It's easy to head straight for the air conditioner on sizzling days and steamy nights, but sometimes low-tech, low-cost options can do the trick. Consider these non-mechanical options for beating the heat:

Landscaping

Deciduous trees on your home's south and west sides provide summer shade, but still lose their leaves to allow low winter sun to reach windows.

Block Direct Rays

Awnings, roof overhangs and exterior shades help reduce interior temperatures by absorbing solar radiation before it hits your windows.

Cook Early & Late

Household appliances such as washers, driers, ranges and ovens generate heat and humidity inside a house. By using these appliances in the morning and evening when it's cooler, you can help keep operating costs down.

Windows

Double or triple-pane windows slow the transfer of warm air, and some window glazings can actually bounce heat back. Take advantage of summer breezes too. Bring in air through a small opening on the windy side of the house and pull airflow to a large window or door on the other side.

Insulation

Once you've generated cooler air inside the house, keep it there as long as possible. Insulate attic floors to keep the hot upper air at bay. Find the places where air sneaks in and out of your home and plug them up with caulk or weather-stripping.

Make sure to check out these other great tips below to make your house a perfect home. Whether you love grilling, gardening or are health conscious and environmentally saavy you'll find all the information needed to help around your house.

• Fans
• Passive Cooling

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