alternatives to air conditioners

Air conditioners are expensive to operate: in a hot month, consuming $500 worth of electricity is common. Besides, they are also climate-unfriendly: according to EERE, a typical home air conditioning system yields around 3,500 pounds of carbon dioxide and 31 pounds of sulfur dioxide per year.

Whenever possible, look for alternatives to conventional air conditioning and pay attention to low-cost cooling strategies.

New houses

The orientation, shape, materials, windows, doors and other elements used in each house determines the air conditioning needs. In most climates, good home designs, insulation and passive solar techniques can eliminate the air conditioning needs, or reduce them to marginal levels.

See: Solar passive techniques

Insulation

A house with little insulation and with high leakage will require much more air conditioning. So, before buying an air conditioning system or upgrading your cooling equipment, you must insulate and tighten your home.

Insulation and air sealing will prevent heat from entering or cool from escaping, and will lower your air conditioning needs and bills. If your home is insufficiently tightened, insulation is a first priority.

See: Insulation basics

Shade and windows

A poorly shaded home will need much more air-conditioning. If you live in the north hemisphere, protect south-facing windows and walls with deciduous trees or climbing foliage (protect north-facing windows and walls, if you live in the south hemisphere). Some types of trees and structures like trellis on east and west-facing windows can also help to reduce cooling needs. The shade of trees is very effective to reduce the impact of high summer sun in our homes.

Also extremely important is the windows, and the glass used in them. Low-e glasses will block unwanted heat gain…

See:

Windows and glasses
Shade of trees, bushes and vines
Home landscape

Evaporative coolers

It’s unwise to invest on air conditioners without considering alternatives to it, and the best one in dry hot climates and some temperate climates is undoubtely evaporative coolers.

Ceiling fans

Ceiling fans can be quite effective, unless in cases of high indoor humidity. If you don’t live in a humid climate, installing a sufficiently large ceiling fan will suck air through the home, creating drafts that will make you feel more comfortable, even if temperatures doesn’t low (our perception of comfort doesn’t depend only on temperatures).

See: Ventilation and fans and Natural ventilation

Awning, shades, window films

Awnings, shades and window films can diminish your AC needs. You should consider them.

Roof materials and exterior finishes and colors

When painting your home or improving or replacing your roof, use light colors and "cool" roofing techniques. Roof coatings are excellent to cut down heat gains.

See: Roof coatings and Radiant barriers