cooling for cold and temperate climates

Homes with low levels of insulation, bad landscaping and inadequate shading or ventilation (passive cooling methods) will likely need lots of air conditioning, even in cold and temperate climates.

In such cases, the only great alternative to summer air conditioning is summer ventilation methods (including fans…) and the use of awnings, shades and similar devices to minimize heat gains. Evaporative cooling (swamp coolers) is another option to consider in dry climates, in such cases.

New homes and remodeling

If building a new home or making a major remodeling, bet on its cooling design. Proper cooling design for cold and temperate climates include:

- high levels of insulation for walls and ceilings;
- proper landscaping;
- proper sized windows and glazing;
- shading devices (overhangs, blinds, awnings...).

Combined, these elements can eliminate or reduce drastically the use of air conditioning in temperate and cold climates.

See: Summer cooling for cold and temperate climates

Air conditioning in cold and temperate climates

If you do need air conditioning, consider room air conditioning and ductless split systems instead of central air conditioning; also bet on new energy-efficient AC units, and do not forget some basics about AC maintenance. There are several ways of lowering AC bills. Adequate refrigerant charge, airflow, cleaned coils and non-leaking AC ducts are important features for savings…

See: Air Conditioning Basics and Air Conditioning Maintenance

Summer ventilation

In the summer, when outside temperatures are below inside ones, open the windows to get fresh air intake, and consider natural ventilation.

Also do not forget to shut blinds, shades and windows when outside temperatures are higher.

During hot calm days, when air exchange rates with the exterior are low and inside air often rises above outside air temperatures, fan-forced ventilation is important to lower inside temperatures. Ceiling fans or even cross ventilation with window and portable fans should be considered in these conditions.

See:
Window Fans for Cross Ventilation
Fans and Cooling
Fans Usage
Ceiling Fans Basics

Awnings, shades...

There are elements you can’t change in existing homes (exposure to breezes and sun...) or features that are difficult and expensive to change (low levels of insulation, the absence of overhangs, a bad landscaping, etc.)

But there are some simple methods and strategies that can help summer cooling, namely awnings and other shading devices. Controlling summer heat gains is important to keep inside temperatures lower, and to reduce air conditioning.

See: Awnings, shades, blinds