insulation and cooling

In temperate and cold climates, high levels of insulation can eliminate the use of air conditioning, or reduce its use to a minimum. But this isn't the rule for some hot climates, where only reflective insulation is really useful.

Insulation can be as important in cooling strategies as it is in heating ones...

Insulation can be disadvantageous

Though crucial to avoid heat gains and unwanted heat losses in hot weather conditions, common attic or wall insulation isn’t advantageous in many hot-humid climates.

In climates where natural ventilation is an important cooling element, wall insulation should be avoided to allow an easier cooling of the house during the night (something that the insulation will prevent).

In climates where natural ventilation is a key cooling element, only reflective insulation (insulation foils, to reflect sunshine…) is a good option.

See: Reflective Insulation

Reflective insulation

In hot climates, use reflective insulation. Install it between roof rafters, in multiple layers. That’s easy and crucial to control heat gains.

Be aware, however: ventilation of the roof space is also crucial to reduce heat build-up. And roof insulation shouldn’t prevent that ventilation...

Wall and attic insulation

With the above-mentioned exceptions, associated with hot climates, high levels of wall and attic insulation are crucial either for heating and cooling.

High levels of wall and attic insulation are key elements in new homes and should be considered in any significant remodeling. That’s the most effective way of getting large energy savings in cold and temperate climates.

Even in some hot and tropical climates (where natural cooling and ventilation are the most energy-efficient strategy) there are cases where common insulation can be used with advantage, to restrict the use of air conditioning.

See:

Cooling for cold and temperate climates
Cooling for Warm Humid Climates
Cooling for Tropical Countries
Cooling for Dry Hot Climates
Natural Cooling
Cooling Design
Cooling for New Homes
Cooling Methods and Climate,
Air conditioning for Hot Climates