passive cooling methods

Passive cooling is an alternative to air-conditioning. It involves natural ventilation (convective and cross-ventilation), shading and landscaping, water features (evaporative cooling), solar chimneys, home design, home orientation, and elements associated with shading (like shutters, awnings and screens, overhangs, etc.).

Passive cooling methods and climate

Many passive cooling methods vary with climate.

See:
Cooling in Cold and Temperate Climates
Cooling in Hot Dry Climates
Cooling in Tropical Climates
Cooling in Warm Humid Climates
Air Conditioning in Hot Climates
Home design for cooling in Hot Climates

Cross ventilation

Natural ventilation is a key cooling element in many climates. The simplest strategy is to locate and use windows at the opposite of each other, with the leeward side of the house properly oriented to breezes (cross ventilation).

Convective cooling

Convective cooling relies on hot air rising and exiting at higher windows or vent points in the building, replaced by fresher air.

See: Convective Cooling

Shading and Landscaping

The use of trees and other vegetation is crucial to get shade and to control radiative heating. Shading elements like shutters, awnings and screens or overhangs are also of extreme importance in cooling.

Water features

Evaporative cooling is based on water features to cool the air entering the house. It includes swamp coolers but also cooling pools, ponds, cool towers or roof sprays. They are used in hot climates.

See: Evaporative cooling

Solar towers

A thermal (solar) chimney provides summer cooling (as well as winter heating). It involves a system of ventilation in which the chimney acts as a ventilation mechanism, drawing cooler air into the house.

See: Solar Chimneys and Cooling with Sunrooms

Home design

Design for cooling varies with climate. In hot humid climates it should favor natural and ceiling ventilation, heat gains control, outdoor living areas and quick cooling construction materials.

See:
Home design for cooling
Home design for cooling in Hot Climates

Home orientation

Orientation for breezes may collide with orientation for sun (including sun protection). Obviously, solar orientation should take precedence, since we can’t alter the sun’s path while there are ways of deflecting breezes…

Wing walls are a good way to deflect breezes, creating positive pressure zones and a better cross ventilation.