cooling strategies

When it comes to cooling, air conditioning isn't all. There are low-cost cooling strategies that can reduce your air conditioning bills without reducing comfort.

More energy-efficient air conditioning

Air-conditioners are expensive and environmentally-unfriendly. And there are alternatives to them, but if you need air conditioning, prefer... high rated air conditioners, room air conditioners or ductless air conditioners

Cooling strategies without air-conditioners

There are several proven air-conditioning alternatives. Many vary with climate, some demand a long-term approach, others may seem too simple or banal, but the final results are what matters.

Think about the strategies we list below and on those that may interest you or apply to your climate and situation: 1) awnings and other shading devices, 2) solar screens and reflective films, 3) fans, 4) natural ventilation, 5) evaporative coolers, 6) cool roofs and roof-cooling coating, 7) shade of trees and shrubs, 8) attic insulation...

Shading devices

Awnings, venetian shades, blinds or draperies... are good examples of useful means to reduce heat gains associated with windows. Consider them. See: Shading devices.

Solar screens and reflective films

They are inexpensive, and if replacing your old and ineffective windows is too expensive to you, they might be a good cooling element. See: Window films.

Fans

Ceiling fans, whole house-fans and ventilation fans in general can represent great cooling savings. Do not underestimate their effectiveness. See: Fan basics.

Natural ventilation

Wind is a good friend of cooling. And there are some basics on natural ventilation that you shouldn't forget. See: Natural ventilation.

Cool roofs and roof-cooling membranes

If your roof or attic overheats in summer, consider roof coolness measures. They are very effective. See: Roof basics and Roof cooling membranes.

Add insulation

Insulation can solve many problems in many climates, including undesired heat gains. Consider to add more insulation to your walls, roof and... attic. Attic insulation is particularly important in cooling strategies.

Note: to see if high levels insulation is a good cooling strategy in your climate, see:

Cooling for cold and temperate climates
Cooling for Warm Humid Climates
Cooling for Tropical Countries
Cooling for Dry Hot Climates

Trees and shrubs

Shade the hottest parts of your walls and rooms with trees. Also plant hedges to drive cooling breezes towards your home. Landscape is crucially important, and trees are part of some small cooling miracles. See: Landscape basics.

Evaporative coolers

Evaporative coolers are an excellent cooling option in hot dry-climates, where they can replace air conditioners with much lower costs and comparable efficiency. See: Evaporative coolers.