How to Keep Your House Cool Without AC
Air conditioners provide instant cooling relief, but they come with high energy bills and environmental costs. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to cool a house without AC, ranging from simple and inexpensive methods to long-term solutions.
Ceiling Fan Rotation for Summer Cooling
During summer, switch the ceiling fan blade rotation to counter-clockwise to create a downdraft of cool air. This downdraft can provide a direct, cooling breeze.
Natural Ventilation
Open Windows at Night: The coolest time of day is typically just before sunrise. Take advantage of this free cool air by opening every available window at night to eliminate the hot air that has accumulated during the day.
Open Skylights: If you have skylights, be sure to open them up at night to allow warm air to escape.
Close Windows During the Day: Close windows during the day to block heat from entering the home. As a rule of thumb, close windows when exterior temperatures meet and exceed interior temperatures.
Window Treatments
Close Blinds During Day: Draw blinds shut during the day to block direct sunlight and natural light from entering your home.
Apply Window-Insulating Film: Apply low-E film to the inside of window glass to add another layer of UV blockage and reduce heat gain.
DIY Cooling Solutions
Build a DIY Air Conditioner: Build a DIY air conditioner by running an air duct through a Styrofoam cooler filled with ice. Alternatively, use an aquarium pump to push ice water through copper tubing attached to the front of a fan.
Use Room Fans Correctly: Set up a pair of fans that act like a tag team. At night, one fan in a window pushes air out of the house, while a second fan in a straight line from the first fan pulls cool air into the house.
Energy Efficiency
Replace Incandescent and Halogen Lights: Replace heat-generating incandescent and halogen lights with cooler LEDs to reduce heat output.
Reduce or Eliminate Indoor Humidity: Humidity increases discomfort during hot days and nights. Use dehumidifiers, limit hot baths and showers, and avoid cooking with boiling water to reduce humidity.
Use Heat-Producing Appliances at Night: Use heat-producing appliances such as televisions, dishwashers, stoves, and ovens at night or avoid them altogether to prevent additional heat buildup.
Other Cooling Strategies
Use Bathroom and Kitchen Fans: Run bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans when using these rooms to remove heat and moisture.
Install or Improve Attic Ventilation: Install passive attic cooling systems like ridge vents, gable vents, or roof turbines. Alternatively, use electric-powered whole house fans or attic fans to draw off built-up heat in the attic.
Long-Term Solutions
Plant Shade Trees and Vines: Plant shade trees and vines around your home to provide natural cooling over the long term. Effective shade trees include Red Maple, Autumn Blaze Maple, and Leyland Cypress.
Outdoor Window Shades: Install exterior window shades, such as Bahama shades or roller awnings, to block the sun before it reaches the window.
