Home & Garden...

Now that summer is right here upon us, many of us are thinking about home cooling. Sadly, when summer arrives is not the time to think about this major issue. It's actually best to consider home cooling needs when you build (or remodel).

If you're planning a home, here's what you should focus on if you want worry-free cooling during the hot months.

Passive heating and cooling: We've discussed this before here, but it's always worth repeating. The same issues, orientation, proximity to other structures and trees, and so fourth that keep your home warm in winter, also work to keep your home cool in the summer. Prevention of heat is a far better tactic than trying to get rid of the heat once it arrives.

Proper weatherization: People often think of weatherization as a warming method, but again, if it works to keep heat in, it'll work to keep heat and humidity out.

White roofing is a great, fairly simple, technique for keeping your home cool.

Super windows and insulation! Windows and insulation are very important both are actually weatherization techniques, but are big enough influences to deserve their own consideration. Windows and insulation with higher R-value are best. Windows (south facing) with the right awnings or that are place under sufficient roof overhangs can do double duty when it comes to keeping heat out.

Ventilation plays a big part when it comes to cooling your home. Heat trapped in say, your attic is going to go somewhere. One inexpensive and green option for proper ventilation is to use solar powered vent fans.

One extremely impressive passive and efficient cooling website to check out is at Build It Solar. I love this guide, it covers all kinds of things you know, and then tosses in some new ideas. An excellent read if you're thinking about cooling.