Keeping Your House Cool, Naturally

23-10-2007
Energy-Saving Tips for Keeping Your House Cool
By Wong Ee Lynn

1. When possible, delay heat-generating activities such as ironing and dishwashing until evening on hot days.
2. Keep the house closed tight during the day. Don't let in unwanted heat and humidity. Ventilate at night either naturally or with fans.
3. Window fans for ventilation are a good option if used properly. They should be located on the downwind side of the house facing out. A window should be open in each room. Interior doors must remain open to allow airflow.
4. Plant shade trees around the house.
5. If you have an older central air conditioner, consider replacing the outdoor compressor with a modern, high-efficiency unit. Make sure that it is properly matched to the indoor unit.
6. If buying a new air conditioner, be sure that it is properly sized. Get assistance from an energy auditor or air conditioning contractor. Several studies have found that most central air conditioning systems are oversized by 50% or more.
7. Buy a high-efficiency air conditioner. The energy efficiency ratio (EER) rating of your air-conditioning unit should be above 10.
8. Make sure that the air conditioner you buy will adequately get rid of high humidity.
   Models with variable or multi-speed blowers are generally best. Try to keep moisture sources out of the house.
9. Try not to use a dehumidifier at the same time your air conditioner is operating. The dehumidifier will increase the cooling load and force the air conditioner to work harder.
10. Seal all air conditioner ducts, and insulate ducts that run through basements, crawl spaces, and attics.
11. Don't air-condition unused rooms. Turn off your air-conditioner when you leave for more than an hour.
12. Install white window shades or mini-blinds. Both can reduce solar heat gain.
13. Close south and west-facing curtains during the day for any window that gets direct sunlight. Keep these windows closed, too.
14. Install awnings on south-facing windows, where there's insufficient roof overhang to provide shade.
15. Hang tightly woven screens or bamboo shades outside the window to stop 60 - 80% of the sun's heat from getting to the windows.
16. Clean your air-conditioner's air filter every month. Normal dust build-up can reduce airflow by 1% per week.

From the Malaysia Nature Society. Pertinent tips for Malaysians.