Basics

Understand cooling principles: moving air and evaporation, shade and insulation.

Use natural ventilation whenever possible, and close house up during the hot part of the day.

Use oscillating or portable fans for air movement and ventilation.

Install exterior-mounted sunscreens at South and West-facing windows, skylights, and walls.

Lower Cost Measures

Reduce air infiltration to minimum safe level: air and duct sealing.*

Improve attic ventilation with passive vents.

Install fluorescent lighting instead of incandescent, because it gives off less heat.

Isolate interior heat sources during summer: washer, dryer, water heater.

Install attic or roof insulation to minimum of R-38 insulate south and west walls.*

Lighten roof and wall colors. White is best.

Install window films, usually on South or West exposures only.

Install a whole-house fan and sufficient attic vent area. Learn to use it properly.

Build an arbor to shade windows. Grow seasonal shade plants on it.

Install window awnings or overhangs that will not block the winter sun.

Install ceiling fans.

Install a radiant barrier in the attic, if heat gain through the roof is still unacceptable.

More Expensive Systems

Install efficient appliances.

Install an evaporative cooler. Two-stage models work best. Maintain equipment properly.

Install properly sized window air conditioner with EER above 10. Maintain equipment properly.

Install properly sized central air conditioner or heat pump. Update duct system.*

Maintain air conditioner.

• Clean or replace filter.
• Clean evaporator and condenser coils.
• Check duct-sharing dampers for proper position.
• Have refrigerant charge checked and repair any leaks.

Install programmable electronic thermostat and set it properly.*

Powered attic ventilators (fans) are not effective in home cooling and may be dangerous in homes with combustion appliances.

* These items will also help keep heating bills low in winter, too.