Trying to save energy this long, hot summer? Air conditioners run on electricity, which is the main contributor to global warming. Using “passive” cooling practices can cut down on the electricity you need to generate. With heat records being broken around the world, here are some tips to keep you cool, without having to use the air conditioner, courtesy of eartheasy.com:
- Insulation is the key to keeping cool air in and warm air out (and vice versa in the cold months). A lot heat is absorbed through the attic floor, so making sure that the attic floor is well insulated protects the rest of the house as well. Also, caulk doors and windows to keep additional heat leaks out.
- The color of your house does more than just infuriate neighbors. It also plays a role in how much heat your home absorbs. Dark-colored houses absorb more heat than light-colored houses. You can install a radiant barrier on the roof rafters to help offset excess absorption.
- Go green outdoors to stay cool indoors. Planting greenery can help provide shade and cool spaces around the house to keep heat out. Trees and plants also help the planet absorb excess carbon dioxide, so everybody wins.
- Windows let in a lot of heat. Heavy drapes or “black out” fabric can keep excess light and heat from leaking in. For a green air-conditioner, hang your wet laundry in front of an open window and let the breeze blow in. Air-drying your clothes also saves energy and emissions, so you’ll be killing two birds with one stone.
- Use ceiling fans on a room-by-room basis, rather than cooling a whole house with central air.
- Keep your chimney closed. You won’t need it in the summer and it lets cool air escape.
These tips will not only lower your greenhouse emissions, but your energy bills as well.
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