Five Ways to Keep a House Cool

by Brin Novak, freelance writer of A and R Air Conditioning and Heating ( 23-Apr-2010 )

Depending upon where a house is located, it can be tricky to figure out the best method for keeping a home cool. Hot areas such as Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico, along with many others, all have great need for innovative and reliable ways of cooling down the temperature inside of a house. Contrary to common misconceptions, there are actually several ways to keep a house cool.

 

Air conditioning systems are of course the most popular and common method for keeping a home cool. This method is used quite commonly around the United States. There are several forms of air conditioning-a popular form would be ductless air conditioning. Regardless of the type of air conditioning used, it is probably the most reliable way to keep a home cool.

 

Swamp coolers are similar to air conditioning systems, although they are definitely a step down. These units are connected to one room of the house instead of transferring cool air throughout the entire home. These solutions are usually less expensive as they are also less effective than normal air conditioning systems. For those who are on a tight budget, a swamp cooler is an option to consider.

 

The third suggestion to help keep a house cool is to think green. Turning lights off that throw off a lot of heat will definitely make a difference in the temperature of the house. Turning off the TV and computer when they are not in use is another fantastic way to reduce the heat that comes off from electronics. Keeping the doors and windows closed will also help to keep the air cool inside. Investing in window coverings is another way to keep the heat out as well. This leads to the fourth suggestion.

 

The fourth suggestion is to invest in external shading devices for the home. Options such as awnings, louvers, shutters and solar screens can take the home out of the hot sunlight and into a cool, shaded position. Everything is cooler when in the shade which makes this suggestion a great one to consider.

 

The fifth suggestion to help keep the home cooler is by ensuring that the insulation in the walls and ceilings is adequate. The more insulation, the cooler the home will stay during the hot summer months. Of course, most of these suggestions will help to keep the home cooler than if otherwise; however, none of them will work quite as well as investing in air conditioning. Paying attention to these tips will definitely help to keep a home at a comfortably cool temperature throughout the hot summer months.

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