The southwest is a beautiful area of the country, but with its intense heat, cooling solutions are necessary to make a home livable. Air-conditioning systems are typically quite expensive, but there are a variety of more efficient, cost-effective cooling solutions for the southwest home. From air-purifying fans to window shades, these cooling strategies can significantly reduce the temperature in your home.
Proper insulation is key to making sure your home is not too hot or too cold. After installing the proper insulation, you should look at ways to reduce the direct sunlight coming into your home. This can be done with blinds, window treatments, and even trees planted outside the home. By blocking the sunlight, it will help reduce the heat gain in your home.
Using air-purifying fans can keep the air in your home continuously moving and reduce the amount of heat that accumulates. Place a fan so that it is pointed in a manner so that it can help circulate the air around the house. Additionally, avoid cooking with large electrical appliances like stoves or ovens during the day as the heat they produce will only make the home warmer.
Cooling through Evaporation
Utilizing evaporative cooling systems or swamp coolers are an alternative cost-effective option. This works best in hot, dry climates like the southwest. The evaporative system absorbs water and releases the water vapor into the air in order to reduce the temperature. This process is only effective if the humidity is low, so it is best to use this method in the summer when the temperatures are at their highest.
Evaporative cooling is pretty cost efficient compared to air-conditioning. This is because it does not require a compressor which typically requires a lot of energy and can raise your electricity bill significantly. An evaporative cooling system also require lower maintenance costs. They should be serviced every 2-3 years to make sure it is working properly.
Create Shade
Creating shade can help reduce the direct rays of the sun from entering your home. Installing an awning over windows and sliding doors is an effective way to reduce the need for cooling. Awnings also have the added benefit of making your space look more aesthetically appealing. Additionally, using trees and bushes to block direct sunlight will not only decrease the temperature in your home but will also provide additional privacy.
For window treatments, there are several options to reduce the amount of sunlight in your home. A simple and cost-effective option is to use reflective window film over your windows which will reflect the heat away from your house. If privacy and aesthetics are a priority, curtains with a tight weave can deflect sunlight when closed. Blinds and shades are effective as well and provide a layered option to adjust the amount of sunlight entering the home.
Finally, solar screens are a great way to reflect up to 80% of solar energy away from your home. This is a great option for both the interior or exterior of your home. They are affordable, effective, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Tips for Maximizing Efficiency
- Insulate your home with proper insulation.
- Install window treatments to reduce the amount of direct sunlight.
- Install an air-purifying fan to help reduce the heat buildup.
- Consider an evaporative cooler as a more cost-effective cooling option.
- Install solar screens to help reflect away heat.
- Create shade outdoors with trees and bushes.
Conclusion
Implementing these efficient cooling solutions for your southwest home will help you stay cool and comfortable during the hottest months of the year. They are cost effective and help save energy in the long run. Your home will thank you for the additional cooling and insulation.