When we bought our house, we were faced with deciding the best way to keep it cool on the occasional hot periods we have. At our elevation, 6200 ft, we have cool nights. Our house is also protected from sun by a high hill on the western side that gives us early shade. But, we still have those periods where the house is sweltering in the summer.
We had a friend who offered to install A/C for us since all the ducting was already in place for the heating system. That would still cost a couple of thousand dollars for the condenser, as well as the electricity and noise. I have no idea where we would put it because the layout just didn't accommodate that addition. Plus, I hate electric noises that are non stop. So we politely declined.
For the same initial investment, we built an arbor across the southern and western sides of our house. During the summer, we drape it with fire-resistant cloth and it does a wonderful job cooling the house. Yeah, no additional electric expense! Plus, it is a really attractive addition to the house.
By going this route, I am still able to take advantage of passive heating in the winter. The shade is not permanent like a roof would be, so when we remove the cloth in the fall, the sun is able to subsidize our heating. The best of both world's in trying to live an Eco friendly lifestyle!
The minute the fabric went up and cast it's shadow over the windows, the house dropped 20 degrees. At the time, I didn't understand that this concept had a name....passive cooling.
We had a friend who offered to install A/C for us since all the ducting was already in place for the heating system. That would still cost a couple of thousand dollars for the condenser, as well as the electricity and noise. I have no idea where we would put it because the layout just didn't accommodate that addition. Plus, I hate electric noises that are non stop. So we politely declined.
For the same initial investment, we built an arbor across the southern and western sides of our house. During the summer, we drape it with fire-resistant cloth and it does a wonderful job cooling the house. Yeah, no additional electric expense! Plus, it is a really attractive addition to the house.
By going this route, I am still able to take advantage of passive heating in the winter. The shade is not permanent like a roof would be, so when we remove the cloth in the fall, the sun is able to subsidize our heating. The best of both world's in trying to live an Eco friendly lifestyle!
The minute the fabric went up and cast it's shadow over the windows, the house dropped 20 degrees. At the time, I didn't understand that this concept had a name....passive cooling.Every home has different needs.
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