Daily Detox: Keep it cool

I recently visited the Northeastern US and it was unbearably hot so the din of air conditioners could be heard everywhere. While it’s great to get some relief from hot, sticky weather it doesn’t always require cranking up the AC, which accounts for half the energy in a US home during the hot months.

Personally, I grew up without AC and I don’t consider it a necessity. Instead, I like to keep it cool with these tricks:

• Plant deciduous trees on south facing facades
• Use overhangs, like pergolas and awnings, to keep windows shaded
• Use light colored exterior finishes, including the roof
• Choose low-e windows to prevent heat transfer
• Install paddle fans and set them to draw air up
• Consider a whole house attic fan
• Take advantage of cross and stack ventilation
• If you use AC, choose Energy Star and use a programmable thermostat